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Changing
instruments: Step up, not sideways.
Many people are confused by the ever increasing number of instrument
brands and models available.
If you have outgrown a student instrument, your teacher has recommended
a change, or you are just ready to take your playing to the next
level, here are a few tips to assist you in your quest for a new
instrument.
The objective is to find an instrument that meets your needs and
budget. As all instruments are not created equal, start by trying
a few of the leading brand instruments as well as a few of the cheaper
ones. It is important that you appreciate the differences so that
you can make an informed choice. Feel free to take notes as you
go, this will help when its time to make a decision. It may you
take a couple of visits to Sax & Woodwind to work out which
instrument is most suited to your particular style and needs –
we don’t mind, after all, you’re making quite an investment.
It has been reported to us that some of our competitors push a particular
product or brand, claiming that their house brand is the equal of
the market leaders. At Sax & Woodwind we seek to offer unbiased
advice that will assist you in selecting the most appropriate instrument.
Settle for nothing less.
We stock a wide range of instruments at prices to suit most budgets.
The more established brands have stood the test of time and have
earned their good reputations. These instruments will better retain
their value over time. Many of the newer brands appear to be good
value for money but it will be a while before we can advise on their
long term durability. Watch this space!
Beware of Instrument Shaped Objects:
There are differences between musical instruments and “instrument
shaped objects”. If you are a first time buyer, get the best
instrument you can afford – good quality student instruments
are designed to be easy to play and make learning faster and more
rewarding. If the price of an instrument seems too good to be true,
it probably is, and you may spend more time and money at the repair
shop than if you buy a reputable brand. Also, the resale value of
“instrument shaped objects” is minimal.
Update......while occasionally we see a cheaper instrument that is a little better than most, it is very hit-and-miss. Like most things, you get what you pay for, and it is no different with musical instruments. Our advice is still to steer clear of cheap instruments such as those on internet auction sites and stick to the well known brands.
Recommended reading: Saxophone Tipbook, Flute Tipbook
, Clarinet Tipbook, Trumpet and Trombone Tipbook (all by Pinksterboer)
all published by Hal Leonard @ $19.95 for advice on instrument selection
and maintenance; The Art of Saxophone Playing (Larry Teal) published
by Summy-Birchard, see chapters on instrument and equipment selection.
Other books in the series The Art of ……Playing for the
various other brass and woodwind instruments, all of which will
be quite helpful.
To enquire about anything on this page please
feel free to
contact us by clicking
here or phone (02) 9557
4588 |
