This page is in progress. If you need specific info that is not listed, contact me.
Buying/Renting Instruments
The first thing you want to do is decide which method you want to use- usually decided by money. Regardless of the amount of money you spend, you should be able to get a good quality instrument.
Buy New Instrument
Buy new- obviously, this is an attractive option for students, but costs more.
Warning #1: Please don’t buy from Amazon, Costco, Walmart, Ebay, pawn shops, flea markets, or garage sales without input from your music teacher.
Warning #2: If a new instrument costs the same as a good quality used instrument, that should be a sign that it is likely cheaply made (material and/or craftsmanship). I usually suggest going with a used instrument over a cheap new one. They will do better over time and retain their value (can be played for more years).
Warning #3: Also, beware of any instrument that is a non-traditional color or material (i.e. pink cello, plastic trumpet). These instruments are generally lower quality and not repairable. Check their warranty.
Warning #4: Always ask what return policy they have. Avoid stores with no/poor return policy.
Warning #5: If you are unsure about anything, or have any questions, please contact your music teacher.
Warning #1: Please don’t buy from Amazon, Costco, Walmart, Ebay, pawn shops, flea markets, or garage sales without input from your music teacher.
Warning #2: If a new instrument costs the same as a good quality used instrument, that should be a sign that it is likely cheaply made (material and/or craftsmanship). I usually suggest going with a used instrument over a cheap new one. They will do better over time and retain their value (can be played for more years).
Warning #3: Also, beware of any instrument that is a non-traditional color or material (i.e. pink cello, plastic trumpet). These instruments are generally lower quality and not repairable. Check their warranty.
Warning #4: Always ask what return policy they have. Avoid stores with no/poor return policy.
Warning #5: If you are unsure about anything, or have any questions, please contact your music teacher.
Buy Used Instrument
Buy used- is a less expensive option and often you get a higher quality horn, as it was often built a long time ago with better craftsmanship. However, if you choose this option, you probably should double-check with me or someone who knows your instrument choice. Make sure you know what to look for or ask about. Additionally, they will likely need some work from a professional to get into playing shape. While this is not usually too much money, it still should be considered in the price. (I will be glad to give you my recommendations for this.) This option will last for many years- some people play the same instrument into adulthood.
Rent New or Used
Rent- is usually a good option if A) you’re not sure if the student is going to stick with it; or B) money is an issue.
Locally, there are 2 places to rent an instrument. These are all reputable dealers. Please contact me with any questions:
1. My recommendation is White's Music, which has been around Visalia for a long time. They rent and sell instruments in the traditional way, and also repair them. 635-0156 (100 E. Caldwell, Visalia)
2. Secondly, Guitar Center now rents (Music & Arts Center). They are a nationwide company working in Visalia through Guitar Center. You can order online and pick up in the store, or go in directly. They do not repair at the store. http://www.musicarts.com/ (in the South Lowes shopping center, south Mooney, Visalia)
Locally, there are 2 places to rent an instrument. These are all reputable dealers. Please contact me with any questions:
1. My recommendation is White's Music, which has been around Visalia for a long time. They rent and sell instruments in the traditional way, and also repair them. 635-0156 (100 E. Caldwell, Visalia)
2. Secondly, Guitar Center now rents (Music & Arts Center). They are a nationwide company working in Visalia through Guitar Center. You can order online and pick up in the store, or go in directly. They do not repair at the store. http://www.musicarts.com/ (in the South Lowes shopping center, south Mooney, Visalia)
Specific Instrument Info
Flute
Yamaha is the best brand for student flute models. They hold up the best, and their price is reasonable. If you cannot find a Yamaha, Gemeinhardt is a very close second. Please make sure that, for a beginner, the flute is a closed-hole flute (meaning the keys themselves have no holes in them) and has an "offset G" key (two keys will be slightly off-centered and not in line with the rest of them). Having these two specifications will make learning the flute much easier. They are not required, but greatly influence the success of students.
Clarinet
When it comes to clarinets, Yamaha is the gold standard. A new Yamaha can be pricey, but the craftsmanship ensures longevity. In general, a used Yamaha is preferable to a new clarinet of most other brands. Other reliable brands are Buffet, Selmer, and Bundy. Jupiter is a decent budget alternative to the previously mentioned models. I have had students start on Jupiters and they work fairly well for the price.
Alto Saxophone Proven Quality Brands: Bundy, Jupiter, Olds, Selmer, Yamaha, King, Vito
FYI- some of the "proven brands" above do not currently make instruments. However, you can still find them on the used market.
