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Learning an Instrument

Buying Guide
Tips and hints

I think it's a good idea to rent to start with because you don't know how long their enthusiasm is going to last.
Liz Wilhide, Parent

If you and your child have decided that they should start learning an instrument you will be faced with a very common dilemma - should you buy or not? Some instruments can be extremely costly, and you don't know whether your child is going to take to it or not. There is the option of renting the instrument first. Some schools or Local Education Authorities' Music Services may be able to rent or lend you an instrument.

Buying new or second hand?
If you do decide to buy an instrument then you might decide to opt for second hand. You can save money doing this but there are some important things to look out for:

• You can buy second hand from many music instrument shops, or small ads in local newspapers
  
• Make sure the seller gives you all relevant paperwork for the instrument
  
• Have expensive instruments checked by a specialist first
  
• Ask about how much maintenance it has had. For a larger instrument, such as a piano, check whether it has been overhauled in the past ten years.
  
• Check for damage - knocks or dents can affect the resale value
  

• Look at specialist magazines and websites to get an idea of prices
  
• If you have a friend who knows about instruments ask their advice, or ask a teacher
  
• Try your local instrument shop - your child's teacher should be able to recommend some good places to start
  
• Musical instruments may sometimes be bought through the school or the LEA's Music Services VAT-free
  
• You may be able to rent an instrument through a shop, sometimes called 'hire and try', often with the option of buying
  
• Buying your child a 'student model' or beginner's instrument can be a good option. The sound quality is less than professional models but good enough for a child to get the basics.
  
• With string instruments your child can start off renting a quarter or half size model, until they are old enough to play a full sized instrument. Remember to go for the very best you can afford - if you are aiming to interest your child in the sound of the instrument, then it must be a good sound!
  
• Buying a second hand brass or woodwind instrument can be tricky. They may need repairs that even an expert may not notice. Again, consider a reliable 'student' model.
  
• Second hand electric guitars can be a good option to start with. Starter models can be good value too. Remember that you will need a suitable practice amplifier.
  
• Pianos can be expensive to buy new. A decent second hand piano can cost much less, but make sure that you seek specialist advice before you buy. Most piano tuners will agree to look at a piano and give you an opinion.
  

 
Price guide
It is impossible to give an exact price for instruments, as prices vary, but here is an estimated list of what you might pay for a new starter or student model, including VAT:

Pianos - a basic, small upright piano from £1,000
Electronic keyboards - from £70
Electric guitars - from £130 and a practice amp can cost from £80 for a small model
Acoustic guitars - from £60
Classical guitars - from £90
Electric bass guitar - from £150
Cello - from £340
Violins - from £70
Electric violin - from £440
Saxophone - from £420
Clarinet - from £170
Cornet - from £290
Trumpet - from £160
Flute - from £290
Bassoon - from £1,400
Tuba - from £1,300
Oboe - from £830
Double bass - £430
French horn - £790
Trombone - £290
Descant recorder - from £10
Tenor recorder - from £50
Bongo drums - from £70
Bodram - from £40
3 piece junior drum kit - from £200

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Is My Child Ready?

Practice Makes Perfect

 

WHICH INISTRUMENT

Introduction

Trumpet (Brass)

Piano

Singing

Conga Drums & Percussion

Cello (Strings)

Clarinet (Woodwind)

Saxophone (Woodwind)

Guitar (Strings)
 

  Parents' Music Room Links

Parent-to-Parent

Fiona Bruce

Learning an Instrument

Which instrument

Your Child: 5-7

Your Child: 7-11

Your Child: 11-14
 
bbc.co.uk Links

Play It Again: Getting Started
Tips on learning to sing or play an instrument
 
  Elsewhere on the web

(External) Harmony Central - electronic instrument reviews

(External) DJM Music - musical instrument shop

(External) Guitarbitz - guitars and accessories sales

(External) John Packer - woodwind and brass retailer

(External) Musicians Shop

(External) Musical Warehouse

(External) Balaams - music instrument hire

 
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