Getting an Instrument: Set up for Success
Introduction
Getting an instrument is an exciting first step in your musical journey. However, the choice you make now can have a huge impact on your experience. The right instrument can inspire you to practice and improve, while the wrong one can lead to frustration, discomfort, and even quitting altogether.
A poor-quality or ill-fitting instrument can make learning unnecessarily difficult. Even for teachers, a bad instrument means spending valuable lesson time tuning, adjusting, or even repairing instead of actually teaching.
This article primarily focuses on string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass) as well as brass and woodwind.
Rent, Don’t Buy (At First!)
Many parents and beginners assume that buying an instrument is the best option, but renting is almost always the smarter choice—especially for beginners. Here’s why:
Lower upfront cost – A good beginner instrument can be expensive, while rental programs offer affordable monthly payments.
Size matters – Students, especially younger ones, will outgrow their instrument just like they outgrow shoes.
Commitment-free – If you or your child decide to switch instruments (which happens more often than you’d think!), a rental allows for an easy transition.
Exceptions: When Buying Makes Sense
Ukuleles and Keyboards – These are relatively inexpensive, don’t require size adjustments, and are easy to store. If you’re starting on one of these, purchasing can be a great option.
Instrument Sizing: Let Your Teacher Help
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is choosing an instrument that’s the wrong size. A violin that’s too big will be uncomfortable and difficult to play, while one that’s too small can hinder technique.
If you're renting, your teacher or a knowledgeable music store (perhaps the Alpine Music Exchange!) staff member should size you properly. Avoid guessing or relying on online charts alone—hands, arms, and posture vary from person to person.
Choosing a Rental Company
Not all rental programs are created equal. A good rental company will offer more than just an instrument—they should provide services that support your learning experience. When choosing a rental company, look for:
✅ Rental Credit Toward Purchase – Some companies allow a portion of your rental payments to be applied toward buying an instrument in the future. This is a great way to invest in a quality instrument when you're ready.
✅ Insurance Policy – Instruments are delicate, and accidents happen. Look for a rental company that offers protection against damage and theft.
✅ Maintenance Plans – A well-maintained instrument is easier to play and sounds better. Some rentals include free string replacements, bow rehairing, or minor repairs.
✅ Teacher Recommendations – Your teacher is an invaluable resource. They know which companies provide high-quality instruments and good customer service. If a company isn’t recommended by a teacher, it might not be a good choice.
What to Look for in a Rental Instrument (String Focus)
If you’re renting a string instrument, it’s still important to check the quality. Here are some physical aspects to look for:
🎻 Bow Condition – The bow should be straight, and the hair should be real horsehair if possible (synthetic hair doesn’t hold rosin as well).
🎻 Fine Tuners – They should turn easily. If they’re too stiff, tuning will be frustrating.
🎻 Body & Setup –
The instrument shouldn’t rattle when played.
The glue work should be clean—no excessive glue seeping out of seams.
The bridge should be properly fitted (not leaning or crooked).
If something feels "off," ask your teacher to inspect it before committing.
What to Look for in a Rental Instrument (Brass & Woodwind Focus)
When renting a brass or woodwind instrument, quality matters just as much as it does for strings. A poorly maintained or low-quality instrument can make learning frustrating, leading to problems with sound production, tuning, and overall playability. Before committing to a rental, here’s what to check:
Brass Instruments (Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Tuba, etc.)
✅ Valves & Slides Move Smoothly – Press down each valve (on trumpets, euphoniums, and tubas) or move the slide (on trombones). They should move freely without sticking. If they feel sluggish, the instrument may need maintenance or new valve oil/slide grease.
✅ No Dents in Critical Areas – Small dents are common, but large dents—especially near the valve casings, tuning slides, or leadpipe—can affect airflow and playability.
✅ Tuning Slides Move Easily – The tuning slides should slide in and out smoothly. If they’re stuck, the instrument might have corrosion or improper lubrication.
✅ No Air Leaks – A brass instrument must form an airtight seal to produce a clear sound. If air escapes through an unseen crack or poorly fitted joint, the sound will be weak or inconsistent.
✅ Mouthpiece Fit – The mouthpiece should fit snugly in the leadpipe without wobbling. If it’s too loose or too tight, it may indicate an issue with the leadpipe.
Woodwind Instruments (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon, etc.)
✅ Key Mechanism Works Properly – Press down each key and release it. They should move freely and spring back into place without sticking. If keys feel sluggish or don’t close completely, the instrument may need adjustments.
✅ Pads Are in Good Condition – The soft pads underneath the keys should be clean, properly seated, and free of tears or excessive wear. Worn-out pads can cause air leaks, making it difficult to play certain notes.
✅ Cork & Tenons Are Intact – On clarinets, saxophones, and oboes, check the cork joints. They should be clean, smooth, and not crumbling. If the cork is dry or damaged, it can affect assembly and tuning.
✅ No Major Cracks in the Body – For wooden instruments (like wooden clarinets, oboes, or bassoons), check for cracks in the body, which can cause air leaks and tuning issues.
✅ Flute Headjoint Fit – The headjoint should slide into the flute body smoothly without being too tight or too loose.
✅ Saxophone Neck Fit – The neck should attach securely to the body without excessive wobbling or difficulty tightening the screw.
✅ No Air Leaks – Test by covering all tone holes (with proper finger placement) and blowing a note. If the sound is weak or inconsistent, there may be a leak in the pads or key mechanism.
Notes on Purchasing an Instrument
At some point, you may want to purchase your own instrument. But here’s the key: Beginners should not buy an instrument without expert guidance.
Who should help with purchasing? A teacher or luthier (instrument repair specialist) should inspect any instrument before purchase.
Avoid “bargain” instruments – Cheap instruments found online may look fine in pictures but are often poorly made, difficult to tune, and nearly impossible to play well.
Stick to reputable brands and sellers – Local music shops that specialize in string instruments will have much better quality control than big-box stores or online marketplaces.
Conclusion
Getting the right instrument is one of the most important steps in your musical journey. Renting is often the best option for beginners, and working with a teacher to size and select your instrument can make a huge difference in your success.
A well-chosen instrument will help you enjoy playing, stay motivated, and progress faster. So, take your time, trust your teacher’s recommendations, and set yourself up for a positive learning experience!
