Testing a New Instrument: How to Know if an Instrument is Right Fit for You

Buying a new instrument is exciting. And It can also be… weirdly overwhelming.

If you have a little bit of playing experience, you might walk in thinking you’ll just try a few things, and suddenly you’re comparing finishes, tone, weight, price tags, and wondering if you somehow forgot how to play the moment someone hands you an instrument. Or if you're just planning on getting into it, you may have not realized all the differences between brands and feel.

Regardless, take a breath. It’s a normal, common experience.

We've walked people through this process for decades and have made the process simple. Our goal is to find the instrument that helps you play your best!

Before You Start Testing Instruments, Know Why You’re Shopping

Depending on your why, it will determine how your search will go. For some folks, it's a new venture to play an instrument, for others it maybe that their current instrument feels limiting. The big questions we ask are what we recommend you ask yourself:

• What’s working with my current instrument?

• What feels frustrating about my current instrument?

• Am I looking for better response?

• Easier playability?

• Fuller sound?

• Something that fits my budget?

You don’t need all the answers before you walk in but having some direction helps. If you're unsure, we will guide you in the right direction based on these answers! For example, for some of our clients we may steer them to investing in lessons because we notice what they're looking for wouldn't come from a brand new instrument.

Budget, Budget, Budget

Once you know your why, it's time to set a budget. Look, I know-- a lot of people feel awkward saying their budget out loud but knowing your budget helps narrow choices realistically and prevents falling in love with something wildly outside your comfort zone. Instruments can get expensive really quick! Even if you have a limitless budget, the most expensive one in the room may not be the right instrument for you. Also because of the nature of instrument shopping especially at consignment heavy story like ours, you need to be ready to purchase when you are testing an instrument because it may be gone if you don't purchase right then and there. If you need some ideas about financing and budgeting for a new instrument then read our blog here.

Schedule a Sales Appointment

I know with lots of excitement, you may want to walk in and purchase right away but specialty stores like us, we want to make sure we set you up for success and we are able to give you our full attention so setting up an appointment lets us make sure we find the right fit. You can read more about our sales appointment here.

Plan to bring an Extra Ear to try Instruments

Okay so you got your why, your budget set, and appointment set; plan to bring someone else to your appointment as an extra pair of ears. One of the hardest things about instrument shopping is that you’re the one behind the instrument, so you don’t always hear what everyone else hears. That’s why getting another perspective helps. Ideally, you'd want your private music teacher, ensemble director, or trusted musician can give feedback you may miss. But again, you have us! We’re educators and musicians by trade who understand what to listen for and help you find the right musical instrument for you!

Let the Testing Begin! Play What You Already Know

This is not the time to test your newest challenge piece! Use music you know well and play it at the tempo where you can really listen to the sound of the instrument. It can be scales, warmups, or short excerpts. Whatever you play through, it should be a piece you’ve played enough times that your brain isn’t necessarily focused on what comes next. Reason being is that if you’re learning the music and learning the instrument at the same time, you won’t know what you’re actually reacting to. Familiar music gives you a reliable comparison.

A Flashy Piece isn't Going to Tell You the Character of the Instrument

Everyone wants to jump straight into the flashy passage but slow it down first with some fundamentals. Try playing things like long tones with dynamic variation, scales, articulation exercises, and short passages. As you do these exercises, you will need to evaluate the things you like and don't like. Some questions you could ask yourself is:

• Does it respond easily?

• Does it feel stuffy anywhere?

• Is one register harder than another?

• Does articulation feel clean?

• Does the instrument fight me?

Taking a bit of time to evaluate the instrument will give you a good understanding on whether it's something you want to work with. At the same time, you don't want to play so much that every instrument sounds the same. So little focused short bursts and instinct is key to instrument testing. That said, if you've never played an instrument or don't have the chops to do this yet then, no worries! We can recommend the best fit for you with other guideposts.

Notice the Feel of the Instrument

While the sound is important another factor to consider is the physical feel to the instrument-- if you've been playing for a bit. While holding the instrument, you may want to think about whether or not it feels comfortable. Sometimes instruments could feel too heavy or the reach could feel different. In most cases,

this may be something that you can be accustomed to over time if the sound of the instrument speaks to you. If you've never played an instrument before, this is a non-issue because it's going to feel awkward at first!

The biggest question is “Does it make me smile?”

An instrument that you will enjoy is key. I picked my instrument based on a few elements but the biggest indicator for me was how it felt correct and it made me smile-- So if you find yourself smiling; then that is the instrument for you!

If you’re unsure where to start, we can offer guidance for your next instrument purchase or rental because choosing an instrument shouldn’t feel like a guessing game.

About the Author