Purchasing/Renting a Musical Instrument:
It is in my opinion that you should purchase/rent from a company/brand that has many years of production experience.
Instruments that are listed as “highly rated” are based on peoples opinions that may not necessarily be on the set of standards that you want in quality instruments. Before purchasing an instrument, please feel free to contact me in regards to my professional opinion of the brand you are purchasing.
INSTRUMENT LINES
*Beginner models are the least expensive when purchasing instruments. For students up to 8th or 9th grade and beyond. Students that become advanced will need to upgrade to the next level instrument due to the fact that the intermediate line can handle the players embouchure (lips, etc.) strength and air capacity. You can always sell your first instrument when you upgrade. If kept in excellent shape the instrument will have a very good resale value (much better than a car resale). However, you might want to save it for marching band and sell it after High School.
*Intermediate models are more expensive than beginner level instruments. It is a higher quality instrument that should make a substantial difference in an advanced student's quality of sound. However, it might be more cost effective to skip this line and go with the proffesional model (most advanced) or even a used professional line instrument. Typically a student would get a referral from their band director or private instructor for a brand name and model.
*Advanced models are the most expensive instruments, and are typically for advanced high school, college level and professional musicians. Typically a student would get a referral from their band teacher or private teacher for a brand name and model.
INSTRUMENT BRAND NAMES
In my opinion, the following instrument brands are very reputable and will give you years of satisfaction.
Flute: Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Selmer, Armstrong
For beginners – You won’t need a low B key or silver plated, at that price you might as well get an intermediate model flute.
Clarinet: Buffet, Selmer, Yamaha
Clarinets come in wood and plastic. Wood is more expensive, but has a more quality sound.
Saxophone: Yahama, Selmer, Conn, King
For those with smaller hands: Some octave key mechanisms are placed on the right side of the left hand thumb rest. Students with smaller hands may have difficulty pressing the octave key (using left thumb) and/or might add left hand palm keys as well (which would alter the correct sound). If this is the case, you should get a saxophone with the octave key located on the left side of the left thumb rest.
Trumpet: Bach, Yamaha, Conn, King
Trombone: Bach, Yamaha, Conn, King
You would want to get an “F attachment” when purchasing an intermediate or an advanced model trombone.
Baritone/Euphonium: Yamaha, Bach, Conn
You would want to get a 4th valve if purchasing a euphonium
It is recommended that a musician visit several music stores to begin the process of purchasing an instrument. Since this is a large investment, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about brands/models.
Disclaimer by Mr. Stuckey: The following is based on my professional opinion.
Note: I have to preface advice and brand names with “in my opinion”, which I am legally allowed to give.
Instruments that are listed as “highly rated” are based on peoples opinions that may not necessarily be on the set of standards that you want in quality instruments. Before purchasing an instrument, please feel free to contact me in regards to my professional opinion of the brand you are purchasing.
INSTRUMENT LINES
*Beginner models are the least expensive when purchasing instruments. For students up to 8th or 9th grade and beyond. Students that become advanced will need to upgrade to the next level instrument due to the fact that the intermediate line can handle the players embouchure (lips, etc.) strength and air capacity. You can always sell your first instrument when you upgrade. If kept in excellent shape the instrument will have a very good resale value (much better than a car resale). However, you might want to save it for marching band and sell it after High School.
*Intermediate models are more expensive than beginner level instruments. It is a higher quality instrument that should make a substantial difference in an advanced student's quality of sound. However, it might be more cost effective to skip this line and go with the proffesional model (most advanced) or even a used professional line instrument. Typically a student would get a referral from their band director or private instructor for a brand name and model.
*Advanced models are the most expensive instruments, and are typically for advanced high school, college level and professional musicians. Typically a student would get a referral from their band teacher or private teacher for a brand name and model.
INSTRUMENT BRAND NAMES
In my opinion, the following instrument brands are very reputable and will give you years of satisfaction.
Flute: Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Selmer, Armstrong
For beginners – You won’t need a low B key or silver plated, at that price you might as well get an intermediate model flute.
Clarinet: Buffet, Selmer, Yamaha
Clarinets come in wood and plastic. Wood is more expensive, but has a more quality sound.
Saxophone: Yahama, Selmer, Conn, King
For those with smaller hands: Some octave key mechanisms are placed on the right side of the left hand thumb rest. Students with smaller hands may have difficulty pressing the octave key (using left thumb) and/or might add left hand palm keys as well (which would alter the correct sound). If this is the case, you should get a saxophone with the octave key located on the left side of the left thumb rest.
Trumpet: Bach, Yamaha, Conn, King
Trombone: Bach, Yamaha, Conn, King
You would want to get an “F attachment” when purchasing an intermediate or an advanced model trombone.
Baritone/Euphonium: Yamaha, Bach, Conn
You would want to get a 4th valve if purchasing a euphonium
It is recommended that a musician visit several music stores to begin the process of purchasing an instrument. Since this is a large investment, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about brands/models.
Disclaimer by Mr. Stuckey: The following is based on my professional opinion.
Note: I have to preface advice and brand names with “in my opinion”, which I am legally allowed to give.