Buyer’s guide for musical instruments

Whether you have decided that you want to start making music for the first time or if you’re simply looking to increase your musical ability by learning another instrument, making the decision about the instrument that is right for you can be difficult because of the range of instruments available. There are several points to consider when you are deciding on your next instrument purchase.

How far does the motto “You get what you pay for” go?

Obviously price is a consideration in any purchase, and instruments are no exception. With any instrument there is a wide range of prices and qualities available. In general, however, electronic instruments will require less expense for quality than will acoustic instruments. For example, a mid-range electric guitar can be found for anywhere between $500 and $1,000, with high-end electric guitars costing between $3,000 and $5,000. However, a professional violin or cello will be much more expensive, even reaching prices of $100,000 and above. If you are just beginning on an instrument, consider buying a entry-level model. A Squier electric guitar will only set you back about $150, and a student model of woodwinds and brass instruments can be found starting around $300.

Should you buy new or used?

For the experienced musician looking to upgrade, buying a brand new instrument makes sense. You have complete control over how the instrument is set up and cared for, and you have the assurance that it came straight from the factory into your hands. However, used instruments can be very appealing for beginning or intermediate level musicians. Used instruments can be found at very good prices, and they are often only slightly used. Some companies will rent instruments to students for a year or two, then those instruments become available for purchase (similar to leasing a car) as used. Used instruments may also include necessary accessories that were purchased by the previous owner.

If you’ve never played before, what should you look for?

If you are looking to purchase your first instrument, it is important to consider what type of instrument is best for you. If you have strong lungs and breath support, a wind instrument might be the best fit. If you have nimble fingers and are good with your hands, consider a stringed instrument such as a violin or guitar, or possibly the piano. These are simply guidelines, however. Be sure to try out several types of instruments before making a final decision. You may surprise yourself by discovering a hidden talent for one type of instrument over another. The type of music you hope to play will also affect your decision. Chordal instruments like piano, guitar, and mandolin can be used to accompany voice (this is especially desirable if you are a singer and instrumentalist). These instruments, as well as bass guitar and drum set, are commonly found in band settings in rock and pop genres. If classical music is where your interest lies, consider stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello, string bass), certain wind instruments (clarinet, flute, French horn, trumpet), or percussion instruments such as timpani. The piano is another good choice for classical music. Finally, if jazz is your choice of music, typical instruments would be the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, drum set, string or electric bass, and guitar. Many instruments span multiple genres of music, allowing you to expand your musical vocabulary.

Practice space

Before you choose an instrument, make sure that you have sufficient practice space to work hard at your music. If noise is an issue (such as an apartment setting), then a drum set or piano may not be the best choice. Each of these instruments also takes up quite a bit of space. Smaller wind or string instruments are easy to store and generally quieter to practice. Electric instruments (guitar, bass, keyboard) are also a good choice if volume is an issue since they allow you to control the output volume.

Accessories

Some instruments require more accessories than others, and it is important to know what is necessary before deciding upon an instrument. For example, an electric guitar will require the additional purchase of an amplifier, which can often cost as much or more than the guitar itself. Most woodwinds will require the purchase of reeds, a necessity that you will continually need to purchase as long as you play the instrument. Cases, cleaning supplies, and other accessories can increase the total purchase price, a consideration that must be taken into account.

Some Guitar Amplifiers

Buying online

There are many online instrument retailers that carry more variety that can be found in a local music store. These retailers often have both the latest creations from many brands as well as outlet sales and b-stock instruments (open box or slightly damaged). Clearance sales can offer significant savings, but you should take care when purchasing instruments with slight defects. Most websites will clearly list the defect in the product description, so pay close attention to that before making the purchase. Because different models of instruments can have very different feel and sound, even when they are made by the same manufacturer, it is important to play a variety of models before making a purchase. Experienced musicians should be especially cautious when buying online, as subtle differences can occur even within the same model line. Every instrument will have its own unique feel, even if the difference is subtle, and seasoned musicians will notice these differences much more than beginners. Though buying online can be a good choice even for experienced musicians, care should be taken to select the best fit and feel for your personal taste. Whatever instrument or brand you end up purchasing, remember that the more time you spend with the instrument, the more comfortable you will become making music on it. Knowing how your instrument reacts to changes in temperature, fingerings, or embouchure (how you use your mouth) will enable you to make the best music possible and will make the instrument’s downsides seem less significant. Finding an instrument that fits your needs, playing music you enjoy, and practicing often will help you begin or continue a successful venture into the world of music.