Does anyone know where to find musical instruments at a decent price?

[Mskanga]

DD is joining band this year and I'm looking at prices for flutes, I don't want to spend an astronomical amount of money. Right now she's getting the introductory deal for the first 4 months but I am looking into possibly purchasing. Does anyone have any idea?

 

[RUDisney]

My parents bought a very nice viola for my sister from ebay. I'd check there first, if I were you.

 

[snuggles]

Be very careful buying online from places like Ebay. You have no way of knowing the condition of the pads and springs. Look in your want ad section and always ask if your band director can look over the instrument before purchasing. Try a place called The Woodwind and Brasswind. They usually have good prices. Ask your director what brand he likes before buying too. Good luck. I'll be glad to help if I can.

 

[Mskanga]

Snuggs , that is exactly my fear, that and the fact that I am quite clueless about this whole thing.
I will wait to speak to the music teacher and get some suggestions from her or whoever the director is, I'm not too comfortable spending all this money on ebay not having some kind of warranty. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks.

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Our school sent out a list of places to go to to rent and rent to own for instruments - the directors also would look at any used instruments before you bought them

There should be a 'music store' that has a rent to own policy in your area

 

[Mskanga]

Marla that is exactly what we are doing first, but then their prices for the instruments start at $700 and up. I don't know if I want to spend so much money on something she may not like. The initial rental deal is $30 for 4 months , after that is $25 a month.

 

[Bildmouse]

We deal with Woodwinds/Brasswinds. They have a store about 45 minutes from us. I know they sell used as well as new instruments. Check out their website. They have instrumets listed and a phone number to contact them if you have questions. You might also want to look for music stores in your area. They might carry used instruments. Schools usually have agreements with specific companies but our directors are always willing to refer you to local dealers when possible.

 

[Poohnatic]

There is a consignment shop chain called Music Go Round that sells used. You may have seen their other chain, Play it Again Sports. You may want to see if there's one in your area on their website...

www.musicgoround.com

If there is one nearby, at least you can look at the instrument before purchasing it. My advice is to go with the rental and see if your daughter sticks with it 6 months before purchasing one. Fortunately, I already owned my piano before my son started playing. He quit, but is now asking to start lessons again.

Suzanne

 

[Talking Hands]

If you are going to purchase rent first to make sure she enjoys the instrument, then consider purchasing. Once you do buy remember as she gets better she will need a better instrument so if you can find a place that will trade up and apply the price of the old one to the new instrument you will be way ahead of the game.
Do not buy from E-bay. Not only do you not have any idea of the quality of the instrument, you have no idea if it is not stolen. Same for garage sales.
We had an incident here where a gransmother saw a very nice violin at a garage sale and paid all of $10. They took it to the our local violin shop where the luthier looked at it and identified it as the instrument of another young customer that had been taken from her locker at school. The instrument was returned to the young lady. Interestingly the the 2 girls involved were classmates in middle school and friendly. Both are friends and colleagues of my daughter.