It’s an exciting time of the year! Schools are starting to think about their new beginning band for next fall and winding up the academic curriculum with their current band students. In the spring, many schools will hold their spring concerts for students who may be eligible to enroll in band for the next school year. In schools where the music program is strong, instructors may give those students the opportunity to listen and even try out available instruments for beginning band. This could include evaluations or auditions for particular instruments before a student and their band instructor select the instrument they will play.
If your child is among those wishing to begin their journey into the world of school band, you may be wondering about the pros and cons of instrument rental versus purchasing musical instruments? Is one better than the other? More affordable? What about those inexpensive instruments you’ve seen on Facebook Marketplace? Is it wise to just have your child play your old saxophone that you used in high school thirty years ago?
You’ve got questions…we’ve got answers.
Musical Instruments — Where Do I Begin?
The first step in this journey begins with your school band director. Now is a great time to meet and get to know your child’s musical instructor. Not only will they help your child succeed, but they can also provide you with some valuable information about instrument rentals, summer jump-start programs, along with information on local private instructors they recommend. (Like A Kopp Music.)
Next, it’s time to acquire your child’s instrument. We’re certain you’re hoping that music and participation in band is a positive, long-term experience for your child, so it’s important to know all of your options before either renting or purchasing an instrument.
Consider the following when it’s time for you to decide:
Band Instrument Rentals — What to Know
Typically, a child’s first instrument is a rental. This is especially true for oldest or only children who are the first ones in the family to pursue band and music instruction. If you’re thinking about band instrument rental for you child, take note of the following:
- Rental programs. Many local family run music stores as well as larger corporate music stores offer an instrument rental program. You will want to check with your school district to learn if they have negotiated prices with any music store. This means that prices could vary depending upon where your child attends school.
- Rental fleets through your school. You may also want to ask if your school has a fleet of instruments available to rent to students. Keep in mind, however, that these musical instruments may be limited for use by those who meet eligibility requirements based on income or need
- Limited selection. Even when schools do have rental fleets, selection can be limited and not include more expensive instruments or those unnecessary for a beginning band, such as oboes, tubas, and alto or tenor saxophones.
Trial Lesson Packages
Some music store rental programs may offer a trial private lesson package. This assures families that their students are starting out on the right foot. The benefits of private lessons include:
- Lessons tailored to the student’s needs. Of course, your school’s band director will teach and guide your student, but it’s important to bear in mind that this instruction usually occurs in a small group setting with other students who play the same instrument. With private lessons, the instructor can tailor lessons to suit the individual needs of the student.
- A team approach. A combination of both private instruction and group band instruction is most ideal. The private instructor and the band instructor work as a collaborative team. While one preps the student, the other assembles all the musicians to create an ensemble.
- Getting a head start. We highly recommend starting your child’s trial lessons as soon as possible. They’ll receive the individualized attention they need at the start provided by a professional who is native to their chosen instrument.
Purchase Musical Instruments — Points to Bear in Mind
Renting a band instrument or renting-to-own one can wind up being costlier than just purchasing a musical instrument outright. However, if you believe your child is really enthusiastic about learning and committed to playing their band instrument long-term, then buying does make the most sense. The question then becomes, new or used? There are some factors to take into account:
Buying Used Instruments
There are many ways to buy a used instrument, though few come with any guarantee of quality or readiness for your band student. Considerations to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a used instrument:
- Buying from a local music store. Reputable music stores rarely stock inferior quality used instruments or ones not approved by band instructors. In fact, most have their instruments shop checked and certified by instrument repair technicians before selling them.
Music stores that buy/sell/consign musical instruments are selective about their inventory and invested in ensuring their customers have a positive experience. After all, if this is your first instrument purchase, you’ll likely return to them when your student is ready to upgrade to a more advanced intermediate level instrument in a few years.
- Personal sales. This could include garage or estate sales, online social media marketplaces, or even a friend or family member who is interested in selling their instrument. If you’re purchasing via any of these avenues rather than a music store, it’s critical to connect with a musical professional (like A Kopp Music) to make sure that the instrument is playable or determine what repairs (if any) it may need.
Our good friend, Scott Mims, who is a Band Instrument Repair Technician (BIRT) and the Repair Shop Manager at Cadenza Music in St. Paul, MN offers the following thoughts on used instruments:
"Many of the instruments from decades ago were made so well that they can be brought back and be a great horn, others not so much. The cost to bring them up to playing condition could be well worth it, but for some it may outweigh the value if there is no sentimental attachment. We always give free evaluations to help people know exactly what they are getting before they make the investment. We can help guide you to give your beginner the best chance of success. We have seen it all and want to help you avoid any pitfalls."
Two additional caveats to remember when purchasing used musical instruments:
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- Don’t blow through it to see if it works. If the instrument has been unused or gathering dust in storage for many years, it’s likely very dirty and has the potential to make you sick with a nasty respiratory infection. Have the instrument inspected, cleaned, and repaired by a BIRT to restore it to good playing condition.
