Musical Instruments buying guide: Useful suggestions to buy quality music instruments at reasonable prices.
Introduction
There are many who understand the benefits of being able to play a instrument and many parents are keen that their children learn music despite the costs of buying an instrument and taking music lessons.
As per Statista, over eighteen million Americans play a musical instrument.
Related: Benefits of playing a musical instrument.
But even before you get down to taking music lessons, you need to first buy a musical instrument on which you can practice.
This guide will not only help you buy a quality musical instrument but also save money on your purchase.
Types of Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can be categorized depending on the way they generate sound.
Orchestra Instruments
An orchestra is a large group of musicians who play together on various musical instruments. Here’s a list of the musical instruments that you will see in most orchestras (some of these are used in school bands as well).
The orchestra is divided into various groups or ‘sections’ such as strings, woodwinds, brass instruments, and percussion instruments. The ‘conductor’ who leads this group of musicians playing together.
String Section
String instruments are played using a bow or are plucked. These include Violins, Viola, Cello, Bass, Double-bass (also include guitars and ukuleles).
Woodwind Section
Flute, Oboes, Bassoons & contrabassoon, Pipes, Piccolos, Clarinets (Sax and such other types).
Brass Section
Trumpets, Trombones, French Horns, Bugles, Tubas, Saxophones. Brass Musical Instruments are a common sight in most school bands/orchestra, especially the trumpet. These instruments come in a variety of finishes and metal plating.
Percussion Section
Cymbals, Gongs, Xylophones, Tubular bells, Timpani, Marimba, Cymbals, Triangle and other percussion instruments (such as Drums, Bongos).
Piano, Celesta, Harpsichords, Organs and Accordions are Keyboard Instruments. The piano is also classified as a percussion instrument (the strings are struck by “hammers”). More people are now owning digital pianos (instead of acoustic pianos).
Role of a Music Conductor
A music conductor interprets the music and, through rehearsals, trains the orchestra to play the music piece in accordance with that interpretation. He/she also works on the basics, trying to achieve a technically perfect ensemble. Generally, when a music conductor is on the stage leading a performance, most of his/her work is actually already done before the performance starts. The music conductor is merely enforcing the laws laid down during the rehearsals.
More Categories of Instruments
There are more categories of musical instruments that musicians play around the world, including folk instruments.
Electronic Musical Instruments
Electronic musical instruments are music instruments that do not produce the sounds acoustically. They use a process called synthesis (use pre-recorded samples of acoustic instruments).
Electronic instruments have to be heard over speakers. They are usually connected to external amplifiers with built-in speakers.
The words electronic and electric are also used interchangeably used nowadays.
The word ‘electronic’ (or digital) is more commonly used with music keyboards and pianos, whereas the word ‘electric’ is more commonly used with guitars, violins.
Related: Using a computer for music production: You can connect a music instrument to a computer to do recording work.
The theremin is widely regarded as the world’s foremost electronic musical instrument, and today almost every music instrument has an electronic/electric version of it. You can checkout more unique electronic music instruments here.
Buying Guides
Accessories for Music Instruments
You’ll also find useful accessories that will help you get more out of your instrument and to keep your instrument clean and to protect your investment.
Music Instrument for Beginners
When it comes to buying a musical instrument, there are usually two line of thoughts.
One is to buy something inexpensive, yet functional so that the learner can get started with music lessons, without spending a lot of money.
This is a practical approach (spending less on the first instrument) because you also have to spend on music lessons. Besides, there is a chance that the student will realize that this is not something that they want to do.
The other line of thought is to buy a better quality instrument for the student so that they are motivated to learn.
Those who already have a musician in their family, or those who are trying to play again after a long gap, or those kids who show promise, should consider spending a bit more and buying a better quality product (rather than choosing the most economical one in the category).
Related: Musical Instruments buying guide
Not sure which instrument you should buy for your child? These instruments are easy to learn (for kids as well as adults). These are basically entry-level musical instruments, suitable for beginners and aspiring musicians.
