06/03/2020 01:00 PM
So you’ve decided you want to learn how to play a woodwind instrument, now what? You need to find an instrument so you can start playing!
The amount of options can be a bit overwhelming though, especially when looking on the internet. In my 15+ years of experience playing saxophones and other woodwinds, here’s a few things I have learned about shopping for your first woodwind instrument.
DO I NEED A "PRO LEVEL" WOODWIND? ARE STUDENT MODELS BAD?
Absolutely not! While there are differences in quality between professional and student level instruments, any student level instrument will perform just fine. Some of my saxophones are considered student models, and I regularly gig with them!
HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND?
In general, the larger the woodwind instrument, the more they will tend to cost. Beginner flutes can usually be found under $200, clarinets in the $200-400 range, and saxophones starting around $350.
Find something in your budget that works (look at reviews online!) and go for it. If you are worried about the investment, remember that instruments can often be resold at places like pawn shops, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Reverb, so it is possible to get some money back.
These are also great places to look if you’re interested in buying used! As with any purchase, used or new, if the price seems too good to be true there may be a problem with it.
CAN I RENT AN INSTRUMENT?
You sure can! Renting is a great option if you’re looking to try a woodwind but concerned about the commitment or amount of money.
Michon’s Music in Metairie is a great option for looking for a rental instrument. Any shop that rents will make sure you’ve got everything you need to get going, and can usually rent on a month to month basis.
WHERE SHOULD I LOOK?
While there are some local options in New Orleans, you will find most online, although it’s important you know where and how to look. Some of my favorite websites to look at are Woodwind Brasswind and Musician's Friend.
These are places that curate what instruments they sell, so you can tend to trust the brands/instruments they stock. Most any option you find from these places will get the job done.
Places like Amazon can be a little more hit and miss, although it’s possible to find cheaper options that aren’t name brand. I like to always make sure anything I’m getting from there has lots of positive reviews.
WHAT ARE THE POPULAR BRANDS?
It depends on what instrument you’re looking at. When it comes to saxophones, some of the most popular brands are Selmer, Yamaha, P. Mauriat, and Yanigasawa. When looking at clarinets, Yamaha and Buffet are two of the most respected brands. When looking at flutes, Yamaha and Pearl make very popular models.
That being said, there are plenty of other brands that make quality woodwinds, so don’t worry if you find something else.
DO I NEED ANYTHING ELSE?
There are some accessories with woodwind instruments that are very important! For clarinet and saxophone, having reeds is the only way you can play your instrument. Reeds are placed on the mouthpiece and vibrate to make sound. Rico and Vandoren are two excellent reed brands, and a strength of 2 or 2.5 is great for beginners.
Make sure your clarinet or saxophone also comes with a mouthpiece and ligature (used to hold the reed on the mouthpiece, often metal). Cork grease is also important for clarinet and saxophone, because it helps lubricate some joints we move around.
Saxophone players will also need a neck strap to hold up their instrument without relying on their hands. For all woodwinds, having a cleaning swab will be beneficial for keeping your instrument clean from excess spit that’s made while playing.
Some of these accessories may come with your instrument, depending on what you’re buying and where you’re buying from. Keep all of these in mind, since you'll need them in order to play for the first time.
Still need help picking out your first woodwind? Sign up for lessons with one of our teachers!