by xXxbroken homesxXx

Created on: February 21, 2007   Last Updated: March 07, 2007

First, if you are buying an instrument for your son or daughter just starting out, you may find out later that they want to switch to another instrument or the teacher recommends one that might fit the student better. You may also find out before long that they have no interest whatsoever.

The music stores will try to push a "rent to buy" program in which you pay a small amount every month until you've paid off the entire cost of purchasing the instrument. In most cases, this is not a good deal. The stores will make sure you pay more than what the instrument is worth. If you're buying an instrument for a young beginner, see if the school can loan an instrument or try to find a family or friend who would be willing to part with a used instrument. Don't buy a used instrument, especially if it is a wind instrument.

If you're buying an instrument for yourself, and you're a beginner, take a more experienced musician with you. The most important point is to try a number of brands and models to find an instrument you feel comfortable with, but if you're not quite the most talented yet, but a helper will be able to provide unbiased opinions.

While you are trying out instruments, a process known as "auditioning," ask for instruments fresh from the factory. In many cases, instruments that are displayed on the floor have been out for a while and may have passed through hundreds of hands.

If you want to buy online, you have no way of auditioning the instrument. I highly discourage buying an instrument online. Even if the online retailer offers the Best Return Policy Ever, it will still be a hassle.

Here's a little about price.

There is only one "price" you'll need to know about once you decide on the brand and model. Ignore the "manufacturer's suggested retail price." This number is usually highly inflated to provide the false sense of a bargain. When I was in college, the professional model clarinet made by the manufacturer called Buffet had a MSRP above $4,000.

Ignore this price. The manufacturer sets another price: the lowest advertised retail price. Retailers are not allowed to advertise the instrument for less than this price. Again, when I was in college, the Buffet R-13 model was advertised for no less than $1,600. This sounded like a great deal.

In fact, most musical instrument stores have a "price match guarantee," where they will offer to match a lower price advertised by any other retailer. Of course, this is a joke as the manufacturers control the advertised price.

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