Beginner Keyboards
Starter Guitars
Drums for Beginners
Ukuleles for Beginners
Recorder Instrument
School Band
General Things to Consider Before Buying a Instrument
Here are some of the things that you should take into consideration before choosing a suitable instrument:
- The age of the student: The child needs to have developed motor skills to be able to play
- The character/personality of the student
- Your interests, the kind of music you want to play
- The cost, the amount of money you’re willing to spend
- The practicalities involved (such as size, portability, maintenance of the instrument)
If you intend to learn on your own, start on a musical instrument you like, and then gradually master the instrument by joining music classes.
Related: Easiest Musical Instruments to Learn
Research Prices & Competing Stores
Do spend some time looking for instruments and their prices online; you can find some great deals online.
If you’re looking for an expensive instrument, do check it out at your local store as well. While you may not be able to get lower prices, you will be sure about the model that you have selected.
When buying online, see what accessories are included.
Beginner Instruments for Students
A good student instrument comes with several features that assist students to progress faster. Most beginner instruments offer great features, are functional, and don’t cost much.
These are easier to play, offer less resistance (string instruments), is easier to blow (wind instruments), for the beginner player. For example, a lower action on a guitar makes playing easier for the young or inexperienced hands.
Most of these musical instruments are also available as a packages – comes bundled with useful accessories and Music books so that you get everything to get started.
Are You Already a Player?
If you already know how to play, you should pick an instrument that appeals to your ears (you should be open to increasing your budget a bit).
You may consider buying used gear as well; you can find some really good instruments with minor bruises (but in perfectly working conditions) for good discounts.
You may also consider getting an instrument on rent.
You Don’t Have to Buy the Most Expensive Instrument
Musical instruments can be expensive, but you definitely don’t need the most expensive instrument to get started.
It’s important to choose something that fits your purpose. Feel free to consult a music teacher or a music shop.
For beginners it is advisable to invest in musical instruments in the lower price range. However, you also should keep in mind that learning on a sub-standard instrument can be demotivating and usually prevents progress.
So, don’t go too cheap with the purchase. A quality instrument costs more but it saves money in the long run and it will make you practice more.
Musical Instruments Rental and Hire
A lot of people who know how to play a music instrument say they were fortunate enough to have access to instruments at an early age.
To get the most out of your music lessons, it’s important to have an instrument to practice upon.
The good thing is that you don’t necessarily have to buy it; you can also hire a musical instrument for a nominal fee.
There are several musical instrument rental companies that offer a wide range of instruments on hire, and offer flexible rental & payment options.
The option to hire provides you with an option to try out a musical instrument without committing to a bigger spending.
Another good thing is that after rental, you can also opt for crediting your hire fees towards the purchase of an instrument (some companies allow you to do that).
The only downside to getting a musical instrument on rent is that the rents are not very cheap (the ones that are offered by music stores are lot more expensive compared to a library or some charity).
If you add up all those rental fees over the months, it can make you wonder why you didn’t try to buy that instrument in the first place.
This is especially true of the rental programs offered by most music stores in the neighborhood.
So, it may be worth your time to check out with local libraries, schools, and charities to find out if they have lending programs; some of them do and their rents are really nominal.
Related: Consider buying used/refurbished music gear
Libraries Lend Musical Instruments
Books are not the only thing that you can borrow from your nearest library nowadays. There are some libraries that provide musical instruments as well on hire.
Most libraries now have a Musical Instrument Lending Library program through which you will be able to get home a keyboard or a guitar or drums for a limited period.
You can choose from guitars (classic as well as bass), violins, keyboards, ukuleles, drums and xylophones. You can borrow the musical instruments for three-weeks, which can be extended up to a total of 12 weeks.
The program aims to make music more accessible by putting instruments in the hand of local citizens, free of charge.
Watch: Best Musical Instrument Rental
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
“Research states that participation in the arts help to improve test scores in attendance and behavior in school. So having this early start in elementary school really is beneficial to kids, they can get a head start”.
Elementary schools should approach the local government, NGOs, charitable foundation to fud their musical instrument needs. There are several foundations that provide money to buy additional band instruments for elementary schools so that all children get the opportunity to learn how to play a musical instrument. Some schools even allow students to take their instruments back home for practice.