(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best band & orchestra

Are you just looking for a euphonium? Or do you need to buy a marching horn?

If you do need a marching horn, I’ll dissent that Jinbao stencil will not be good in a couple of month. It’s all about who the importer is. Jinbao cranks out stencil horn to anyone who wants. Wessex, Mack Brass and Dillon music are the best in terms of quality control.

Only Wessex carries marching brass. Schiller gets their horns from Jinbao but I have only heard bad reviews of their quality control.

That being said, look for a used bach Mercedes marching baritone or a used conn 136e if you don’t want chinese. You can find them for around $500-$600 in decent playing condition. I have a conn 136e and it’s great. It’s a stencil of the King 1124 which is the gold standard marching baritone.

If your lookin for any euphonium don’t buy a marching baritone. They only have use in a marching band. I use mine in a fusion brass band for fun.

As for the Jinbao stencils, they copy the Yamaha 642 compensating euphonium. Mack Brass is the best band for your buck. Its only carried in silver and is $995.

I’d suggest replacing the springs with Yamaha springs. And maybe replace the felts. Neither are necessary but can make the horn just a little better.

Wessex Dolce already has better valve springs and felts. But the starting price is $1370. That’s for the gold brass bell version, which does have a beautiful warm sound. If you want the silver plated version it’s $100 more, and standard yellow brass bell. If you want silver I think the Mack Brass is the better option. Wessex does a few things like their Wyvern engraved valve buttons and the aforementioned springs and felts. But Tom McGrady who owns Mack Brass has a leaner operation so he’s able to keep the price down while still having great quality control.

I have a Wessex Festivo but still replaced the springs, but the felts are perfectly fine.

If you’re willing to spend $800 I’d say spend the extra $200 and get a Mack Brass euphonium. Otherwise look for a used Yamaha 321 on eBay. You can usually find them for a decent price. you’ll need to spend more on a used king 2280 which is the best non compensating euphonium on the market. The conn 19i is the stencil of the king 2280 and if you do see them on the market, they go for less than the kings but play just as well. They are a rarer find though.

First thing's first, welcome! :)


My greatest advice is to avoid the <$100 Amazon/eBay specials like the plague. They look like this or this.

If you are to buy used, make sure you get something from a reputable brand. I learned on a Gemeinhardt when I was a little kid and it took a beating and kept playing, so they're close to my heart. Yamaha is a great choice, Armstrong is pretty good too. Generally when you buy a flute, I recommend buying it in person but as you are new, it would be hard to gauge if the instrument is in good condition/working order. If you're buying from the internet, see if you can arrange with the seller to allow for a return policy so you can take it to a technician!

Some other advice-- it's hard to get going and its even harder without the guidance of a private teacher. It'll take a while to be able to get a sound, and it takes practice to make that sound good. As recommended by Band_Derp, it may be worth taking a lesson or two to expedite the process. Don't be frightened when you realize it's difficult to play, this is where a lot of people give up. It just takes perseverance, and once you get the technique it's hard to forget it. It becomes muscle memory and will only improve with practice.

The other point I should wish to add is to have fun with it all. As with all hobbies, make sure you still find the fun in it all even through all the work you put into it!

Done and done

Hey, so, the title says it all mostly...

I collect and play a variety of instruments (mostly string), and have a perfectly good cello taking up space that I’d like to donate to a good home/school. I’ve asked a couple of my teacher friends, and none of them have gotten back to me.

Anyway... It’s in good shape—as far as I know—but probably needs some strings and/or a tune-up. Comes with a bow of course, and a lightweight canvas carrying bag.

I’m in East Sac, and can meet up anywhere around here today.

The Sacramento Reddit community has helped me out before; this is my way of giving back. Students or teachers only, please. If that’s too much to ask, just promise me you’ll play it.

Cheers

Done aaaand done Thanks to u/dlmusgrove for giving her a new home.

If anyone else who was interested is truly inclined/sparked now to hop on the cello train, there are a handful of affordable options on Amazon Prime that could have you experimenting by this weekend.
Keep playing, whatever it is you play 🎶🤘🏼

If I started over, my first whistle would be the Dixon DX001 because it is so sensitive, lovely sounding, easy to play, and smooth even up into the 3rd and 4th octaves. It is noticeably faster and more focused even to a novice.

