Gear Guide, Uprgrade Suggestions

Musical Instruments are craft-tools and investments, please steer clear of Amazon Choice Brands such as Mendini by Cecilio, Glory, Eastar, and other "too-good-to-be-true" prices and "bundles".

Each instrument family has specific brands and models that are regarded as "better value", "intermediate", and "professional" instruments. That said, some overall "green light" brands for most instruments include Yamaha, Jupiter, Selmer, Buffet. 

Things to consider: all of this is general advice, shopping is player-to-player, so take some of it with nuance!Don't hesitate to reach out with your questions if you are looking to upgrade a piece of gear, switch reeds, service your whole instrument, or are looking to add accessories to your equipment inventory. Continue to check in through your shopping journey!

Flute
Stepping up to an instrument that has a B-Foot and is open hole, is a strong next step, but not always the perfect move. If not the whole flute, consider upgrading the head joint. We have several contacts who can help make these personal reccomendations.

Clarinet
Reed Brands: Vandoren Blue Box (3 or 3.5),  Vandoren V21 (3 or 3.5)
Mouthpieces: Ebonite/Hard Rubber piece, such as Vandoren B45, BD5, or similar
Ligatures: Vandoren M/O, Vandoren Optimum, Silverstien, Rovner
Barrels: Backun (New Traditional Model, 65mm), Buffet
Whole Instruments: Check out Buffet E11 or R13 series.

Saxophone

Reed Brands: Boston Sax Shop, Vandoren (Blue or Green Box), Rico Royal (blue box)
Mouthpieces:
Alto Sax - Vandoren v16 A6 or A5, Selmer CS-80
Tenor Sax - Vandoren v16 T6 or T7, Selmer CS-80
Bari Sax - Vandoren B7 or B75 

Trumpet
Mouthpieces for variety of sounds: Bach 3E, Shilke 14A4a
Mutes: Straight Mute, Cup Mute, Plunger (hardware store...)

REMAINING INSTRUMENT RECCOMENDATIONS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Horn

Trombone

Tuba

Percussion