Teenager XMas guitar ideas?

They're definitely solid. I'd play one without reservation.

 

I'm 27, so closer to 15 than a lot of people. Not that it matters, but I'd go for the Epiphone Les Paul. He wants to play a certain style of music so having a guitar that emulates that style is important if he is going to want to keep practicing. I've actually had one on my "gonna acquire soon" list because I like the look of it and I want to play music like Green Day and My Chemical Romance which were both les paul driven.

 

Do

 

My experience started with an acoustic I hated. It literally shredded my fingertips, wouldn’t stay in tune, and the neck profile was a too wide “C” shape.that was most uncomfortable for my “short-ish” fingers. I have no idea what became of it. That guitar sounded like I was playing pen springs instead of guitar strings. To boot, my first music teacher nearly made me stop playing. It actually did for a time. I wanted to play rock & he wanted me to learn Christmas carols. My desire was what got me through it though. A 2nd acoustic and different teacher made it possible for me to play in rock bands as a teenager. “Life happened and in my 50’s & 60’s I got to play out again in a rock in’ blues band! If you’ve done gigs, it’s in your blood! I’m 70 now, and have had major GAS (the good kind). I am most fortunate to have several of the “top ten” guitars except a Tele, 335 and Flying V. it’s only because of the tone & “fit”. My arsenal includes two (2) Dean acoustics, (1) Dean Playmaker; (2) custom made to my specs (one LP style w/ Seymour Duncan JB & Jazz pups, the other a strat style w/ active EMG pups); of course my Brian Setzer Gretchen, Fender Epi, & Gibson LP’s, a PRS and a Firefly 339 ...and of course my 1964 Hagstrom Cromwell (Guild). If you seen David Bowie in a red jump suit with a Fire Engine Red double cutaway Fender knock off , that’s the one. The real point here, IMHO, is that desire along with the selection of a guitar is most important. Second.is that lessons are important but the teacher has to hear what you are saying.

 

I would get him 2 of them, Probably a nice Les Paul and a Pawn Shop Special. Hide the Les Paul and put the beat up el cheapo special under the tree. Ton of fun watching his face when opening the cheapo and who knows maybe it be something you guys can hack and mod together making another great gift !

 

How about Schecters? they have some affordable Korean made models and are a very underrated brand I think as my c-1's feel a heap better then the epiphones I played at my local shop the other day and are in a similar price point, they have some pretty out there/cool finishes too.

Here are a few on the sweetwater website.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/manufacturer/Schecter

 

Fair enough, I do get what you mean as I did see a few new ones the other day and noticed they are very different to what they once were, didn't play them though so I guess I can't comment on the newer ones, mine are 2001/2002 models and fantastic for what I paid for them.

Am hanging to see what you end up with.

 

I enjoy my Epiphone Les Paul. Recently, my buddy who now has my 1987 R7 Gibson LP brought it over, and I really preferred the Epi. I’ve had lots of Les Pauls, but the Epi pickups really nail the sound I want from a LP

 

It's always fun to surprise someone with a present they will love. But I have also found it is even more fun to go shop for that present with them. I would suggest hitting the stores playing some models with your kid and letting him decide. Then as you leave put it on hold. He can know and he can wait until Christmas for the package that may not actually be under the tree. Maybe instead tease him with a notecard and a rhyme or limerick he has to figure out to find it hidden somewhere in your house or on your property. Of course, if you live somewhere like I do where options to buy are limited that may not be a viable option but it is a thought and could make for a fun day out.