Whenever possible, I recommend a proven brand (versus the cheapest one you can find). In fact, I always prefer a used, proven brand over a cheaper new brand.
Trumpet Proven quality brands: Bach, Blessing, Bundy, Conn, Jupiter, Olds, King, Yamaha.
FYI- some of the "proven brands" above do not currently make instruments. However, you can still find them on the used market.
Whenever possible, I recommend a proven brand (versus the cheapest one you can find). In fact, I always prefer a used, proven brand over a cheaper new brand.
Trombone
If money is not an issue, I would say go with a Getzen 351 or Yamaha YSL 354 (either around $800-$1000 new/$300-$700 used); Getzen slides are terrific and of course anything by Yamaha is great. The Kanstul 750 and Bach TB301 are also very good student trombones at a slightly lower price point. If they are looking for more of a value, it would be best to get a used student horn from any one of those brands or Conn, Holton, King, or Olds. Generally, the older horns from those brands are well-built, have great slides, and can take a beating from kids more so than inexpensive new horns. The trombone I learned on (and still play on with students) is a used 1990s Holton that I’ve dropped more times than I can count, but it still plays great.
2 1/2 Octave Bell Kits
(including those who will play snare drum later in the year.)
There are several good options. However, my top favorite bell starter kits are Majestic AK32PC Bell kit with rolling cart, multiple brands through Sweetwater music, and the Pearl PK900C Educational Bell Kit with rolling cart. They are good quality, have a good sound, and come with a rolling cart, which I highly recommend (it doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is.). Kits start at about $199, at a variety of locations online, Whites Music, and sometimes at local stores like Guitar Center. If you are ordering online, you can google them by clicking their name above and see the many sites that carry it.
Yamaha is the best brand for student flute models. They hold up the best, and their price is reasonable. If you cannot find a Yamaha, Gemeinhardt is a very close second. Please make sure that, for a beginner, the flute is a closed-hole flute (meaning the keys themselves have no holes in them) and has an "offset G" key (two keys will be slightly off-centered and not in line with the rest of them). Having these two specifications will make learning the flute much easier. They are not required, but greatly influence the success of students.
Clarinet
When it comes to clarinets, Yamaha is the gold standard. A new Yamaha can be pricey, but the craftsmanship ensures longevity. In general, a used Yamaha is preferable to a new clarinet of most other brands. Other reliable brands are Buffet, Selmer, and Bundy. Jupiter is a decent budget alternative to the previously mentioned models. I have had students start on Jupiters and they work fairly well for the price.
Alto Saxophone Proven Quality Brands: Bundy, Jupiter, Olds, Selmer, Yamaha, King, Vito
FYI- some of the "proven brands" above do not currently make instruments. However, you can still find them on the used market.
Whenever possible, I recommend a proven brand (versus the cheapest one you can find). In fact, I always prefer a used, proven brand over a cheaper new brand.
Trumpet Proven quality brands: Bach, Blessing, Bundy, Conn, Jupiter, Olds, King, Yamaha.
FYI- some of the "proven brands" above do not currently make instruments. However, you can still find them on the used market.
Whenever possible, I recommend a proven brand (versus the cheapest one you can find). In fact, I always prefer a used, proven brand over a cheaper new brand.
Trombone
If money is not an issue, I would say go with a Getzen 351 or Yamaha YSL 354 (either around $800-$1000 new/$300-$700 used); Getzen slides are terrific and of course anything by Yamaha is great. The Kanstul 750 and Bach TB301 are also very good student trombones at a slightly lower price point. If they are looking for more of a value, it would be best to get a used student horn from any one of those brands or Conn, Holton, King, or Olds. Generally, the older horns from those brands are well-built, have great slides, and can take a beating from kids more so than inexpensive new horns. The trombone I learned on (and still play on with students) is a used 1990s Holton that I’ve dropped more times than I can count, but it still plays great.
2 1/2 Octave Bell Kits
(including those who will play snare drum later in the year.)
There are several good options. However, my top favorite bell starter kits are Majestic AK32PC Bell kit with rolling cart, multiple brands through Sweetwater music, and the Pearl PK900C Educational Bell Kit with rolling cart. They are good quality, have a good sound, and come with a rolling cart, which I highly recommend (it doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is.). Kits start at about $199, at a variety of locations online, Whites Music, and sometimes at local stores like Guitar Center. If you are ordering online, you can google them by clicking their name above and see the many sites that carry it.
