If you get a letter from Rieman Music about step-up instruments, or if you’re wondering whether your student needs a higher-quality instrument, this is the place to look! You and your student WILL notice a difference in quality, craftsmanship, and sound (tone quality) in intermediate and professional line instruments.
You have two options for moving your student to a better instrument. You can either go directly to the professional line instrument and skip “the middle man” (intermediate model instrument), or you can purchase a “step-up” (again, intermediate model) instrument. It is often wise to keep the beginner or intermediate instrument for students to use later on in marching band/pep band situations. In many cases, the money spent on an intermediate instrument can be applied to purchasing a pro-line instrument (ask about this before purchasing). The better the instrument, the less it depreciates.