• Some, not all, instruments made in China or India are poorly made
  
• Instruments that are sold at a mass merchant, not at a music store
  
• Some, not all, instruments that are sold on the Internet
  
• New instruments sold through a classified newspaper ad
  
• Priced significantly lower than at a music store (for example, a new violin or trumpet for under $200)

Drawbacks to Purchasing a Low Quality Instrument

• Difficult to tune or does not stay in tune (discouraging the student)
  
• Inferior tone
  
• Difficult to play
  
• Manufacturing processes far below standards of well-known brands
  
• Metal instruments made with inferior alloys, thin metal and poor finish
  
• Often not repairable
  
• Often no recourse with the seller in case of problems
  
• Replacement parts are not available
  
• No resale or trade-in value

What You Can Do

• Contact your local music store to find out reputable brand names and appropriate price ranges
  
• Consider purchasing a quality used instrument instead of an inferior new one
  

You wouldn’t put your child in sandals to play basketball and tell them you will buy them sneakers once they make the team! Insure a successful musical future for your child and save yourself money in the long run.