Purchasing a Musical Instrument

Classical Guitar

The information in this guide has been prepared by the School of Instrumental Music to assist parents. We do not recommend any particular supplier or brand of instrument.

WHERE TO START?

This guide has been prepared to give general advice to parents who are preparing to buy a musical instrument for the first time.

You will need to consider three options. Depending on circumstances and opportunities, any one of these options might suit you at present:

Purchasing a new instrument outright
Purchasing a second hand instrument
Purchase plans or rental programs

1. Purchasing A New Instrument

There are many different brands on the market, and some retailers are agents for specific brands.
A robust student model is all that is required at this stage - you can upgrade in a few years when your child's playing is more advanced.
Check the Yellow Pages and take the time to 'shop around', as you would for a household appliance! Compare brands, models and prices. Once you have found a suitable instrument, you may wish to compare several retailers' prices on that brand and model again before purchasing. Ask for the student price.
Some shops offer a trial period, so the instrument can be arrangements can be made for maintenance and repairs of your new instrument. returned/exchanged if not suitable.
Always enquire about the warranty, and clarify what service arrangements can be made for maintenance and repairs of your new instrument.
If the instrument is looked after carefully and serviced when necessary, when you wish to sell it you should find that it has held its value well.

2. Purchasing A Second Hand Instrument

It is possible to purchase a good second hand instrument, but be careful. Beware of 'bargains'. Sometimes second hand student models have led a hard life!
Older students at your school or the local high school may be 'trading up' to a more advanced instrument, and you should also check the press and music stores for second hand instruments.
If the instrument appears to be suitable, as the student cannot play it yet, ask if you can take it to class for inspection by the teacher.
It is probably better to stick to a well-known brand when buying second-hand.
Be aware of the cost of a comparable new instrument in order to assess the value for money. As a 'rule of thumb', a second hand instrument will cost between 1/2 and 2/3 of the new retail price, depending on the age and condition.
Some shops offer an advisory service that checks instrument condition and advises of approximate value and cost of any repair work needed. If the instrument is in poor condition, this could be more than the cost of the instrument itself!
Make sure that you purchase a new set of strings for your instrument.

3. Purchase Plans or Rental Programs

Some music retailers provide purchase plans to enable you to pay for an instrument over a period of time.
In some circumstances it might be worth considering renting an instrument, especially for an interim period.
A few telephone calls will provide you with a comparison of conditions and costs for purchase plans and rental programs.

WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR INSTRUMENT...

Instrument insurance is recommended. Make sure that you record the instrument's serial number.
The teacher will teach students what is needed for everyday care for their instrument, and will let you know if the instrument needs strings replacement or maintenance. Do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A STUDENT CLASSICAL GUITAR

General craftsmanship - neatness of joints, quality of finish and woods used.
Playability - the height of the strings from the fingerboard, the distance between the strings and the string scale (length from nut to bridge) all affect how easy an instrument is to play.
Tuning pegs - each tuning peg should turn smoothly, be lubricated and hold the string in tune.
Neck straightness - when viewed from the head stock to the bridge, the neck should appear straight and the frets should all fit firmly to the fingerboard
Stability of the table (front). The front of the instrument should not bow in and out and the bridge should be attached to produce true harmonics at the 12th fret.
Tuneability - strings, saddle, bridge, nut and tuning pegs all affect the ease with which the instrument can be tuned and how well it stays in tune.
String scale. It is recommended that Year 6 students use a 65cm string scale, which is standard for most full sized classical guitars.
Some small students may need a small instrument to begin, but the quality of these makes buying a useful one comparable in price with buying a full size guitar. The 58cm string scale is appropriate. These students will need to advance to a full sized instrument as soon as physically possible. Your teacher will advise you if your child needs a small instrument.

Classical guitar involves playing notes up and down the neck and tuning in the upper register is very important. If you are uncertain about an instrument, ask your teacher's advice.

There are many brands of guitars and many different styles of guitars. Be sure to tell the store attendant that you intend to study classical guitar. Most shops stock one or more of the following popular brands: Suzuki, Yamaha, Ibanez, Alvarez, Admira, Aria, Maton, Sanchez. You may find others of equivalent quality, as this list is not exhaustive.

You will also need a sturdy footstool, music stand and a guitar carry bag or case.