Choosing The Right Instrument

Hopefully by now you have an idea of which instrument your child would like to play. Use the results of their Instrument Trial on the front of this envelope as a guide if you are unsure. This, combined with your knowledge of your child’s interests and personality, will be the best indication of which instrument they are most likely to succeed on.

After deciding which instrument your child will play you have a few options of where to get an instrument from.

  1. TSA can provide excellent quality new instruments at discounted prices for students enrolled in its programs
  2. TSA offers a rent-to-buy scheme which is a good way to start if you are unsure of your child’s commitment level
  3. Check with family or friends (or search online) for second hand instruments. We recommend a full service prior to use to ensure they are clean and in full working condition.

Important points to consider

  • Whilst TSA recommends Yamaha, Pearl & Schagerl instruments, there are other reputable brands on the market such as Jupiter. Beware of brands offering warranties less than 3 years or whose retail price is unusually low. These often use inferior materials and quickly deteriorate becoming difficult to play and expensive to repair.
  • Treat buying (or hiring) a new instrument like any purchase. There are cheap alternatives on the market but you always get what you pay for. Cheap instruments may seem a good short-term option but they often do not play accurately and quickly deteriorate. This makes them harder to play and will slow your child’s learning.

 

Buying a secondhand instrument…

  • Buying secondhand has the advantage of someone else paying the initial depreciation.
  • It has the disadvantage of inheriting someone else’s mistakes (dropped instruments, scratches, rust, etc).
  • When buying secondhand always ask for the brand, model, serial number, age and service history of an instrument. Also check it has been recently serviced and is in working order. Newer second-hand instruments may still have balance of warranty.
  • If you stick with recently serviced, reputable brands with documented service history you will minimise your risk. Be very wary of buying secondhand ‘budget’ brands for the reasons outlined above.
  • For advice on good brands of secondhand instruments, call TSA.
  • TSA has a limited supply of second hand instruments available for purchased. Most are around 12 months old, fully serviced and have balance of new instrument warranty.

 

Hiring a new instrument…

  • When hiring a TSA instrument hire fees can be used as equity to purchase the instrument at a later date.
  • All TSA hire instruments are brand new and we only use top quality and leading brands of instruments.
  • Hiring is a good way to test out an instrument without having to pay for it up front (it can be returned at any time with no further payments owed)
  • This is particularly good if your child is unsure about their instrument.
  • Please carefully read the Rent-to-Buy Scheme Terms and Conditions and be particularly aware: 1) how your monthly hire fee affects the buy out price of your instrument (especially after 12 months) 2) that hiring an instrument costs more in the long run than buying upfront 3) the hire contract will only be terminated at the hirer’s initiative.
  • All rental instruments must be returned to the TSA office in Dural directly if you wish to discontinue hire.

 

 

For more information or advice, contact Teaching Services Australia on 9651 7333

 

Final Word – ‘Budget’ Instruments

Although ‘budget’ instruments advertised online or through a chain/discount store can present a cheap initial outlay, they are not always the best option. Repair costs, poor resale and difficulty in playing make these instruments a poor choice. If you are budget conscious, consider buying a reputable brand instrument secondhand instead.

‘Budget’ instruments are generally made of inferior material which won’t hold up to the rigors of primary school use. They may last 12 months or they may last 12 weeks. Once they do need a trip to the repair shop even a basic service will cost around $110. In fact, most repairers refuse to work on ‘budget’ instruments altogether.

Also be aware that many ‘budget’ brand instruments save money by leaving out features and materials that make it easier to play for young musicians. This makes learning harder for your child, decreasing their chance of success.

Purchasing a reputable brand will ensure your child is learning on a durable instrument that is easier to play and will hold greater resale value. It gives the best chance of success and will almost certainly cost you less in the long run.