5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Instrument
Advice for First-Time Buyers and Parents Supporting Young Musicians
Buying your first musical instrument, or helping your child choose theirs, can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. With so many brands, models, and opinions out there, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that could cost you time, money, or motivation down the road.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your child, here are 5 mistakes to avoid when buying your first instrument:
1. Choosing Based on Price Alone
Sticking to a budget matters; especially in tough times like these. The cheapest option; however, isn’t always the best value. Ultra-low-cost instruments can be poorly made, hard to tune (for stringed instruments), and difficult to play, especially for beginners. That can lead to frustration and a quick loss of interest.
Tip: Look for student-quality instruments from trusted brands that are intended for learning.
2. Skipping the In-Person Test and/or Expert Advice
Buying online may seem convenient, but it's hard to judge how an instrument feels, sounds, or fits without trying it or at least talking to someone who knows what to look for. While aesthetics are critical to your experience with an instrument, online photos very often do not adequately represent the beauty of an instrument compared to viewing it in person. For guitars, neck shape can be the deciding factor for many players when deciding playing comfort.
Tip: Visit us, or your local music retailer. Most independent music stores hire musicians to work on site who have insights beyond what the manufacturer’s copy states.
3. Not Considering the Player’s Age or Size
This one’s especially important for young beginners. A full-size guitar or violin might be too big for a child to handle comfortably (though we should note there are plenty of examples of individuals who perform exceptionally with instruments that one might consider ‘too big’), which can contribute to poor posture and bad technique.
Tip: Make sure the instrument fits the player. We carry a limited selection of fractional-sized instruments for youngsters and can size them properly in-store.
4. Ignoring the Accessories You Actually Need
Many first-time buyers, focus only on the instrument itself. The extras matter too. You might need a case, strap, tuner, reeds, rosin, cleaning supplies, music stand, or an instrument stand depending on the instrument.
Tip: Ask about essential accessories when you buy, or at least be open to recommendations and anticipate this need as part of your purchase. We often carry bundles or starter kits that include everything you need to get playing right away; especially near the holiday season.
5. Overlooking the Importance of Setup & Maintenance
Even a quality instrument needs proper setup to sound and play its best. That includes things like string height, tuning, pad sealing (for woodwinds), or keyboard action. Factory setups can sometimes have problems that will likely go unaddressed coming straight from an online big box retailer.
Tip: Buy from a shop that offers setup and support. We inspect all stringed instruments before they hit the floor for sale and before they leave the store for shipment to an online customer. This is an investment we make in the musician’s experience that many retailers do not, and there is no additional charge for this service.
Final Thoughts
Buying your first instrument should be a positive, exciting experience, not a frustrating one. Whether you're a parent supporting a young learner or an adult starting your own musical journey, avoiding these common pitfalls can make all the difference.
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