My 2nd instrument would be the MK Pro Low D whistle. It is truly a lovely instrument and capable of very focused tone but also very chiffy and woodsy tones if preferred. My only negative is that the aluminum causes a lot of condensation build up, even on the mouth piece and even without playing. I am constantly having to dry the airway so I don't have condensation running down my chin.

The Dixon Low D tunable in metal is one I play far more than the MK but it doesn't sound quite as nice. It's got a less focused, softer, tone. However the plastic mouthpiece and fipple don't have any condensation issues and so it's much more comfortable to play, especially when it's cold.

Other whistles I've enjoyed are the Shaw High D with wood fipple. It has a very pleasant, chiffy sound but the construction is a little crude. The Clarke SDBC is almost as good as the Shaw but more refined in construction.

The Generation and Feadog whistles with the plastic fipple over a brass tube are the cheapest, most toy like whistles I own, but even they are very playable. I dislike the hard edges of the tone holes on my fingers though. It makes ornaments with finger slides less enjoyable.

All whistles are going to require VERY little breath. You could almost play it without your lips touching.

I have had my eye on the Chieftain Thunderbirds for awhile but have not had a chance to play one yet. I've heard they are much louder than average, and this can make them very good for busking and playing with others. The one challenge with any whistle is that it's difficult to control dynamics. You can only blow so hard in the low register before it jumps to a higher register, so it can be difficult to play with enough volume.

It really depends, I’m not the op but I was a TA in a band program my senior year of high school for college credits and I helped with ordering new instruments and such. You can get a nice flute for under 500 if you really search eBay and such. But a brand new “beginner” flute that is still super nice and I’ve seen multiple students to all state with them are around 100-300 anything bellow 100 I would be hesitant with. Hope I answered!


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006WAVPEM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=windplays-20&linkId=f3cb111c7bdc507e43559140218691af

That is a super nice option that my old band programs gave to our high school students! And it’s less then 200 bucks!

It's horribly taboo, but if you want a cheap and fun sax check out the Glory saxophones. I haven't looked in awhile, but I remember they were on amazon for 100-200 bucks or something like that. I liked my $300 tenor before I upgraded, and there's a ton of great reviews for it on amazon.

Everyone on saxophone forums will blast them for not being a $1500 Yamaha or a 100 year old family heirloom that was a gift from the 3 prince of the Congo, but from my experiences and other reviews they are a cheap and dirty Chinese sax brand that gets the job done.

Edit: The mouth piece and reeds that come with it are terrible, I'd upgrade those asap. But here is a $200ish one with good reviews https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Saxophone-11reeds-Cushions-DIRECTLY/dp/B00OET2ICG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495033826&sr=8-2&keywords=glory+alto+saxophone

Thanks everyone for the replies! I'm replying to this comment, but I also encourage anyone else (and esp /u/Skripka) to reply as well!

I think I'm more than discouraged enough to stay away from the two I linked in my original comment. What about Stentor 1 and Stentor 2? I've seen a few places (and a comment here) that recommends them.

The plan is for my first child to use a violin for a couple of years then move to a full size. I actually own a couple of full size violins and hope to hand down one of them. I have a second child as well, who will hopefully then pick up this same 3/4 violin when the time comes.

I would say one thing, don't underestimate yourself, no matter how long you've been away.
I recently got back to flute playing after years away and decided that a random brand standard student flute (c-foot, closed holes - https://www.amazon.com/Roy-Benson-RBFL-402E-Student-Flute/dp/B007ZA3N02) was a safe bet but I am starting to want more. The one I got is cheap and and unknown brand and I think that a better flute would make me more confident about my flute playing and work harder to really be on the level that the flute it intended for. Despite the price I would not say it's a junk flute as it looks just as good as anyone else's in the band I'm in, but I am seeing and experiencing a lot of things that I find disturbing (some long rod is bent although it appears to have no effect - someone checked it said that it makes no difference so it's fine but I am not happy, B natural and Bb keys sticking together etc), and the case is already breaking apart after just 6 months. Long story short, I wish I had aimed higher and made a better choice.
My opinion is that you should first try to improve your posture, get a flute that meets your current needs and future expectations and just keep practising. Go to your local music shop and see if you can try a wave joint flute and if it does work better for you, get it. However, I think that you may get frustrated with it sooner or later when you become better than what your flute can do. I also think that would most likely force your arms into an unnatural position, unless you are a petite person. If you cannot hold it at the right angle you will have a lot of problems with your embouchure and tone and that will make it even harder and soon enough you'll be wanting a new one.
Jen Cluff has a huge collection of helpful articles: https://www.jennifercluff.com/posture.htm

