Too often we have parents who come up with a poor instrument for their students. When asked … they reply “oh, it’s just a starter instrument, and then we’ll get them something better.” Oh, this can cause a lot of trouble! Usually we see that students stop playing when they start playing an inferior instrument.
When a student has to fight with a musical instrument that he does not play well … everyone often believes that THEY are the problem. After all, Mom and Dad just bought this shiny new instrument at the Wal-shop … It can’t be the problem.
Poor quality instruments go out of tune very quickly, often cannot make all the notes on the instrument scale, and are often in the shop. Inexpensively made instruments are usually made of a finer metal that does not wear out well. Additionally, string instruments can have a multitude of problems such as crooked necks, lower strings, accessories, and warped bows. We see many Chinese guitars with necks so lopsided that they cannot be played. Some of these defects can be fixed … but sometimes the solution is more expensive than the instrument was purchased.
It is better to rent a quality instrument than to buy the “eBayer surprise.” Most brand name instruments will allow your student to learn at their own pace rather than fighting the horn.
When a parent invests in a quality instrument (to rent or buy), they ensure that they give their student the best possible chance of success.
In these uncertain times, don’t skimp on your students!
