Equipment Recommendations
Step-Up Instruments
Beginner instruments are designed with the beginner musician in mind. It is crafted to be durable in the hands of a new player. Even if you only intend to play through high school, you will likely outgrow that beginner instrument. As you progress, you may start to struggle to master more difficult techniques, and that may get frustrating. The day will come when you will benefit from an instrument that supports your growth as a musician.
The difference between a beginner instrument and a step-up instrument are not usually obvious visually. There is a huge difference in the following:
- Craftsmanship and quality materials used in construction.
- Improved instrument response and richness of sound leads to improved musicianship and musical enjoyment for you.
These things combined with your skill level, will give you the best chance for success.
Woodwind Accessories
Reeds have a significant impact on how woodwind instruments sound. Picking a high quality reed can greatly improve sound, will respond more consistently, and last longer than other reeds. You can get these reeds from Northern Music, but you can also find them over the internet on different music websites.
Recommended Reed: Blue Box Vandoren (Concert band), Vandoren V21 (HS Clarinets), Vandoren Jazz (HS Saxophones)
Strength of Reeds: 6th Grade - 2.5, 7th/8th Grade - 3, 9th-12th - 3.5
Flute
The biggest difference between beginner flutes and step up instruments is the material they are made of. Beginner flutes are usually made of nickel silver, a hard, inexpensive metal; it has a bright tone (which isn't what we want), but beginners are more focused on finding the correct note than on the quality of tone they produce.
Step-up flutes (intermediate, performer, and top-line) are made of increasing amounts of solid silver. Solid silver vibrates more freely, creating a fuller, more pleasing tone with more harmonics
Instrument Suggestions: Yamaha 381, Yamaha 481, Emerson 8 or 88, Gemeinhardt 3S or 3SB, Eastman Models
Clarinet
Beginner clarinets are mad almost exclusively of plastic. Like flute, the material affects the tone of the instrument. Beginner clarinets also tend to be small bore, which makes them easier to play, but sacrifices tone.
Intermediate, performer, and top-line clarinets provide a fuller, darker sound because they are made of wood. Their large bore helps to provide a fuller sound.
Instrument Suggestions: Buffet E-11 or R13, Backun Protege, Yamaha YCL-650, Selmer Paris Signature
Mouthpiece Suggestions: Vandoren M13 Lyre, Vandoren 5RV Lyre, Selmer B45. (These are just suggestions and some may work better than others. If you are looking at buying a new mouthpiece, talk to Mr. Larsen and we can sit down and try out multiple mouthpieces to find the best one.)
*See note above about reeds and ligatures.
Saxophone
In addition to higher quality material, intermediate and professional level saxophones include key mechanisms that make the instrument easier to play and extend the range. The better craftsmanship allows the instrument to respond more quickly, with less effort from the performer.
Instrument Suggestions: Yamaha YAS52, Yamaha YAS 875 EX, Yanagisawa 901/991 Series, Selmer Paris II or III
Recommended Mouthpiece: Selmer C*
Recommended Neck Strap: Neotech Harness Strap (don't under estimate the importance of this!)
*See note above about reeds and ligatures
Brass Mouthpieces
Just like woodwinds, brass mouthpieces have a significant impact on the tone that is produced. Below are some guidelines when it comes to mouthpiece shape.
Mouthpiece Rim
- Wide rim - increases endurance
- Narrow rim - increases flexibility
- Round rim - improves comfort
- Sharp rim - increases precision of attack
Mouthpiece Cup
- Large - increases volume and control
- Small - relieves fatigue and weakness
- Deep - darkens tone, especially in lower register
- Shallow - brightens tone, quickens response, especially in higher register.
Mouthpiece Throat
- Large - increases blowing freedom, volume, tone; sharpens high register
- Small - increases resistance, endurance, brilliance; flattens high register
Trumpet
Beginner trumpets are usually small bore instruments, which make them easier to play for the young musician. They are usually finished with a clear lacquer to allow the brass to show through, and contain the most basic of features.
Intermediate trumpets tend to have a slightly larger bore, which allows for a bigger, more full sound. They are usually finished in silver, which like the flutes, give the instrument a darker, more rich sound. Valves and slides are fitted more accurately to decrease the amount of air leakage, which allows the instrument to be played more freely. The also contain more advanced slides and triggers for fine tuning.
Recommended Instruments: Bach TR200 or Stradivarius 180, Yamaha 8335, Getzen
Recommended Mouthpiece: Beginner - Bach 7C, Intermediate - Bach 5C, High School - Bach 3C
French Horn
Quality step up horns will be double horns and silver plated.
Recommended Instruments: Holton Farkus Model, Yamaha 667 or 668
Recommended Mouthpiece: Holton Farkus - Medium-Deep Cup
Trombone
Intermediate trombones should have an "F" attachment and will have a wider bore than beginner instruments. The "F" attachment directs air through additional tubing, allowing the musician alternate ways of playing the more difficult slide positions.
Recommended Instruments: Bach TB200 Series F-Attachment, Yamaha YSL-448G, Conn 88H, Bach Stradivarius 42
Recommended Mouthpiece: 6.5 AL, 5 G
Mallets and Sticks
At the middle and high school levels, percussionists learn multiple different instruments. Many of these instruments require different beaters (sticks) to play the instruments properly. Although not required, students that have their own sticks and mallets tend to take better care of them and the instruments, so purchasing one of these stick packs is highly recommended.
Packs should include:
- Concert Snare Sticks (not too thick)
- Marimba Mallets (yarn)
- Xylophone Mallets (hard plastic/rubber)
- Timpani Mallets (medium)
