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As a parent investing in your child’s music education, it is very important to invest in a quality musical instrument. So-called “bargain” instruments, available online or at discount stores, may seem tempting; however, experience has proven over and over again that these instruments are truly no “bargain” at all. Most often, the low price is the result of poor workmanship and lower quality materials. These instruments usually break more easily and are difficult, sometimes impossible, to repair. In many cases, they cannot be played in tune and the quality of the sound they produce is very poor. It is disheartening to see a child’s enthusiasm for music destroyed by an instrument that does not allow them to reach their full potential.
A poor quality instrument also affects the overall sound of the band, tarnishing the experience for all. It is with these concerns in mind that we provide you with this list of recommended band instrument brands and accessories. I have found over the years that these instruments are durable, easy to repair, and will give your child the best opportunity to succeed as a young musician. If the instrument you are considering is not listed here, ask the seller for the instrument specifications and consult with Mr. Mac before you rent or buy an instrument.
While I highly advise that you do not adventure out on your own to find a "deal" on an instrument, I know that many parents will. To that end, here is some advice to help you avoid buying a piece of junk!
DO
Have someone that knows what they're doing playtest the instrument
Only buy reputable brands and models -- a good used instrument is much better than a bad new instrument, and it will have very good resale value!
Be prepared to spend $100-200 on a professional cleaning and repair (seriously, one small issue could make the instrument impossible to play or make it completely out of tune!)
Use reputable places like Reverb.com, or reach out to music stores to see if you can get a deal on a returned rental instrument.
I HIGHLY recommend you use The Music Shoppe in Bloomington, IL -- great instruments at fair prices, and great service/repair.
When in doubt, contact Mr. Mac and I will help you!
GOOD BRANDS/MODELS
Flute
Gemeinhardt (e.g. 52SP, 2SP)
Armstrong (e.g. 104)
Yamaha (e.g. YFL221)
Oboe
Yamaha (e.g. YOB241)
Selmer (e.g. 1492B)
Clarinet
Leblanc (e.g. 7214, 7212PC)
Buffet (e.g. B12, E-11)
Selmer (e.g. CL301, CL201)
Yamaha (e.g. YCL200, 450N)
Alto Saxophone
Yamaha (e.g. YAS23A, YAS23)
Selmer (e.g. AS300)
Trumpet
Selmer/Bach (e.g. TR300H)
Yamaha (e.g. 2335A)
Holton
Trombone
Yamaha (e.g. YSL354)
Conn (e.g. 22H)
King (e.g. 606)
Baritone/Euphonium
Yamaha YEP201
Bach B1104
Percussion Practice Kit – Ludwig, Pearl, Vic Firth, Yamaha
Sticks needed: Vic Firth SD1 Drum Sticks, Innovative Soloist Series IP240 Medium Birch Marimba Mallets, Malletech Bob Becker BB34 Medium Rattan Xylo/Bell Mallets “Becker Blues”, Vic Firth T1 American Custom General Timpani Mallets , and a stick bag
DO NOT
Buy instruments off of Amazon - even good brands on Amazon would be better off bought at a music shop since you can guarantee it's not a fake, and you'll be able to get repair support.
Give your student a family instrument without it being approved by Mr. Mac and professionally cleaned/repaired
Buy an instrument without a brand name (no names are always junk)
Brands TO AVOID (there are many more not listed here):
Aklot
Axiom
Bahamut
Blossom
Bouree
Btuty
Bundy
Cahaya
Caprice
Cecilio
Cibali
Costzon
Custom Shop
Deloitte
Di Zhao
Eastar
Eastrock
Etude
Fesley
First Act
Funky Monkey
Giantex
Glory
Hisonic
Huxley
Jean Paul
Jin Bao
Lark
LeSage
Lewtemi
Livingstone
Medimall
Mendini
Mr. Power
Profession
Rowell
Sealion
Sky
Slade
Soulmate
Stagg
Ves
Vevor
Wagner
Woodstock
X5.com Alto Saxophones
Yanason
Yeeum.com
Yinfente
Zeff
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