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Buying the Right Budget Instrument

Seen a new instrument under £150? Isn't that too good to be true?! How can an instrument be too cheap?

This isn't a cynical attempt to persuade you to buy from us, but just plain advice on purchasing an instrument that isn't going to shatter your ambition as soon as you or your child starts playing.

Every year there are more and more cheap, poor-quality 'own-brand' instruments arriving in shops, mainly from China. Although not in every case, we have found the vast majority to be very poorly made, and in our opinion could actually put you or your child off playing a musical instrument for life. The problem is, these instruments are hard to identify, since they usually have European or American sounding names and have all sorts of teacher recommendations too.

These instruments look pretty and on first appearances seem like the real thing. We're constantly being sent samples at this price point from manufacturers, and in most cases they do not make it past our repair studio. Only after careful inspection, consultation and design dialogue directly with the factory have we developed a range of competitively priced yet good quality instruments that carry the Just Flutes name.

So what is actually wrong with the majority of these instruments? And why don't we stock them?

Firstly, we realise that buying an instrument is not cheap and is often a gamble taken by parents who are not sure whether their child will stick to playing. And we believe in making good-quality instruments available to as many people as possible, so when we are sent samples, our technicians test these instruments with an open mind. Here are some of the problems they frequently encounter:

Low-grade metal This is the main reason that these instruments can be made so cheaply. Low-grade metal (whether it's nickel or brass) is very soft, meaning that the keywork bends easily - not just if you have an accident, but through normal playing. Of course, a repairer can bend it back into shape, but it's only going to bend back again and again and again... As a side issue, the grade of metal also has a big influence on sound quality.
Bad design Another reason that these instruments are cheaper than leading brands is that little or no investment goes into design. Instead of being ergonomically designed like well-established brands, keys are placed in awkward positions, making the instrument hard to play and hold. This can lead to bad posture and, ultimately, RSI, tendinitis or even back problems.
Poor build quality Companies which pay peanuts to their instrument makers will of course end up employing monkeys. We see so many instruments with bad lacquer or plating, solder joints coming apart, pads not sealing, corks and felts falling off, poorly fitting joints... Any one of these things will make an instrument unplayable.
Poor tuning If our technicians (who are also highly trained musicians) can't play them in tune, a beginner quite frankly doesn't have a chance. The result? It sounds bad and the student (and parents!) are put off.

A False Economy

These are not the only reasons why buying one of these instruments is a false economy:

Even if you are lucky and find one of these instruments which works, it will take a player only through the early grades. You will need to upgrade to "the real thing" and splash out all over again.
There is very low re-sale value on cheap instruments - whereas a good pre-owned Yamaha or Jupiter will hold its value many years down the line.

What can you do to avoid getting caught?

When using a specialist shop such as ourselves you get the opportunity to view and try several instruments, knowledgeable help in choosing the best option for you, and the security of good after-sales service with our Perfect Performance guarantee. We are on the front line, having to give a reality check to the unfortunate purchasers of these instruments, many from auction sites or web-only shops.

We sift through all the makes and models available, so if we don't list it (and nor does any other established music shop), ask yourself why.
Ask the seller where the instrument is made (and not where it comes from, as these instruments usually arrive through European or American importers). Taiwan is usually good, as they've been making good student instruments for decades - Taiwanese brands include Jupiter and Pearl. China and India are the places of manufacture to be wary of.
Instead of buying a cheap new instrument, buy a better second-hand instrument which has an established reputation - no-one was ever disappointed with a Yamaha!
We have a few very carefully selected lower priced instruments in our own brand range, which can take a player through the early grades. You may pay a little more for them, but you can be assured that we have really put them through their paces before deciding to sell them.
If you are worried about your child giving up, rent a good quality instrument first. This gives you an opportunity to try an instrument without having to commit to a purchase.
Buy from someone you trust, or if you are in any doubt, get an opinion from a good player or teacher.