- Avoid any seller who won’t meet with you at an instrument repair shop. Again, having a professional ensure that the instrument can be brought to quality playing condition is important before you finalize the sale.
Purchasing Instrument Shaped Objects (ISOs)
Perhaps you’ve seen musical instruments advertised at prices that are TGTBT (too good to be true)! In the industry we refer to these as Instrument Shaped Objects or ISOs. For insider information on why you should avoid these (even though they look shiny and new) we turn again to BIRT, Scott Mims:
Why should people avoid purchasing ISOs?
“They are becoming a real problem for the music world. Often promoted as a low-risk entry into band and orchestra, they are actually more likely to cause frustration which leads to children quitting before they have a chance to gain proficiency. Without building a solid foundation at the beginning, how can music become a fulfilling part of their lives?
“The biggest difference between a good quality instrument and an ISO is actually what happens when it STOPS playing. With a quality instrument, you can bring it into a shop like Cadenza and get it fixed. With an ISO, any parts needed are not available and any repairs done won’t last. Often, the only option is to get a new instrument.”
Why is this so?
“ISOs are just not made as well. The materials are weaker and more prone to bends, cracks, and breaks. The keys are often made of pot metal that melts before the solder can repair them. Plating on the valves can flake away within a few months leading to air leaks and scratches.”
How to spot an ISO…
“Price is usually a good indicator. An ISO is usually around 1/10th the price of a quality new instrument. How could they produce a quality instrument for so much less? Simply put, they cannot.
“Another indicator is where you buy it. Online instrument sales from sites that sell anything are much more likely to sell an ISO. There are a few really good instruments being made by small shops out there that just haven't made a big name for themselves yet but usually if it is a name that no one has heard of before, it’s an ISO.
“I hope this will help parents new to the instrument world avoid throwing money away on these ISO’s. My greatest wish is for any kid who wants to play a musical instrument to have a quality one that will last them for years and years. I have witnessed too many times when a child quit band because they thought they couldn't play when it was the instrument holding them back. I know the cost of a new quality instrument can be intimidating but there are many affordable options available, such as leasing or buying used. We are here to help you find the best option for you. Feel free to talk with a repair tech before buying an instrument for an honest assessment. Our goal is to get you a quality instrument that we can help you maintain for years."
Buying New Beginner Instruments
If you’re buying a new instrument from a local music store that is reputable, they will make sure your student’s instrument is set up properly before they take it home.
Other factors to consider if you’re planning to buy new:
- The quality of new instruments. New instruments that pass playing tests in the factory before they are shipped undergo a lot of jostling or climate changes as they make their way from factories to warehouses and then to a retail shop. This can throw little things out of alignment, which is why retailer set-ups are so important. There is nothing worse than getting a new instrument and not being able to make a sound because of small leaks or other alignment issues.
- Brands you can trust. Just like cars, there are many different makes and models of musical instruments. Between your band director and the expertise of your local music store they will help you select a quality instrument that fits your budget.
- Our online recommendation. When it comes to online purchasing we have always recommended Woodwind Brasswind out of Gary, Indiana. You can sometimes find good deals with B Stock or Clearance. We have always had a positive experience with them for specialty mouthpieces back in the days when Andy performed.
- We do NOT recommend … Aside from Woodwind Brasswind, we do not recommend purchasing band instruments online for a few reasons, primarily because of the risk of buying an ISO. However, the more important reason is we believe it’s important to establish a relationship with your local neighborhood music store staff who can help you with all of your needs, from reeds, cork grease, valve/slide/rotary oils, swabs, lyres, repairs, and more. They are close by and available to help you every step of the way. Finally, we believe it’s critical to support local businesses.
- New isn't always better. The big reason we don’t recommend purchasing new for beginning band students is that these instruments are really intended to be their intro into band. They are the battle tanks that will take the lumps and beating of inexperienced hands. By the time your student is only 3-4 years into their musical journey, they will be ready for an intermediate level instrument, which is harder to find used and more costly new.
- If they’re going to upgrade eventually, why not just buy intermediate level now? The fact is intermediate, semi-professional, and professional level instruments are more difficult for students to learn on as the student lacks the coordination or finesse to control them. And to return to the car analogy, would you give a brand-new driver a Mercedes Benz? No way! That’s why we encourage you to save your money in this first stage if you can!
Let Us Help You! A Kopp Music’s Trial Music Lesson Package Offer for New Woodwind Students
Ultimately whatever you decide works best for your student and family is what’s correct.
As you move into this next adventure in beginning band, we’re excited to offer a BOGO Trial Lesson Package* to any new band students who rents/purchases their first instrument OR has an unused instrument serviced by a qualified BIRT (Band Instrument Repair Technician) for the 2024-2025 school year.
That’s eight music lessons for the price of four!!
To take advantage of this offer, just present your rental/purchase/repair receipt within 7 days of getting your instrument and start your lessons within 15 days of corresponding with us. That’s it! Contact us today to learn more or to register.
We wish you happy shopping and extend a warm welcome to the world of beginning band!
*BOGO offer is available exclusively to flute, clarinet, oboe, and saxophone students.
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