10 Tips for choosing musical instruments

Probably, if you are considering acquiring a new instrument, you wonder what are the conditions that must be met so that it is worth investing money in it. There are many circumstances, qualities or attributes that can make us opt for one model or another, from the price, sound, performance, to the color or the "wave" that transmits us.

In addition, many times, when we have in our hands a new instrument for us, we do not know what kind of exam to undergo to really be able to evaluate, in a while, if it meets the characteristics that will satisfy us in the medium or long term.

Here are some tips to help you decide which model suits you best and how to test it. I assume that, at least, you are very clear about the instrument you are looking for, because if you doubt between a guitar and a Darbuka, for example, you probably have to do a previous investigation.

1.- Set a budget. It is the first thing you have to consider. How much money am I willing to invest in that instrument? This will allow you, first, to discard all those instruments that are not included in that price range and, second, you will know what you have to do to collect that money in the term that you mark. Also think about the purpose of the purchase, since you probably do not want to spend the same on an instrument for professional use (and that is an instrument for making money) than on an instrument for occasional domestic use.

2.- Ask yourself in what circumstances you will use it, what you want it for. You already know how much you are going to spend approximately. Think that there are instruments designed for study, for live, to study at home, etc. and practically in all price ranges. But of course, each environment requires a different instrument. If you are going to play live with that instrument, maybe you should consider going for a light instrument (if you are going to carry it hanging like a bass or a guitar), that is easy to assemble and disassemble and to load and unload, that is versatile in terms of its benefits, that it offers you a wide range of sounds and configurations, that is colorful, that endures the road treatment well..

3.- Consider it as an investment. When I buy an instrument I see it more as an investment than as an expense. As the name implies, a musical instrument is a means to achieve a musical end, never an end in itself, unless you acquire it as an ornament, furniture or collection piece. It is a tool that satisfies a need at a specific time and if these circumstances change, you probably want to get it out in the second-hand market. 

4.- If you buy a rare instrument, make sure it makes a difference. I love luthier instruments, because I think they are instruments with a unique personality. But make sure it makes a difference, whether in terms of price, performance, functionality, adaptability ... Do not buy a mere imitation of a commercial model if it has no added value.

5.- Get your hands dirty. Touch it, touch it, exploit it, test it, touch all the buttons and switches and check that everything works correctly. If not, find out how much it can cost you to solve any problems you may have. Whether you buy a new instrument in the store or if you buy it second-hand, in most cases you will need a set-up before you can enjoy it 100%. Keep this in mind, especially if you buy an acoustic or electric instrument.

6.- Make sure you tune. This point is fundamental! Your new instrument must tune perfectly. On many occasions a small adjustment or a change of ropes, patches, reeds or nozzles will suffice. But sometimes it may require more serious, laborious and expensive work. Make sure you solve this point.

7.- Be surprised. Normally, we get a rough idea of ​​the instrument we want because we have heard about it or because we have seen it play to another musician. But think that this is never a guarantee that it will also work in your hands. Try different options and choose what suits you best, which does not have to be the same that suits others, no matter how similar they are to you.

8.- Judge him as a listener. Change your perspective, ask another person to play that instrument for you and just listen and assess the way that instrument projects its sound. This is especially applicable in acoustic instruments such as guitars, drums, amps, metals ... but always think that it is not your hands that are touching it.

9.- Ask for help. If you are not entirely sure about the decision you have to make, ask a third person for help. It may be a teacher, a colleague or a classmate, but an objective opinion and perhaps more expert than yours may be useful.

10.- Sound! Enjoy the sound of that instrument. Touch it and see how it sounds. Pay attention to color, harmonics, attack, sustain, body, etc. There are a thousand nuances to evaluate in terms of the sound of an instrument, but surely when it is pleasant you will notice. Play something simple, that you know well and that you may have already played with another instrument.