WHAT INSTRUMENT SHOULD I BUY?

This is a question we’re frequently asked and although we don’t sell instruments, we are more than happy to provide advice to parents and students alike.

There are considerable differences not only between different brands but also between different models of the same brand of guitars, amplifiers, pianos and keyboards. These differences are not apparent to the untrained eye…or ear!

Price or known name brands are no guarantee that you are buying the best instrument for your own needs or for the money you wish to spend.

We don’t recommend that you simply ask a salesperson. More often than not, music retailers have an interest in promoting certain brands above others. Some retailers have a wholesale arm and so their own imported brands offer a far greater profit margin. The prudent shopper needs to bear this in mind when asking the salesperson for his or her opinion.

We on the other hand, have no vested interest in promoting one brand above another. We only recommend brands and models that we believe are the best choices for our students.

Obviously people’s budgets are a consideration, but often you can purchase very good instruments for not a lot of money if you know which brands and which models to choose. This is especially true with regards to guitars.

Whether it’s guitars, pianos, keyboards, amplifiers, metronomes, tuners, music stands, cases, or even guitar picks, we never recommend rubbish.

We don’t recommend rubbish for two very good reasons:

Firstly, we simply don’t believe in promoting poor quality instruments.

Secondly, although our students usually can’t judge the quality of their instruments when they start lessons….they soon will! If we’ve recommended poor quality instruments, students will understandably be unhappy with us at the point when they can tell chalk from cheese! We have long-term relationships with our students. Some of them have been coming to us for over ten years!

Here are some testimonials from students who have bought instruments we have recommended:

Warren Dixon, electrician from East Keilor, aged 35
‘I have been receiving guitar lessons from Melbourne School Of Music for approximately 12 months. At the beginning of my lessons, I spoke to Don about the purchase of a guitar as I was playing on a borrowed one. Don spoke to me at length about the different types and brands of guitars and recommended the Jackson. The guitar was very affordable compared to most other name brands. Having tried other guitars I found the Jackson easier to play without any noticeable difference in sound quality compared to a lot of the more expensive guitars. The guitar looks great as well.

Don also recommended that I buy a Jackson hard case to protect the guitar. I’m so glad I took his advice and bought the manufacturer’s case, as it fits the guitar perfectly, rather than the third party cases that many of the shops recommended, where one size fits all. Overall, I am extremely happy with the purchase.’

Zeynep Oyman, resident doctor from Richmond, aged 24
‘I picked up the classical guitar again at the age of 22, having been a dismal pupil at the age of 7 when my dad tried to teach me classical guitar. I asked Don to recommend a guitar that was a reasonable price for a beginner and easy to play, while still producing a decent sound. Don recommended an Admira Seville. This was to be my birthday present from my parents. Unfortunately, they could not find the model in any shops in Sydney where they live, so they bought the next model up – a Rosario. My dad has been playing classical guitar for 40 years and was very impressed with the sound and still comments on what a great sound the guitar produces given the relatively budget price. I have been very happy with this guitar. It is easy to play and on days when it doesn’t sound so fantastic I am usually at fault!’

Josie Tata, superannuation officer from St Kilda, aged 34
‘I’m very grateful to Don for his assistance in purchasing my amp. His vast knowledge and expertise was of great value and benefit to me. Don made every effort to ensure that he found the right amp for me. He took into consideration both my current and future needs and ensured I would receive the best price possible. He made certain the amp was of a high standard and took the time to explain the various features to me. The end result was a quality amp at a great price and one happy customer.’

Bill Best, chemical engineer with Mobil

‘Hi, my name is Bill and I am an Chemical Engineer who has taken up Classical Guitar Lessons with the ‘Melbourne School of Music’ after playing rock/popular styles for many years. Apart from being taught by a great musician, I have also been impressed with the equipment recommendations I have received. I purchased an entry level ‘Admira Irene’ which stays in tune, has good intonation and overall has suited my needs without breaking my bank account. Before buying my next guitar I would certainly contact Don for his advice.’

Bob Pease          

Wanting to learn the guitar I purchased my first guitar with the “expert” advice of a local music store and started lessons. I was struggling with my lessons not realizing that my guitar was not suitable for me, which was never pointed out by the music store, or my teacher.          

I felt I was not progressing, so I started lessons at the Melbourne School of Music. The first thing that was discussed with Don was my guitar, and I was shown why it was not suitable for me and the music style that I wanted to learn.          

Don suggested a guitar/amplifier package suitable for me and assisted in the purchase.          

When I pick up my original guitar now and compare it with my new guitar, I understand the importance of having the right guitar matched with a quality amplifier for each individual. It is disappointing that I wasted a lot of money on my first purchase because of bad advice, however, I am more than pleased with my new guitar/ amp, I love it.

“A tradesman must have the right tools to do the job properly”.