With more or less the same price point as a GS Mini, I wonder which would be a better investment for an 'entry' guitar.
For younger kids learning, the smaller size of the Mini seems to be a better option. While I sort of like the sleek, naked look of the academy guitar, I can't for the life of me find the armrest visually appealing. And maybe it's because of my body structure, but I'd have never in a million years thought that an armrest was necessary or beneficial. When learning to play, along with my cousin and some friends, I never have heard anyone complain about how their arm lays across the guitar. I'm not saying it doesn't help, but I wonder just how many people this will actually benefit.
That said, back to my original point, if there is an issue with comfort, I'd assume the GS Mini, on account of its size, would alleviate that as well. Now, to each his own, and more guitars & players the better, but if I had the extra scratch laying around and was looking for a guitar to teach my kids with, I'd still go the GS Mini route (plus it look like a lot of fun for me! double threat value!)
