My son is 11, he's had one of those baby strats since he was only a few years old. But now he's wanting to learn to play, and I can't even tune that thing. He can play my PRS, however, when he's with his mother (1/2 the time) I want him to have a guitar (full sized) that he can practice on. What would be a good starter? It needs to play well, I'm thinking several hundred dollars. What would be recommended, Ibanez? Any other recommendations?
 
Thanks.

Gibson's SGJ and LPJ are terrific guitars - made in the USA and affordable. Prices are starting to drop on the 2014 line up these days. I've seen the 2014 SGJ go for $490 last week.
 
Gibson's quality control being what it is, I'd advise trying a few of them before making up your mind, of course.
 
There are plenty of other great, valid options, and I'm sure you'll get tons of recommendations - Fender, Ibanez, Dean, etc... I only happen to be a big fan of Gibson's J.
 
It's a great time in history to be starting out on electric guitar - much better than when I started out.
 
 

Thanks Rain, wow. I didn't know Gibson was an option in that price range. I'll take him to GC and let him try a few on  He likes my PRS (92) and I told him it's his, "I'm just holding it for him..." And I'm sorry if tech isn't the exact correct forum for this, but I know there are a lot of guitar players here.

You can say that again, Rain. I wish they had all of the You Tube lessons when I grew up in the sticks of Northern MN.

I'm a fan of the Gibson's that you have mentioned for starter guitars as well. I would also consider a used MIM Strat, I've seen them going for $250- $300 all day long. Depends on whether he's a humbucker or single coil fan.

Also check out Raven West Guitars. They have nicely built guitars for cheap. Flame tops, curly tops, spalted maple, abalone inlay work. All for between $279 and $479. I've got my eye on a beautiful natural ash strat right now.

http://ep.yimg.com/ay/ravguitar/802777-1.jpg

You know, the MIM Strats are one of the best values in guitars nowadays and you can find them used at great prices.  The Squire Classic Vibe series are almost the same, but actually just about as expensive and hard to find used, as they seem to hold their value for now.  The Teles especially.  Should he ever *grow out of it*, it'd be a great guitar to join pop's herd.  I've had several MIM Strats ...own a "tricked out" one too...with a Super-Vee whammy ...and of course some Amer Standards.  The Mexis hang in there for sure.

From a young gentleman's Strat up to a big boy version, ought to make his day.

I'd agree on trying a lower priced Gibson as well.  Sometimes they just feel *new*, if you know what I mean and don't seem to invite wanting to be played.

Whatever you get, even if its day glow neon green...and your son likes it...that's the one.  Of course as long as it's half decent.  Don't stick him with a dud that he will never want to pick up.

IMO the most important factors of picking out a starter guitar are the scale length and playing action.
 
The scale length difference between the LP and Strat, for example, are not only major factor of feel but also sound.
A young person may prefer the feel of a short scale over a long scale and not realize why.
 
Another major difference is the angle of the neck. The LP and Strat again are good examples. The short scale combined with a tilted neck may be much more comfortable for a smaller person to enjoy playing.
The distance between the frets and the longer feeling neck (with no tilt) may not "fit" a young one and size of the person may or may not be reason...it can be just a preference.
 
Fretboard radius and fret size can be a major factors and also ones that are not easy to change if needed.
IMO everything else following those can be modified if needed. Some changes costing more than others so it's best not to overlook all of them in any price range.
Example; a radius of 9.5 may be much easier to play chords than a 14" and since the young player may not be shredding or a lot of string bending so the advantage of the 14" (or flatter) is of no matter.
Fret height and width can make a major difference to how the neck feels to the player and to a young one too...pointed out and comparing may help them notice and make a decision.
 
These differences can be found in every price range so knowing the differences and knowing how to explain and help the young one understand increases the odds of getting the one that he/she will enjoy playing for years.
When comparing and pointing out the major differences while the young one is trying them out has to help.
 
It's the beginning of learning to feel and listen to the instrument and may help the shopping experience with a perfect purchase. Again...JMO.
 
 

Wow, such valuable input. Thank you all so much. I'll take him for a test drive not this weekend, but next (God willing and ISIS doesn't take us down this Thursday.)

Rain
 
 It's a great time in history to be starting out on electric guitar - much better than when I started out.
 

I wore out so many Robin Trower and Deep Purple records learning those licks back in the day.
 
Rocky