So yes, to play ALL songs you'll need a chunk of harmonicas. However, its very important to get a solid, quality harmonica. I'd recommend spending at least $30 per harmonica and getting a Hohner Special 20 or Lee Oskar (or any other equivalent-or-better quality harmonica) per diatonic you get.

You can spend more, like $60+ per Harmonica if you want... if you want to go cheaper, try to stick to at least the stuff over $30.

So I know that gets expensive, but look at the songs that are available: http://www.reddit.com/r/harmonica/comments/i3w6o/song_keys/

True, there are eight harmonica keys for all the songs. But obscure harmonicas (like "Low C") don't really have very many songs for them. In that song list, C, F, and D cover most of the songs. Although different genres have preferences for different keys.

I mean, you have seven harmonicas in seven different keys. Which ones do you really use? You probably only use one of them a lot, and maybe two others. Just upgrade the few that you actually are using.

In any case, if you're going the Diatonic Route, it will be more important to get a few quality harmonicas (Hohner Special 20, Lee Oskar)... rather than getting leaky, unplayable, unbend-able cheap stuff.

And Harmonicas are lucky: entry-level professional-grade Harmonicas start at $35. Unlike other instruments which are far more expensive (look at those Professional quality Clarinets)

There are a bunch of cool budget instruments out there you might want to look into.

A melodica can go for as little as 30 bucks on amazon. It's the instrument that plays The Office theme -- it plays like a keyboard, that you blow into, works like a harmonica and sounds sort of like an accordion. It's really awesome.

You could also just get a harmonica. Choose between a blues harmonica an a chromatic -- blues can only play the notes in a blues scale (for jazz), while chromatic is a little more versatile but harder to play.

For 70 bucks or so you could get a pocket sax. It's a little mini saxophone that sounds like a soprano sax mixed with a clarinet, and plays like a recorder.

If you want to get a brass instrument you could get a pocket trumpet to start. 150 dollars or more, basically a little trumpet with keys and everything.

Of course, if you're not afraid to spend somewhere more in the hundreds, you could get a secondhand version of almost any instrument. Check local garage sales or craigslist for used brass, woodwind, percussion, etc. instruments.

Online you can also find cool instruments for cheap. A cheap sax might cost only a few hundred dollars.

A general rule of thumb is "the bigger it is, the more expensive." So a baritone saxophone or a tuba will be super-expensive, while a pocket sax is cheap as dirt.

/u/Morthy's Demands: I only have one wishlist. =]

1. I feel like classical music could be something posh. haha
   
2. People may think I'm odd if I just busted this out in public.
   
3. Sadly I had nothing phallic on my list, what is wrong with me?!
   
   /u/Akeleie's Demands:
   
   
4. Possibly this, but not sure if she's that geekish, more like awesome!
   
5. This to help me relearn what I've forgotten.
   
6. I don't think anything on my list would be helpful, except maybe these? lol
   

I had a classic antique violin with a horse tail bow when i was very young..it sounded absolutely amazing when someone who knew what they were doing touched it. I am fascinated by the awesome modern looking ones like this one or this one - i have seen them played on youtube and its amazing..i love the sound.

Amazon - $54.95 & FREE Shipping

http://cheapviolinstore.com/ - $49.99

Ebay - $32.45 + Free Shipping

Ebay - $30.38 + Free Shipping

Ebay - $31.86 + Free Shipping

Ebay - $49.99 + Free Shipping

Musical instruments in general tend to be "you get what you paid for" items though.

