So your child LOVED their trial lesson in piano---but you don't have a piano at home. A quick Google search for "where to buy a piano keyboard" got you fifty million different options, and now you're overwhelmed. Yikes!
The amount of purchasing options available for different piano keyboards, drum sets, and guitars can be a lot to handle, to say the least---not to mention that you have to consider pricing/budget, quality of the instrument, and other factors! It can all be overwhelming but it doesn't have to be. Take a deep breath, and check out our recommendations for each instrument and price point.
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PIANO AND KEYBOARDS
Recommendations for Beginners
Model: YAMAHA-Beginner keyboard! Student Level: Beginner
Budget: $100-$300
Notes: Great for Beginner and intermediate. Does come with a stand and seat---for 5/6/7 year olds it might be a little bit too much.
Student Level: Beginner
Budget: $100-$200
Notes: This one is geared towards beginners only, but it's affordable and everything is included (headphones, music stand, keyboard stand, bench), so it's a good short-term investment before they level up. Not for advanced students.
Recommendations for Intermediate/Advanced
Student Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Budget: $200-$300
Notes: Comes with a sustain pedal that the other one doesn't, and having a sustain pedal is important. Also comes with its own music stand.
Student Level: Advanced
Budget: $400-$500
Notes: Good investment for very serious students and it can last for a very long time. It comes with all three pedals, and has weighted keys and it comes with a piano bench.
GUITAR
Model: LUCIDA 3/4 size nylon string guitar
Size: ¾ Size
Price: $99-$150
Age range: 5+
Notes: For Beginners and intermediate.
Size: Full Size
Price: $80-$200
Age range: 8+
Notes: Can be used for beginner, intermediate and advanced. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Size: ¾ Size
Price: $149-$200
Age range: 5+
Notes: For beginners and intermediate. Comes with a guitar bag.
Model: YAMAHA Full size nylon string guitar Size: Full Size
Price: $150-$350
Age range: 12+
Notes: For intermediate and advanced for the age 12+ (recommended because of the size of the guitar neck. It’s very wide).
Size: Full size
Price: $299-$399
Age range: 8+
Notes: Can be used for beginner, intermediate and advanced. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Size: Full Size
Price: $300-$400
Age range: 8+
Notes: For beginners, intermediate and advanced. For ages 8 and up.
Size: Full size
Price: $349-$500
Age range: 10+
Notes: Not for the beginner but definitely for intermediate and advanced. Recommended age 10 and up.
DRUMS
Recommendations for Beginners
Price: $1,304
Pros:
-5-piece provides great versatility for a beginner drummer
-good entry-level set
Cons:
- stock cymbals don't sound good
- stock drumheads don't sound good and are not durable
Price: $469.99
Pros:
- 5-piece provides great versatility for a beginner drummer
- good entry-level set
Cons:
- stock cymbals don't sound good
- stock drumheads don't sound good and are not durable
Recommendations for Intermediate/Advanced
Price: $679.99
Pros:
- uncluttered, classic, clean design
- great sound
- great value for money
Cons:
- No plastic or rubber gaskets underneath the lugs
- doesn't come with a kick pedal or snare stand
Price: $1,647
Pros
- great value for money
- good for practice and small gigs
Cons
- Poplar wood choice leaves a lot to be desired in a studio recording setting
- decent stands, there are sturdier one out there however
- doesn't come with cymbals (standard for mid to high-end kits)
Price: $1,423.31
Pros
- beautiful silver oyster pearl finish
- maple wood is an industry-standard studio sessions
- versatile 20", 14", 12", and 10" shells make it suitable for almost any gig or session
- easy to tune
Cons
- no snare, stands, or cymbals included (standard for high-end kits)
Sticks for drums-
Practice pad for drums-
VIOLINS
Violin sizes:
Age: 4-6
Arm length: 17"-17.5"
Violin Size: 1/8
Age: 6-8
Arm Length: 17.5"-19.5"
Violin Size:1/4
Age: 8-10
Arm length: 20"-22"
Violin Size: 1/2
Age: 10-11
Arm length: 22"-23"
Violin Size: 3/4
Age: 11+
Arm length: 23"+
Violin Size: 4/4
Beginner Violins:
Price: $99.99
Pros: Comes with extra strings, case, tuner, adjustable shoulder rest, rosin, great price.
Cons: Amazon does not have 1/8 size currently.
Price: $169.99
Pros: Perfect for students between the ages of 10-11.
Cons: Does not come with anything else but bow and violin.
Price: $99.99
Pros: Comes with extra strings, case, tuner, adjustable shoulder rest, rosin, great price, comes in 1/8, 1/2, 1/4, 4/4 sizes.
Cons: Does not come in a 3/4 size.
Price: $99.99
Pros: Comes with extra strings, case, tuner, adjustable shoulder rest, rosin, strap, comes in any size, great for anyone who is looking for a violin that will last a long time.
Cons: higher price range.
MISC