Are Online "Bargain" Instruments Okay To Buy?
Did you know that the most important instrument in a student's musical development is the first one? Let us explain...
Chances are, you've done some homework and you've noticed that there are lots of bargain string instruments online for purchase. You may ask yourself, "What's the harm in getting one of these bargain instruments until my child has figured out whether they want to continue playing?"
Well, bargain string instruments almost never meet the required school specifications and frequently need repair right out of the box! They often have unfitted bridges, substandard strings, pegs that won't turn smoothly, warped fingerboards and other problems that must be fixed before the instrument is playable.
Many repair shops refuse to guarantee work on these instruments, because they frequently don't sound any better once the repairs are completed. So you are stuck with an unplayable instrument that has cost hundreds of dollars more than you expected it to.
This is important! A poorly made instrument will actually make learning to play a frustrating experience for your student and will make it far less likely that they will continue playing. Many things will be more difficult or impossible on a "bargain" string instrument because string instruments are meant to be carefully crafted and set-up in order to create beautiful sounds.
A well made instrument has a good tone and easy mechanics that support player development, encouraging students to practice and unlocking their musical potential. The more rewarding the initial experience, the more likely it is that your child will continue to play.
Another thing to be careful about when ordering online is that it is important to have the proper size. Each string instrument has multiple sizes. Just like you need a specific size in shoes for your feet, instruments need to be sized in order to be played properly. Whenever possible, it's important to be sized in-person.
At K.C. Strings, our beginner instruments are set up to ensure that your student has the best possible chance for success right from the start and we have professional staff to make sure students are sized properly.
To learn more about our Rental Program, click here.