No problem! Usually you can find a decent Yamaha or Armstrong on ebay, craigslist, or even sometimes pawn shops. A really good idea is to have the seller play the instrument for you or bring a friend a long who can test them out first.

Here is an option on amazon that seems pretty great actually.

Hope that helps!

That’s a rough deal, but don’t give up!

If you can play trumpet to be got the hard bits of music down:

reading pitch

reading rhythm.

Pick up some mallets and figure out how to play marimba!

You could also pick up a midi controller like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E5YP0M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cjEIBbDWBXSMH

Or this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MTKAD0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0jEIBbNZ7CC8D

I bet your band director will work with you to keep you engaged with the group making music and challenging you to be a greater musician (source: I am a band director)

The autos is truly lovely, (Haka wood grain) Sweet, bright sound without being so much of a shril which is so typical of plastic soprano recorders in general.
https://www.amazon.com/Aulos-703W-Soprano-Descant-Recorder/dp/B001VO7ACA

Here is a video of Lenka Molconilova playing one, she used to play the Aulos Haka plastic recorders before getting the handmade expensive recorders she plays today. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hVARLQolFk0

For sketching: r/ArtFundamentals

It goes through the basics of form and dexterity practices, how to hold the pencil, how to draw from sight, how to teach yourself drawing/sketching, how to see 3D forms in 2D space. Very good stuff.

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For the Viola: Adults actually have an easier time learning instruments than children, because they have the attention span to actually sit down and earnestly practice 1 hour every night to improve themselves. Those practice hours COUNT more than a child's average practice session, because it's done for the want of learning, not because you have to. Of course it's impressive for a 12-year-old to play complex music, but when it comes down to it, adults are faster at learning, because they know how to learn, and how to stay focused. This myth of 'Adults learn everything slower' is so tiresome and just hurts us all. We have less time to set aside, but that time is so much more fruitful because we know it's valuable.

Many of the violin tutorial vids on Youtube will also work for the Viola. (Viola is the superior instrument IMO. Cello is a close second in my heart)

You can get a beginner's Viola + kit on Amazon. It won't be professional quality, but you don't NEED professional quality when you're just learning the strings and how to hold the bow and properly change notes.

​

EDIT: to add link

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

1. I put a cello on my list yesterday when I saw that someone received a violin
   
   
2. I played the cello when I was in grade school for about 4 years until my step mom decided that I wasn't good enough and sold it without telling anyone. I will admit that I wasn't that great, but I enjoyed playing. My mother wanted to buy me a new cello but she couldn't afforded it on her own and my dad wouldn't help her buy me a new cello because my step mom wouldn't let him. The years went by and I accepted that I wasn't going to get to play again.
   
   About 5 years ago I discovered the band Apocaliptica and since then I have been wanting to start playing again. I have started saving for a new cello a few times, but something always seems to come up and I have to spend my cello fund.
   
   
3. Yes, I would be fine with never getting a Cello again because i have accepted that I will probably never will. Also, I try not to get too attached to the things that I don't have or will never have because that will only cause me to suffer more.

Almost forgot, I've been seeing these Mendini piccolos for only $130 on amazon and ebay.

http://www.amazon.com/Mendini-MPO-BK-Lacquer-Piccolo-Cleaning/dp/B005013JXE

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mendini-Silver-Plated-C-Piccolo-w-Hard-Case-Care-Kit-/130555316784?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e65b40a30

I see they have pretty good reviews but I assume there has to be a reason they are so cheap, has anyone played one? Is this a great deal that I should jump on or would it be better to invest in a better quality one (while considering money is an issue.)

https://www.amazon.com/Hisonic-Signature-2610-Orchestra-Clarinet/dp/B000BOQYCS I believe this is the link to my current clarinet. Cork is coming off and some buttons are pretty sticky. When I play certain notes of a lower register, it just squeaks because a piece is missing/the buttons are misaligned. I've had it since I was in elementary school, currently in college.

Honestly?

This

OR

THIS

They are on my wonderfully named "No Way in Hell" list

Stranger things have happened.

Cecilio CCO-100 Student Cello with Soft Case, Stand, Bow, Rosin, Bridge and Extra Set of Strings, Size 4/4 (Full Size) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007OOUZ9G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Td21DbFCT2J66