A Matter of Music : Buying your new instrument

Buying your new instrument

I felt that I needed to touch on this area a bit more this week. As I said in the last article, it is very important to find an instrument that is right for you. I never like renting because by the time you finish renting you could have purchased an instrument with a resale value.

I suggest purchasing an instrument through a qualified repairman of that instrument.  If you want a horn go to a horn repairman. Guitar...same thing. They will get to know your instrument and be able to tweak it and set it up accordingly. Regular maintenance will keep your instrument playing properly for many years.

If you buy an instrument off Craigslist, Ebay, or the papers,  let your new repairman ( who will be your new friend) guide you . You find this repair person prior to picking the instrument you want to play.

What you will find many times is this repairman will have something for you, or know someone who has something. He will be your guide. In my case I give lessons and I guide my new students who come to me for advice. I will help the student, try the horn etc.  saving much heartache and trouble.  There are many people unloading bad instruments ...they are not all alike so be careful. Just because something may look awesome does not mean it is. Parents beware, don't let your new student push you into buying something because it is shiny new or cool. Make sure it is practical as well.

Do I buy new or used?

Again that is a based on price and your teacher or repair person.  If you go used you have many choices.

There are so many fantastic used instruments that you can get for discounted prices. Everyday companies are making new ones so the old ones if they are not of antique or classic value end up getting thrown in a closet or under a bed. People do want to sell them and you can pick them up very inexpensively.  I suggest students start with the best they can get for a budget.  Once it is checked by your repairman it should play really easy and you will not be at the mercy of a bad instrument. That is one of the reasons kids quit because they can't play an instrument because it doesn't work right. Once that barrier is out of the way..It is you , your teacher and practice.

There are many new instruments out there as well . Many companies are competing in student, intermediate and high end markets.  Start with a nice student model until you get the hang of it.

What can happen is if you are playing it alot and practicing it...you will bump it , drop it, bang it and knock it out of whack until you have been doing it awhile. This will develop over time.  Then save up and get a pro- model.  The place you purchased from may have a trade up program as well.  The pro model if it is good should make you play and sound much better. This could take a few years. Don't rush it because many kids will choose not to continue playing. Once you know it is for you then consider upgrading.

If you are a vocalist, Once you start singing and have taken things to the next level. I suggest getting a real nice microphone to use.  A cheap microphone will make you sound bad. They are not expensive so make sure you talk to your local music store. IF you go wireless make sure it is decent, doesn't eat batteries. This is your tool so you really don't need to share it with anyone. Sometimes that is impossible not to do. I like to carry some listerine and a cloth in my mic case and wipe the mic screen down after use if possible.

Well happy hunting for that perfect instrument. See you next time because your success is a Matter of Music.

Joey Arminio  www.arminiostudios.com