Considering Purchasing a New Instrument?

First of all, DO NOT GO TO AMAZON.

Read below for useful information, AND... How NOT to get ripped off!

Why Buy?

Renting is a great way to start - it's not that expensive per month, and most repairs are free.  However there are great reasons to purchase an instrument. Owning an instrument, while initially costing more, will be cheaper over time (and even if you student drops band, these instruments can always be sold). Or, maybe your student has been renting an instrument for over a year and is enjoying band, and it's time to consider purchasing an instrument! After a while, it just doesn't make sense to keep renting. For example...

• • Rent a clarinet per month for $30...times three years years = $1,180.  A decent new beginner clarinet can cost around $900-$1000, and a good used beginner clarinet should cost $300-500. (MAKE SURE TO BUY A GOOD BRAND!!).  

  • Local music stores will often let you pay for a new or used instrument over 6 months or a year...making payments more than a rental, but once they are done, you own the instrument

  • If your child ends up quitting, beginner instruments can usually be sold easily to other beginning band students.

  • New instruments should be purchased from a real music store, only. NEVER AMAZON!! Only buy tried and true brands.  

For a list of brands that have held up over the years, click here.

Why not buy an instrument off Amazon? 

It's so tempting....Amazon has prices that seem so reasonable!  That's because they are made cheaply with poor materials and little professional expertise.  The metal is weak, the materials are flimsy.  How does this affect your student? The valves on trumpets tend to stick, and the woodwinds tend to play out of tune.  The bottom joint of the clarinets often is not properly aligned, so when students use the bottome fingers, the notes simply don't play - or require them to push down super hard.  Repairs on these instruments are rarely guaranteed and often refused, because stores know that the flimsy metal will not hold a repair for long.  

New Instruments

If you can afford it, a new instrument is a great way to go (but not off Amazon - good brands only). All local music stores (White House of Music, Ward-Brodt Music, Heid Music) will let you try before buying. Music stores only stock tried and true brands that will hold up to years of playing. The staff can give great advice that can help you make a decision.  Most offer 6 month or 12 month financing plans. 

Used instruments

Older instruments can be fantastic instruments (again, stick to good brands only) and can be found lots of places.  My favorite place is from a music store.  You will pay slightly more, but the instrument will be in good playing condition with good valves, pads, and other parts.  The store will stand by and repair anything that would make the instrument not function properly upon purchase.  Music stores will often sell their rentals after a few years of use, usually during a summer sale. 

There are other ways to get good instruments - former students is a great place to start.  Facebook Marketplace will often have instruments, and these can be easy to check out before you buy. Be careful though- often the sellers really have no idea what they are selling and will answer questions incorrectly.  I once bought a clarinet off Ebay the seller swore was wood, but it was plastic (fortunately I only paid what a plastic one was worth!) 

Used instruments often need some repairs to be ready to play - this is expected if an instrument has had a few years of use. I recommend building in at least $100 into your budget for repairs after purchase- something is bound to pop up that causes a slight problem (stuck valve, bent key, old pad...) The valves should move smoothly, keys should move smoothly, and pads should be fairly clean and not puffed up and dirty.  Completely replacing the pads on woodwinds can cost hundreds of dollars.  Old instruments sometimes have smelly or worn cases - not a big deal as cases can be replaced fairly cheaply ($50-100).

Please let me know if you have any questions if you are looking to purchase an instrument.