Selecting an instrument can be daunting for many new students. It’s very important to obtain a quality instrument that is appropriate for the student’s physiology as well as their musical tastes. Below you’ll find my recommendations as well as information about where you can purchase or rent these instruments locally. Remember, these are just general suggestions to get you started.
It’s always best to have an appointment with your teacher at Allegro and get an individual evaluation first.
Have Fun!
Joshua Brown, MM, Co-Director
Keyboards and Pianos
Good – A beginner will do well with a 61 key version. The Casio CTK series is a great entry level option. It costs around $100.00. These keyboards are fun for students because they include many other sounds and features like drumbeats, etc.
Better – A step up in price will give you the following features: a full, 88 key keyboard just like a real piano, as well as weighted keys which have a more “acoustic piano feel”. Something like the Yamaha P45 is a great option at about $450.00.
Best – An acoustic piano is the best option, and also the most costly and high maintenance option. Unlike electronic keyboards, a piano will need to be tuned about once per year which costs round $70.00. We recommend Yamaha or Kawaii upright pianos. We also recommend buying them used (please see our recommendation for where to buy and rent pianos below). A used Yamaha or Kawaii upright piano is typically around $3000.00.
Guitars and Basses
Good – For a beginner, I like Yamaha FS/FG ($199.00) acoustic steel string guitars, Cordoba C13 ($150.00) acoustic nylon string guitars, and Ibanez RG electric guitars and Basses. For a guitar practice amp, the Blackstar IDcore20 ($130.00) is nice.
**Guitar Sizing– Many guitar students purchase guitars that are TOO BIG. If you are age 5-10, I suggest a 1/2 size or 3/4 size guitar. The Yamaha JR1 3/4 steel string ($135.00) the Cordoba 1/2 size “Coco” nylon string ($150.00) are fantastic. The Ibanez GRG is a small sized electric ($150.00) that I recommend. Ibanez also makes a small sized bass. For women or smaller stature adults, I suggest a “concert” size acoustic guitar body, not a full dreadnaught size steel string guitar.
Voice
Although your body is your instrument, I recommend that all vocal students eventually have a basic keyboard or guitar(see above), or even a ukulele. I also recommend that vocal students plan take either piano or guitar lessons at some point, so that they can learn to accompany themselves and develop a better sense of harmonic awareness.
Violin and Strings
As with guitar, it’s very important to get the right size instrument for your body. We recommend the Klauss Mueller Prelude ($200.00) as a good student instrument. We suggest coming in to your first lesson with your teacher for sizing recommendations.
Winds
Winds are also very individually tailored. We suggest meeting with your teacher to assess what the best mouthpiece and instrument is for you.
Flutes: The Gemeinhardt student model (2SP) is still the best overall instrument in that it is heavy weight and takes abuse better then the others available plus the price is still the lowest for a student flute; about $450.00. The second choice is the Yamaha student model flute at $1095. It has a better sound and plays better in tune. Either can be rented for $25/mo new or about $20/mo used.
Clarinets: The Buffet student model seems to be the best for the money at about $550. This can be rented for $25/mo new or $20/mo used.
Saxophones: Most new students rent the Alto Sax. The low end is Chateau at about $900 or the Yamaha at $2160. Either can be rented for $45/mo new or $40/mo used.
Trumpets: The best low priced trumpet is the Blessing at $822. The other option is the Yamaha student model at $1300. Either can be rented for $25/mo new or $20/mo used.
Trombones: The best low priced trombone is the Blessing Student Model at $822. The other option is the Yamaha student model at $1300. Either can be rented for $25/mo new or $20/mo used.
Drums
Acoustic Drums – We suggest any small (4 or 5 piece) kit by Tama or Gretsch. These usually start at about $400.00. We suggest an 18 inch kick for younger students.
Electric Drums – We like Yamaha and Roland for electric drums. Entry level sets are about $400.00
FAQ
Where can I purchase these instruments locally?
For Guitars, Winds and Drums: Instrumental Music
For Pianos: Hachenberg Pianos
For Strings: Southwest Strings
Do you recommend purchasing online?
We prefer the service of local shops. If you bring an instrument in to your lessons and your teacher finds something wrong with it, we can always get it taken care of locally.
What about used instruments from craigslist?
At your own risk. We KNOW you’ll get taken care of at our local recommendations.
Is it possible to rent an instrument?
Yes. Hachenberg rents Pianos for about $50.00 p/month. Instrumental Music rents Guitars, Drums, Winds, Strings and Keyboards for about $40.00 p/month.
