Purchasing Guide

If you work with a recommended music store to purchase or "rent to own", you will receive a quality instrument and everything you need. This guide is designed for the parents who choose to purchase outright and are not going to do a "rent to own" program with one of the music stores. 

General guidelines:

·   “You get what you pay for” – this old saying is very true for band instruments.

·   If it comes in different color choices…stay away!  This is a marketing technique used primarily by poor sounding instrument companies.  Also, another trick is to offer gloves with the instrument.  This is also a warning sign.

·   Don’t always believe what you read – Some say “band director recommended”.  This is usually just an advertising ploy.

·   Made in China – While not everything that is made in China lacks quality, some of the worst instruments on the market today are mass produced in China.

·   Check the name carefully – Another trick of cheaply made instruments is to have their name spelled very closely to a good quality instrument name.

·   When buying online…Make sure the instrument comes with a case (or purchase one separately). If it is used, be prepared to have the instrument repaired.  Woodwind repairs can cost over $100 because of all the different parts/pads. Brass repairs are typically less than $100.  We recommend that you buy only the brands listed below if you are buying online.

Quality Beginning Instruments

We recommend the following brands when purchasing any band instrument (Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone)

Yamaha

Bach

Conn

Selmer