Your child's teacher will be able to advise on the correct instrument. For instance there are flutes available with curved head joints, which are better for the younger/smaller child than a standard, straight head model. Smaller, 'Kinder Klari' & 'Lyons C' clarinets are also available, which have a simplified key system, making them easier for smaller hands.

You may not even have to buy an instrument. Many local authorities have designated Music Services, who work with local schools, supplying specialist music teachers, and other learning opportunities. Your local Music Service should also have a stockpile of instruments available for hire to those undertaking tuition. Please note that demand often exceeds supply, especially for more popular instruments and you may have to go on a waiting list. Some Music Services also have a limit on the duration an instrument can be hired for, typically 1 full term. If your child wishes to continue lessons beyond this, you will then need to buy an instrument.

If for some reason your child's music teacher is unable to offer such advice, or know how to contact your local music service, drop me a line at info@psychopinkgrasshopper.com stating where in the country you are based, and I'll see if I can find a contact.

Sourcing an instrument

As you will have noticed, brand new instruments are not cheap, a brand new entry level Buffet or Yamaha clarinet could set you back around £400, with entry level flutes retailing at around £325 for a Trevor James to £500 for a Yamaha. This is a huge investment, especially for the younger player whose interests may change rapidly, leaving the instrument to lie in a box at the back of a cupboard.

With this in mind it's no wonder new players or their parents look for a cheaper option, through second hand stores or eBay. While there is nothing wrong with this approach, it is certainly a case of 'buyer beware', especially where the buyer has little or no knowledge of the instrument being sought. 

I've put together the following information to help you.

Buying a Second Hand/Used Instrument

The best way to avoid being stung with a second hand instrument, is to buy through a reputable music store or teacher. They will have often inspected the instrument, and in the case of specialist woodwind stores, are likely to have undertaken any necessary repair work. You will also have the option to hold/test the instrument before you buy. 

Buying from Second Hand Shops

Beware buying from non music second hand stores. Shops that also sell second hand  TV's, DVDs, CD players etc are examples of these. While it is possible to pick up a bargain, it is also possible to buy a lemon. I've recently seen a number of flutes in a local second hand store priced between £75-£120, all of which needed a good clean and service, some had more serious problems. Carrying out the required work would cost at least as much as the instrument. If you do come across an instrument you like the look of, see if you can buy it on approval, and take it to your teacher for examination. If this option isn't available, ask if the instrument can be reserved, and see if your teacher would be willing to make the trip to take a look at it for you.

Buying from eBay

Please note that the following information is not intended to discourage people from purchasing instruments from eBay. It is intended to give the buyer the knowledge they need, to ask the right questions, to buy the right instrument for them.

New Instruments on eBay

eBay has a wide range of instruments for sale both new and used. Some sellers offer new flutes for little more than £60 + p&p, with new clarinets being offered for around £75 + p&p. While these instruments will work, and are perfectly fine for the occasional hobby player, they are often made from cheaper materials, than their more expensive cousins, and therefore don't offer quite the longevity or tonal quality sought by the more serious/experienced player. 

It's important to keep in mind the phrase 'you get what you pay for'. There is a reason new entry level instruments cost what they do, and it's not all to line the pockets of the shopkeeper.

Used instruments on eBay

If you've decide a new instrument is not for you, then there are some nice used instruments out there. Buying used from eBay carries more risk than anywhere else, as many items are 'sold as seen' with no returns policy. Unlike second hand stores or classified ads, you won't get chance to see or try the instrument before you buy.

I'm finding more and more listings on eBay where the seller claims to know nothing about the instrument being sold, but goes on to state that everything seems to be working fine. The fact is, unless a seller can actually play the instrument, or has seen the instrument being played immediately prior to listing... there's no guarantee everything 'is' working fine. 

In order to keep listing costs to a minimum, many sellers only provide one photo, and more often than not, it won't actually tell you much about the instrument. The onus is on the buyer to read the item description carefully and ask questions where anything is unclear, before bidding. Most sellers are only too happy to give you more info, or to provide more photos on request. It is important to gain as much information as you can before you place your bid.

The questions you need to be asking differ depending on the instrument you are buying. I've included specific buying guides on both the clarinet and flute sections to help you out. If you require any further info, please feel free to drop me a line at info@psychopinkgrasshopper.com.