It would help though if we knew what kind of guitar your son is looking for. I don’t understand why the Yamaha must be of Japanese manufacture and the Epi U.S. made. I have two Japanese Epiphones and love them both. Haven’t met a Yamaha yet that I would purchase.

You already mentioned Craig’s List and eBay and you can certainly search for guitars there, but it would probably be a lot easier and safer to just visit some guitar shops that deal in used instruments.

Furthermore, your son should have a hand in choosing that guitar. In fact, unless you’re an expert player yourself, your son should have the final word. You cannot possibly know how his hands feel on a guitar, or what it feels like in his arms. In general, I avoid encouraging anyone to buy a musical instrument for another unless you give them a check or gift certificate and let them do the picking (no pun intended, but I’m not gonna fret about it).

I’d set a budget amount and get your son involved in the shopping and purchase. That way, it’s still your gift to your son, and it’s more likely he’ll be happier longer with this first guitar.

Best of luck!

Kabum
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