CHOOSING A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
Student level wind instruments

Band instruments are manufactured in three general categories: student, intermediate and professional. There are various brands and models. ABI carries a selection of brass and woodwind instruments from the major manufacturers in all three categories.

FAQ's- We're often asked by customers:

• How can I tell the quality brands from the poorly made ones?

• If I buy an import, will it be servicable?

• Why shouldn't I purchase an inexpensive instrument for a beginner?

• Why should I purchase a name brand?

• What should I do if I've already made an unwise purchase?

• Is all of this time and expense worthwhile?

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"How can I tell the quality brands of wind instruments from the cheap ones? This is all new to me!"

For legal reasons, we will not list brands that we think should be avoided. Know this... even the importers themselves will admit that these lower priced models are planned for obsolescence.

In general, you can use the industry pricing standards as a guideline. If you are considering a student level instrument that is priced significantly lower than the prices on this chart, be wary.... you may be in for a second purchase sooner than you expected. Seek reputable advice.

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"Aren't all instruments serviceable?"

Overall, we find that the more cheaply made brass and woodwinds often do not stand up well to even routine usage. Even worse, when repairs need to be made, technicians often find that the instrument doesn't repair well - the materials used in construction may be sub-standard and the methods used in construction may be inaccurate or sloppy, making repairs difficult or impossible. A well made instrument can last a lifetime, but poorer quality models will eventually need to be abandoned at the side of the road.

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"Why shouldn't I purchase an inexpensive band instrument? After all, the student is just a beginner!"

Learning to play an instrument is difficult enough for a beginner even with the best equipment. If the instrument itself doesn't play well, overcoming mechanical problems will add to the struggle of inexperience.

Finding a good discount price on a new, quality brand instrument is completely different from buying a very low quality instrument at an inexpensive price. In the poorly made brands where prices are attractive, the playability and durability may be sadly lacking.

School Districts and Band Directors rely on our expertise here at Anaheim Band, and we remain accountable to them. Each year, we inspect and test various imported brands of instruments to see if they will clear our standards. Some factories are making entry level instruments that are consistently good. We will add the quality imports as we witness those improvements.

The list grows every day of instruments that companies, even established ones, are selling for less than half the price of quality models. The problem is that the metals of these instruments are either too soft or too brittle, and the fit of the parts are too loose to perform correctly. Because of the lower manufacturing quality, there is often nothing a repair technician can do to make one of these instruments work reliably. This lack of serviceability, along with the instruments' attractively low prices can present music making in a negative light.

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"Why should I spend twice the money? I have other children and activities to budget for."

It may seem like a good idea to buy a "cheap" instrument at first, but in the long-term, the actual costs will be far higher considering another purchase is inevitable. Likewise, the gap in comparative resale values is shocking. In contrast, when you invest wisely in the purchase of a good quality band instrument, it will retain its value for a lifetime, with simple care and basic maintenance.

In addition, the "disposables" are more difficult to play - they may not produce good tone quality, and are more susceptible to mechanical failure. This often leads to frustration (from parent and child) and difficulty playing, preventing younger players from reaching their true potential and may even (unfairly) discourage them to the point of quitting entirely. Remember: If the price seems "too good to be true", it just may be!

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"What should I do if I've already made an unwise purchase?"

If you bought into that great deal, the good news is that most major chain outlets have generous return policies. If you purchased from an online site, you may have fewer options available. It might be worthwhile to see if they have an escape clause for you.

We frequently encounter sub-standard instruments (and the disappointed families who bring them in) at our repair shop counter. We perform simple repairs when possible, but often there is not much we can do to compensate for poor mechanics or design.

In our attempt to encourage young music students, we may offer a "courtesy trade-in" for the off-brand. There isn't much trade-in value, since the used ones are only good for lamps or wall hangings, but if you allow us the opportunity, we will get you back on the right track. And please, do your friends a favor. Advise them to consider the options before purchasing a band instrument.

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"Is all of this time and expense worthwhile? I don't even know if my son/daughter will stay with music."

It is a fact that the majority of students will not go on to become professional musicians or music educators. However, most students can benefit from and appreciate the values learned through band and orchestra. Music can be played and enjoyed at every age.

There are no other subjects where students combine cognitive thought, mathematical principles, historic references, group participation, with measurable personal growth and discipline... all through one experience. And when you add the excitement of making new friends, we think those are valuable reasons to explore music. For the first couple of years, students learn basic music fundamentals. After that, we often witness a great sense of accomplishment. You can read more about the benefits of music education in other sections of our website.