What about bargain internet instruments?

One of the most oft-asked questions I have to answer these days is concerning low-cost instruments that are available on-line, or in the Big-Box stores.

Are these instruments of quality?  How can I tell?  Why would I want to buy from a high-priced local store when I can save so much money?  Hopefully, I can answer some of these concerns here.

If you are a parent of a band or orchestra student trying to save money on a good instrument for your child, you may want to search on-line.  But be careful.  Price is usually a good indication of the quality of instrument you will get.  In other words, you get what you pay for.  I have seen many ads for instruments at ridiculously low prices, and I have had many of these instruments show up in my musical groups.  The best of them play ok, but don't play ok for very long.  The worst of these instruments don't play as soon as you get them.  Sure does make it hard for your child to be successful!

There are a few brands that I have seen being imported from overseas that look at first glance like quality instruments.  One of my students had an inexpensive import saxophone, and for the first few weeks, I was very impressed as she was able to play as well as the other students in my group.

After a short time, however, the instrument became out of adjustment, and wouldn't play the low notes as well as the others.  When the Mom took it to the repair shop, the repairman said that he couldn't work on it, as the keys would break and he couldn't get parts to replace them.  When I called him to inquire further, he told me that the keys on this instrument were not brass or nickel silver, but merely a form of pewter, and while they looked good, when you tried to bend them back into adjustment they would break very easily.  He also said that his shop had no luck with trying to re-solder them.  He added that since replacement parts were impossible to get, he couldn't guarantee the repairs, and would therefore not do them in the first place. 

So, rather than saving money, this family ended up having to buy another saxophone, and had a beautiful saxophone-shaped wall hanging.

The instruments made in India/Pakistan/Brazil are just awful.  They don't even LOOK like decent instruments.  DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE!!

As for strings, you WILL get what you pay for.  The cheaper the ingredients, the worse the violin.  Stained fingerboards instead of ebony, or really cheap ebony, bows that aren't straight from the beginning, frogs that can't possibly be rehaired, and strings that sound like rubber bands are just a few of the problems you get with cheap stringed instruments.  Chances are, you can't go wrong with the store your director guides you to. 

I have found that most stores have had to work hard to gain the trust of directors, and they are not going to ruin that trust by selling you a crummy instrument.  Remember, the better directors will insist on your child having a decent instrument in order for both student and director to enjoy a  successful program.

There are some Taiwan made instruments that are being imported now that are extremely quality, as in the Jupiter brands we carry.  BUT these are being sold through major music stores (like us) that will back up your purchase with their own warranty.  And, when you stick to a major brand, parts will always be readily available. 

When you get right down to it, the major stores really do give you a service for the extra money you spend.  Just what is it you are paying for?

Usually a representative of the store makes a call to your school every week.  If your child has a problem with the instrument (remember, these are children, rough and tumble), the store rep picks it up, takes it to the shop, brings it back, and bills you later, at no extra cost.  They usually offer some kind of maintenance service, that covers most damage.  If you get it back, and it still doesn't work, you know who to call, and don't have to re-ship it.  This can be extremely important when you have both parents working and everyone is busy!

The big music stores in your area probably have gotten a bad reputation for being expensive.  If you decide to rent or rent-to-own your instrument, you are going to pay a premium for the luxury of being able to take it back, plunk it on the counter and say "I don't want it anymore.  My child wants to quit music."  However, if you will take a chance, insist that your child make a commitment and stay in band for at least one year, and pay cash for an instrument, most of the big stores will give you a discount of up to 20 to 25 percent off of the list price. 

Many times, when you get ready to trade up to a better instrument, the store will give a discount to previous customers.  If the sales person you are dealing with doesn't want to discount the price, ask to see the manager.  Or take your business to another store.  When given a reasonable choice, I would always rather keep my money local.

And please make sure you are getting a RENTAL-PURCHASE, and that you are not going to end up paying just straight rent.  The better stores will have this arrangement, anyway.

Remember, no matter how much money you save, you don't want to put your child in a position where they cannot succeed, no matter how hard they try.  Don't stack the cards against them before they start.