THE BAND DIRECTOR'S CONCERN
Knock-off designer handbags and watches hawked on urban street corners are so . . . yesterday. Today, with the aide of Big Box Stores and the Internet, a more insidious invasion has surfaced: the ISO or instrument-shaped-object – the number one concern of band directors nationwide.
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 lifelong benefits of participation in music. Students who develop problems because their instrument will not stay tuned may believe they are at fault and are likely to quit music altogether.
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, s/he wouldn’t buy a “junker” that has 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
The cost of manufacturing a quality product either in the United States or overseas is considerably higher than manufacturing an ISO. 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 of the “Major” band instrument companies that manufactured the products in the United States 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. Wanting to give the impression that their products are still made in the United States, the companies don’t divulge where the instrument is really manufactured. A good indication of a quality instrument is whether the seller is willing to service the instrument and whether the product comes with a warranty. Quality instruments may sell for 10% - 20% below name brand instruments – but not for 50% - 80% less.
