Before You Rent or Buy

Fake Gucci handbags hawked on urban street corners are so . . . yesterday. Today, the digital technology that drives the Internet has helped spawn a more insidious invasion: the ISO or instrument shaped object. When talking about the difference between quality and junk musical instruments, the line has become evermore blurred. The ISO may look like a horn or violin but it doesn't stay tuned or it simply falls apart. Made of low-grade materials, ISOs break and cannot be repaired because replacement parts do not exist.

STUDENTS QUIT - BEFORE THEY EVEN GET STARTED

Beginning players and their parents are most vulnerable - an ISO is likely to frustrate the parent and discourage the student possibly even robbing the budding musician of the opportunity to enjoy the life-long benefits of participation in music. Students who develop problems because their instrument will not stay tuned may believe they are the cause and are likely to quit music.Parents don't know or will not believe that the shiny new instrument they just bought at a great price is likely junk - they simply believe they're getting a good deal. Unfortunately it's a matter of education, or lack thereof. Parents are making uninformed decisions. If a parent intends to teach a child to drive, she wouldn't buy a junker that had no brakes. They wouldn't put a basketball player in sandals and then promise if you make the team then we'll buy you Nikes.

ONLINE SHOPPING

Young parents who grew up with computers are more likely to search for online deals, never suspecting that they're the target of unscrupulous sellers who take full advantage of the growing dependence on online shopping. The Web is chock-full of ISOs!

REPAIR SHOPS: DRAWING A LINE IN THE SAND

Serious issues arise when it comes to servicing an ISO. Often, instrument repair techs are held liable when in an attempt to repair or adjust an ISO, keys snap off or replacement parts can't be found or fitted to the instrument or the repairs go out of adjustment quickly. Customers are hard-pressed to believe that they've purchased an irreparable instrument. Many ISO manufactures do not supply parts or use inferior alloys and too-thin metals. The result is a throwaway instrument that simply cannot be repaired! Many instrument repair facilities are beginning to refuse to do adjustments or repairs to ISOs. Experience has taught them that it's a no-win situation. If a simple adjustment can be made, it's a sure bet the ISO will go out of adjustment again within 2 weeks or less!

BACKING UP THE INSTRUMENT SOLD

Distinguishing between an ISO and an affordable good quality instrument can be challenging. The adage you get what you pay for holds true here. Purchasing from instrument dealers who service and warranty the instruments they sell is very telling. This is what parents should look for.Many reputable companies are now manufacturing their instruments overseas in an effort to reduce production costs while improving on profits. The consumer is never the wiser because a close eye is kept on quality control. The savings, however, is not passed on to the consumer. Hint: do not dismiss foreign manufactured instruments out of hand; rather look for warranties and the seller's willingness to service the instrument. On the internet you'll find good quality name brand instruments ffered anywhere from 20% to 50% below the retail price - not 80% less.

TO PURCHASE OR RENT? THAT IS THE QUESTION

Students can have their heart set on a particular instrument and then decide to move on to another instrument - all within the first semester of school. Changing from a clarinet to an alto sax is common. String instrument players usually require different size instruments as their bodies develop and grow. First year students requiring a ½ size violin might have a growth spurt that will force them to transition to a ¾ or full size within a year or two. Do a calculation! Figure out the total cost of renting a musical instrument for the 1st year. If you can locate a NEW quality instrument (with warranty) a better option might be to purchase instead of renting. If the student quits playing after the 1st year you can always sell the instrument and get some of you money back. If you are considering sized instrument like a (1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 string instrument) -.purchasing also might be the preferred option if you have another younger child that could use the instrument when it comes time for him/her to play. If you'd like to see some quality instruments at affordable prices - click these links:

• Woodwind Instruments (like flute, clarinet or alto saxophone) - click here!
• Brass Instruments (like trumpet or trombone) - click here!
• String Instruments -click here!

• Get Educated - How to Buy and Instrument - click here!
• FAQS About Your Child - click here!