Aside from your talent, being an exceptional musician also means having the right instrument. When pursuing your dream, knowing which instrument you’ll be playing isn’t enough as you will see that there is a wide range of options available even within the same instrument, such as size, quality degree, manufacturer etc. Plus, new brands with affordable and equally good products are constantly popping up. All this makes finding the right instrument a daunting task especially for novices. Fortunately, there are some helpful tips that might give you a hand in choosing your first playing baby.
Find a Reliable Seller
The retailer is perhaps one of the most important considerations when looking for the desired instrument as it can make or break your whole shopping experience. So, pursue your music aspirations by shopping from reputable shops for music instruments that offer good deals and wide selection of products. Even though a lot of individuals still choose making in-store purchases, online shopping is becoming more and more common these days.
If you are fortunate enough to locate such a music store, congratulations as you have already completed half the work. You will easily recognize these music shops from the way they treat their customers and the deals they offer. However, having some additional factors in mind will help you locate such a reseller easier and faster.
First, you should consider the type of guarantee the retailer provides. Australia has very strict rules protecting consumers. Nevertheless, in many of the nations, this isn't the case especially for online shopping. There isn't an "international warranty." This implies that if you purchase straight from a foreign source, you will not be eligible for free warranty repairs or service from the Australian importer. Put another way, you should always but always purchase from Australian-based music stores with a wealth of industry expertise.
Second, pick a music shop with outstanding customer support and nothing but mainly exceptional reviews from previous customers. These merchants typically answer all of their clients' enquiries and are available for discussion around-the-clock. Additionally, they ought to have a "leave feedback" area on their websites so that all of their customers can publicly share their shopping experience with the seller.
Finally, pick those shops for music instruments that have a wide selection of products. There is always something for everyone at these stores because they stay up to date with all the latest releases and technological advancements in the industry.
Consider Your Music Genre
The next big thing you should focus on is your music genre. This in other words means that the piano might not be the best first alternative if you like heavy metal music. Fans of Elton John or Billy Joel, on the other hand, could be more interested in playing the keyboard than the guitar.
The music you choose should flow naturally from what you have to listen to every day and what you want to hear. But later on, you can always take up a second or third instrument to expand your knowledge and skills, of course if you want to.
Space and Portability Do Matter
The size of a flute and a piano are quite different. On the other hand, a complete drum set might not be the ideal option if you live in a studio apartment. So, think about whether you have enough room to store your instrument or is there a comfortable spot for you to set up and play? Also consider if you will have to rearrange any furniture to make a room for it?
Although, transportation is often overlooked by most musicians when choosing their instruments, it is something that you should take into account from the start. For instance, for someone who rides a motorcycle, it would be impossible to carry about even a small keyboard, much less a complete piano. On the other hand, if you want to bring your instrument to a friend's house for a jam session or to music classes, you will need to make advance arrangements.
Think about the Physical Limitations
It's wise to keep the physical limitations in mind, particularly if you're purchasing musical instruments for your kids. It will be harder for younger children to manage heavier instruments, both in terms of carrying them around and playing with them. However, there are various ways to slightly simplify the situation. Your kid could start with a recorder instead of a clarinet. Forget the trumpet and try a bugle. Naturally, a lot of kids like to play the piano, but remember that you, as their parent, will be the one holding their instrument.
Grownups also need to be conscious of their own limitations. The snare drum might not be for you if you have problems staying upright for extended periods of time. Taking up an instrument made of wood or brass is not something you should go for if you suffer from severe asthma or other respiratory problems.
Plan Your Budget Ahead
Your budget may play a significant role in the selection. Thankfully, there are lots of affordable options out there. You don't have to purchase a grand piano to put in your living room if you or your child wants to learn to play the piano. All you need is a basic keyboard to get started.
Moreover, the cost of acoustic guitars is generally lower than that of electric ones. You may buy used or rent a lot of instruments for your band or orchestra. Remember to budget for any additional costs for accessories like picks or reeds.