Category: Buyer’s Guides

Clarinet Mouthpieces: A Buying Guide

Clarinet Mouthpieces: A Buying Guide

A huge part of being a successful clarinet student and performer is choosing the right mouthpiece. Whether you’re replacing a damaged mouthpiece or are looking for an upgrade to improve your sound and playing experience, you’ll quickly find that there are a variety of clarinet mouthpieces to choose from. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong mouthpiece can […]

Learn More
The Difference Between a Beginner and Professional Mouthpieces

Alto & Tenor Sax: Similarities & Differences

When it comes to saxophones, there are four major varieties: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Among these, the alto and tenor saxophones have become favorites among musicians, composers, and listeners. Professional musicians, including John Coltrane (tenor) and Charlie Parker (alto), have brought the two types of saxophones into the mainstream. While both saxophones are often […]

Learn More
Trumpet Mouthpieces: A Buying Guide

Trumpet Mouthpieces: A Buying Guide

The mouthpiece is arguably the most important part of any brass instrument, including trumpets. Without a mouthpiece, there’s no sound. And with a high-quality mouthpiece, the sound is crisp and clear. Although most trumpet players choose their mouthpiece purely out of personal preference, it’s important to understand how a mouthpiece is crafted to maximize sound. […]

Learn More
Cases, Mutes, and Other Essential Viola Accessories

Cases, Mutes, and Other Essential Viola Accessories

If your child is interested in playing the viola, there are some important accessories you should purchase before you even think about signing them up for lessons. Not only can these accessories make their playing better and their practicing easier, but they will help make their overall experience more enjoyable. Provided your child doesn’t lose […]

Learn More
How to Choose the Right Violin Strings

How to Choose the Right Violin Strings

When it comes to violin strings, some violinists stick with the tried and true while others constantly seek new strings in the hopes of improving the sound of their instrument. Many musicians, students, and parents are amazed by the sheer amount of selection available and, since trying every type of string available on the market […]

Learn More
Sizing Your String Instrument

Sizing Your String Instrument

For no other class of instrument is correct sizing more important than it is for orchestral strings. When a young player picks up a violin, viola, cello or bass for the first time, it’s critical for the instrument’s size to match the player so that learning proper positioning and playing technique will be possible. And […]

Learn More

6-String vs 12-String Guitars – Which Should You Choose?

When it’s time to select an acoustic guitar, you may notice that you can choose from a 6-string or 12-string guitars. There are several differences in these two types of instruments. Let us explain. By far the more prevalent choice is the 6-string guitar. Played by guitarists of all styles, both strummed or finger-picked, the […]

Learn More
How to Buy Your Child's First Cello

How to Buy Your Child’s First Cello

If your child’s cello skills have developed to the point where a rental is no longer an option, it may be time for an instrument upgrade. Unfortunately, buying your child’s first cello can be tricky business. In the past, the problem was a distinct lack of a “price range”, but nowadays it’s almost like there’s […]

Learn More
Choosing a Clarinet Case

Choosing a Clarinet Case

No professional clarinetist would ever consider traveling to and from their performances or practices without a case or gig bag to protect their clarinet. Whether your child is playing a student or intermediate model, protecting their clarinet with a well-built clarinet case is a must. While hard cases and gig bags are essential for virtually […]

Learn More
Choosing a Case for Your Trumpet

Choosing a Case for Your Trumpet

Most trumpets are purchased with an accompanying case, but is yours up to par? Whether you’re looking for a replacement or don’t currently have a case, there are quite a few things to take into consideration. If you search online or visit a music store, you’ll likely find yourself bombarded with marketing lingo- some manufacturers […]

Learn More