WM instrument

[luvmyfam444]

so is it a total waste for a beginner to have a First Act instrument from WM? Or is it ok for a year or 2?

 

[KristaTX]

I have no idea what you are talking about. What is WM?

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Walmart?

 

[flipturngirl]

so is it a total waste for a beginner to have a First Act instrument from WM? Or is it ok for a year or 2?

First act at walmart was on the list of do not purchase when I was playing instruments. I heard horror stories of them.. not be bad to begin with but breaking easily and not having the proper sound that it should have. i would not buy from there.

 

[monsterkitty]

I advise my parents to stay with instruments such as Yamaha, Accent, Selmer, Bach, Bundy, etc. These instruments are easily repaired if injured when the student has a bad case of fumble-fingers. Other brands, such as those purchased at WalMart, Target, Costco, ect. are not easily fixed, if they can be fixed at all. Many music stores will not even touch these instruments because they can't be repaired.

 

[lovesmurfs]

You're better off renting for a year until you're sure they're sticking with it.

A poor instrument makes learning that much more difficult. What kind of instrument?

 

[golfgal]

Yes, it is a waste to buy an instrument from Walmart. First, they won't sound good so no matter how hard they practice they won't sound as good as a better instrument. Second, why not take advantage of a rental program. Usually you get 3 months for a flat rate and then a monthly rental after that. Since you are renting, repairs are generally included. If you try to fix a WM one you will end up spending just as much as the instrument cost to fix. If you can't afford an instrument check with the school. They generally have ones to use OR have your child play an instrument usually supplied by the school like the Euphonium or Tuba!

 

[Cindy B]

NO NO NO


First act is one step above a toy instrument.
I would go with Selmer or Yamaha if you can.

 

[spaceacewannabe]

NO NO NO


First act is one step above a toy instrument.
I would go with Selmer or Yamaha if you can.

And it's not a very big step...also, resale value of First Act is ~$0.

 

[littleteapot]

Guaranteed way to frustrate a new musician....rent or put a little money in a used instrument

 

[Tinijocaro]

Yes- total waste-our band directors won't allow a student to use one. Most repair shope won't repair them becuase they are so cheaply made. You get what you pay for-stick with name brand instruments recommended by your band director. You don't have to get an expensive one.

You will just set your child up for frustration by buying a cheap instrument. Theydon't work and if they work at first, they will break quickly.

I am a string teacher and one of our local "music" stores (they also sell skateboards) sells violins for 10.00 more than it costs to rent. So many parents fall for it, then are upset when I tell them halfway through the year that the instrument will need to be replaced because it cannot be fixed.

 

[MelanieC]

I've had good luck with Selmer.

 

[richmond282]

No it is not OK. Please please please don't do that to your child. All the things everybody else says is totally true. If you can't afford a new name brand instrument then check into a rent to own program or check into a used instrument. I'd be happy to help you with some specific name brands if you want to PM me with more info (like what kind of instrument you need.)

 

[jimmiej]

Former band director here. I want to echo the above posts. Don't waste your $$$ on these glorified toys. Rent a real instrument. Your child will be able to learn on a quality instrument.

 

[luvmyfam444]

Thanks so much for the replies! I had found one on Craigs list for cheap - now I know why! LOL
I'll bypass this one thanks to y'all!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Remember your child will be embarrassed and frustrated playing in his class and not understand why he sounds awful.
The reason will be the instrument.

Rent a good one.