These are the recommended brands and models of instruments with which students are intended to begin their band careers. These are quality, durable instruments that will last students throughout their entire middle school careers. If you are looking to purchase an instrument that is not on this recommended list, please contact the Mr. Scroggins to get a quality assessment on the instrument. A word of caution - what looks like a great bargain may not be one. The old expression is very true - YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
Flute
Gemeinhardt 2SP
Yamaha YFL-222
Jupiter JFL710A
Armstrong Model 104
Clarinet
Selmer CL201
Yamaha YCL-255
Buffet B12
Leblanc LCL301NPC
Jupiter JCL700NA
Alto Saxophone
Yamaha YAS-26
Selmer 400
Yanagisawa AWO1
Jupiter JAS1100
Clarinet
Vandoren B45
Luyben ligature
Alto Saxophone
Selmer C*
Oboe
Emerald (med.)
Bassoon
Clarinet
Vandoren (size 2.5-3)
Mitchell Lurie (size 3)
Rico Royal (size 3)
Bass Clarinet
Vandoren (size 2.5-3)
Alto Saxophone
Vandoren (size 2.5-3)
Rico Royal (size 3)
Tenor Saxophone
Vandoren (size 2.5-3)
Baritone Saxophone
Vandoren (size 2.5-3)
Trumpet
Bach TR300
Yamaha YTR-2330
Jupiter JTR700
French Horn
Conn 6D
Trombone
Bach TB200
Yamaha YSL-354
Jupiter JTB700A
Conn 100H
Euphoniums
Jupiter JEP700
Yamaha YEP-201
Besson BE1062
Trumpet
Bach 5C
French Horn
Holton Farkas MDC
Trombone
Bach 6 1/2AL*
Euphoniums
Schilke 51D*
Tuba
Conn Helleberg 7B
*Trombone and euphonium mouthpieces have 2 different sized shanks available. Most student instruments use a small shank; intermediate and professional levels usually use a large shank. It's best to confirm which size shank with Mr. Scroggins before purchasing!
Valve Oil
Al Cass
Blue Juice
Trombone Slide Oil
Slide-o-mix (two bottle set; red caps)
Yamaha trombone lubricant
Small spritz bottle with water
Rotor Oil (for French Horns only)
Superslick rotor oil
Hetman rotor oil
Tuning Slide Grease*
Selmer Tuning Slide & Cork Grease
Yamaha Slide Grease
*Tuning slide grease is intended to be used on the tuning slide only, NOT the main trombone slide! Please refer to the trombone slide oil for the main trombone slide.
By the time your student reaches high school, they will need a higher quality instrument to achieve the highest success possible. Student model instruments are built and designed with young musicians in mind; while they are durable and do the job, they have limitations that can hinder the progress of more mature musicians. It's recommended to look at purchasing a step-up instrument when your student is in the 8th grade, especially if they are serious about playing and have developed a deep passion for music.
The mouthpieces, reeds, and oils listed above are high quality and can be used throughout a musician's entire career.
Flute
Gemeinhardt 3SB
Oboe
Fox Renard 330
Fox Renard 450
Bassoon
Fox Renard 220
Fox Renard 240
Clarinet
Buffet E12
Buffet E13
Buffet R13
Alto Saxophone
Yamaha YAS-480
Yamaha YAS-62III
Selmer Paris Series II Model 52
Selmer Paris Series III Model 62
Tenor Saxophone
Yamaha YTS-480
Yamaha YTS-62III
Selmer Paris Series II Model 54
Selmer Paris Series III Model 64
Trumpet
Bach Stradivarius 180S37
Yamaha Xeno YTR-8335
French Horn
Conn 8D
Trombone
Conn 88HO
Bach 42BO
Yamaha YSL-882O
Euphonium
Besson BE967 or BE968