New or Used?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. The finest violins are hundreds of years old, so they are certainly used. What is good about used instruments? They are often cheaper.

And the bad?

The bad could be poor instrument condition. Please have the instrument evaluated by a professional player. Don’t be fooled: a used instrument can end up costing you more. If a used alto saxophone needs re-padding and cleaning, it costs about $325.00. Add at least another $150.00 for a silver saxophone. If yours is in rough shape, it will cost more. Those prices do not include any repairs ... and what about extras like the swab(s), mouthpiece, etc.?

Replacing a worn sax case costs $80 and up. Does your used instrument have a mouthpiece, ligature, cleaning swab, and all the other things that can nickel and dime you to death?

The other bad, the one you might not think about, is that a kid is often guilt-tripped into playing Aunt Sally’s old clarinet, when he would really rather play trumpet. Saving a few dollars is not worth the begging and arguing it takes to get a kid to practice an instrument that he doesn’t like. If he doesn’t’ like the sound, he won’t like to practice.

How about new instruments?

Using our sax example from above, we sell some of our new student alto saxes at Merry Musical Instruments for right around $300.00. They come with a new case, ligature, mouthpiece, mouthpiece cap, neck strap, and a two-year warranty. We even ship them for free. If there is a problem, you can rely on the warranty or exchange it.

Choosing the right one…

When your band director tells you that little Suzie is the perfect size and temperament to play the trombone, believe it. Band directors are not fools. They try kids on instruments to determine physical and mental matches. When you choose wisely in the beginning, it saves 1-2 years getting the kids playing well. 

If you are skeptical, go to the band try-out night and watch. When a kid is unsuccessful at his or her chosen instrument, they are usually very quick to jump to the instrument on which they sounded good. They light up like a Christmas tree when they get one to work. It’s fun to watch!