Buying Guide
Taking the next big step...
As your young musician enters into serious study of their instrument, you may feel that is now time to buy your child his or her very own instrument. Why spend all this money renting an instrument, when you can buy it for the same price, right?
WRONG! Often, the instruments you find listed on Amazon or eBay look like a great price, but the craftsmanship of these instruments make them better candidates for the fireplace or garbage can rather than the music room. If you have already made a purchase of one of these "impostor instruments" please feel free to bring it into school and I will happily do my best to improve its play-ability!
If you do feel like it is time to make the jump into instrument ownership, please take a moment and review our suggested brands and models for students. Additionally, it is also great to explore your local music stores for used instruments that may offer a great bang for your buck!
In any situation, it is best to ask a variety of performers and educators about your future purchase. Take your time. Test the instruments. Make an informed decision and investment!
Used instruments are often available from local music stores and online at retailers like Reverb.com
Deluca Music, Hatboro, PA
Coyle's Richboro Music, Richboro, PA
Music and Arts, Horsham, PA
Please note that these are recommended student models listed below. If you are looking for professional level instruments please consult your child's band or orchestra teacher, or ask your private lesson teacher.
String Instruments
Below are some suggested brands of quality string instruments. Remember you can get a great deal and a quality instrument by buying it used.
Be sure to avoid "off-brand" instruments listed on Amazon like Mendini, Glory, or Cecilio. Also avoid brightly colored or heavily painted "non-traditional" looking instruments!
Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass Brands:
Franz Hoffman Series
Louis Carpini
Ricard Bunnel
Strobel
Knilling
Scherl and Roth
Stentor
Snow
Band Instruments
Below are some suggested student models of instruments. Remember you can get a great deal and a quality instrument by buying it used!
Be sure to avoid "off-brand" instruments listed on Amazon like Mendini, Glory, or Cecilio. Also avoid brightly colored or heavily painted "non-traditional" looking instruments!
Oboes:
Jupiter JOB1000 (Student)
Fox Renard Model 330 (Intermediate)
Flutes:
Yamaha YFL-221
Gemeinhardt 2SP
Armstrong 102
Armstrong 103 (open)
Selmer Prelude FL711
Clarinets:
Yamaha YCL255
Buffet B12
Jupiter JLC637S
Selmer SCL711
Alto Saxophones:
Yamaha YAS280/YAS23/25/275
Selmer Prelude AS711
Jean Baptiste 286AL
Tenor Saxophones:
Selmer TS600L
Selmer TS711S
Baritone Saxophones:
Coming soon!
French Horns:
Coming soon!
Trumpets:
Yamaha YTR-2330
Bach TR300
King 601
Jupiter JTR700
Trombones:
Yamaha YSL 354
Bach TB301
King 606
Jupiter JBT700
Baritones:
Yamaha YEP-201
Jupiter JEP700 Series
Tubas:
Coming soon!
Percussion Stick Brands:
Vic Firth
ProMark
HingeStix