The Next Level
They say the grass is always greener--and sometimes, they're right. If the approaching holiday season has you daydreaming about an instrument upgrade, you're not alone. But before you write that letter to Santa, you'll need to take a few things into consideration.
Better Quality
Are you still playing the guitar you bought in high school, or pounding away on your great-aunt's hand-me-down piano? When you started your musical journey, you may not have been convinced that you'd stay the course, or that you'd fall in love with making music the way that you have. Yet here you are, years later, still playing. And you're playing an instrument that sadly, has seen better days. If you're playing an instrument that is old, or one that could be rated as "beginner" or even "intermediate" in quality, you will likely notice a significant difference by moving up to a more expensive model.
"With brass instruments, differences in quality are in the construction," says Stephen Laifer, 42, a professional horn player and music consultant in Syracuse, New York. "High-end brass instruments are typically handcrafted by skilled artisans, as opposed to the robot assembly method used in factories. The result, though pricey, is an instrument custom-built for an individual player. Of course, before spending such large sums, it makes sense to make sure your playing skills are in order. A custom-built horn will not correct technical shortcomings--and after all, it's the player, not the instrument, that makes the music."
"Playing a nicer instrument is much more inspiring than playing a crappy one!" says Jason Darr, 32, frontman of the Vancouver, British Columbia-based band Neurosonic. Putting a little money into upgrading your instrument can act as its own motivation--you'll want to play more because you'll want to get your money's worth, and you'll be drawn to the “newness" of your purchase. "You really do have to be inspired by your instrument," Darr says. "You need to love it, to not be able to get enough of it. If you're bored by your instrument, it's time for something new."
In the end, your best bet is to let your ears decide. "If you can tell the difference between the sound a cheaper instrument makes and the sound a more expensive one makes, then that's all you need to know," says Darr. "A noticeable improvement in quality is always worth the money. If it sounds good to you, then it's the right fit."
You may have also reached a point where you're ready to try more complicated pieces of music or stylistic techniques, and you may be looking for an instrument that can give you all of the "bells and whistles." And if you're ready to jump into making recordings, it's time to start exploring the digital world.
New Technologies
Before you choose your new instrument, you should consider the differences between "old school" acoustic and electric instruments, and their more modern digital and electronic counterparts. In an era where musicians can find each other--and play together--online, many are opting for instruments that provide an easy plug-and-play adaptability. Digital instruments make recording a breeze as well, and you don't have to be a professional to get a kick out of recording and editing your own tunes.
Says Brian Murphey, 28, a pianist and keyboardist based in Birmingham, Alabama, "I'm always on the lookout for something new, a better conglomeration of what I need." Murphey, who records and plays live, was playing three or four different keyboards, but recently he chose to upgrade to one that can combine the best attributes of the others. "The keyboard I have now has full synth and pad capabilities, full analog and digital capabilities," he says. "It's pretty bad ass!"
When it comes to jumping ahead into the modern age, it's important to ask yourself, "What kind of music do I want to make?" More than likely, you're looking for a certain sound. "There have been some huge improvements in digital instruments; the field is growing in leaps and bounds," says Darr. "Both acoustic and electronic instruments serve their own purpose. They each have their own sounds. In the end, it all comes down to preference. You can get a digital delay pedal that allows you to program in a specific tempo, and it's great. Just know that it might not be the same warm and fuzzy sound as the old fashioned pedals."
Another benefit of digital instruments is that many of them can be played in silent mode, allowing you to practice anywhere, at any time. This is a great option for parents and grandparents who can only find time to practice after the kids are in bed, or for people living in apartments or condos who don't want to disturb their neighbors. If you travel extensively for work and have always wished you could bring your instrument along with you, digital instruments are a great choice. They're often much more compact than traditional instruments--some are even collapsible. It's much easier to fit music making into your schedule when you're not limited by time of day or location.
Signature Sound
Sometimes the right instrument is the one that helps you to create your own unique sound. Jason Mather, lead guitar instructor at the Paul Green School of Rock in Princeton, New Jersey, often fields questions from students interested in moving to a more expensive or more complicated instrument. "I ask them what kind of music they like first," he says. "What kind of sound they want to make. Are they looking for a heavier, rock sound, or something more jazzy? There are a variety of neck types and pickups that create specific sounds."
Mather suggests reading interviews with artists whose music you admire or want to emulate. Find out what they're playing on, as well as their preferred gear. "Then go to your local music store and try those instruments out," he says. "You can do research and you can talk to other musicians, but each instrument has its own feel. Nothing compares to actually picking it up and playing it."
If you know that you want to play in a specific musical genre, or if you want to continue a family tradition of making music in an ethnic style, then investing in a specialty instrument is the only way to get the genuine sound you're after. For example, while you may be able to produce a more or less Tejano sound by tuning a traditional 12-string guitar an octave lower, it won't be the same as playing an actual bajo sexto. Is blues your thing? Then you'll want to buy a blues guitar with a mellow, harmonic mid-range quality that lets you feel the emotion of the song.
Building a Collection
If you consider yourself to be a true collector, there are always handcrafted, custom-built instruments. Some are made from premium materials like 400-year-old rosewood. These instruments possess their own personalities, their own tonal qualities and subtle differences.
For example, specially made woodwind instruments may have "bright" and "dead" zones, meaning that in the higher register they have an extraordinary, singing pitch not often found in their less expensive counterparts.
As your skill level increases and your budget allows, you might consider building a small collection of instruments, each with their own individual voice. Because having just one specialty instrument can be limiting, many musicians choose to purchase, over time, several different instruments; for example, combining classic guitars like Gibson Les Pauls and Fender Straocasters with a high-end acoustic guitar or a banjo. As Mather says, "For musicians, instruments are like potato chips. You can't have just one."
What to Consider When Upgrading Your Instrument
| Collect a Clasic |
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A classic guitar like a Fender Stratocaster will let you make music in a wide range of styles and can become the centerpiece of your collection. This American Vintage '62 Strat has all the vintage features you'd expect to find on the original 1957 model, as well as a rosewood fretboard and a slimmer, quicker neckline. |
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| Rock Harder |
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The recently reintroduced Rogers drum line includes this kit, The Trailblazer, designed for musicians who are ready to take a step up from their beginner-level instrument. Easily expandable with a variety of available add-ons, this kit is not one you'll soon outgrow. |
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| Practice In Peace |
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The Yamaha Clavinova CLP-240 has everything you could want in a traditional piano but so much more. Plug in a set of headphones and play at any hour of the day or night. A USB port and internal memory make computer connectivity and digital recording easy and efficient. |
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