Save Cash: Musical Instruments for Kids
September 12, 2011, By Jack Heffron 2 comments
My sons love to play music. I played for years—until it became clear rock stardom was not my destiny—and maybe they picked it up from me. There's nothing I enjoy more than watching them play, and I've seen countless parents beaming while their kids perform. But a musical hobby can be expensive, whether you're buying a first instrument for the school band or your kids are banging out heavy metal in your basement on pricey amps. Having been through the situation for a while now, I've learned a few lessons.
1. Consider buying used. If your son or daughter is dipping a toe into the musical waters, don't blow a fortune on that first instrument. They might decide they don't really like it or that they'd rather play a different instrument. It's natural for a parent to want the best for their kids, but hold off until you're sure they want to continue and that they know which instrument they prefer. Good places to look for used stuff are Craigslist, eBay, and the classified ads on local websites or newspapers. If there's a used instrument store in your area, check it out. Even pawn shops can surprise you. WIth the economy sagging during the past few years, a lot of people are selling instruments that have been sitting idle in their homes for years to make extra money. Be sure to check out the instrument thoroughly, and be extra cautious when buying electronics. A guitar amp, for instance, can look good on the outside but be pretty well fried. Many times, however, you'll find the instrument has gathered dust from not being played and needs just a tweak or two.
2. Consider renting. A lot of school bands have arrangements with companies that rent instruments. If yours doesn't, a local music store likely rents instruments. Again, you're hedging your bet here—making sure your child enjoys playing and wants to continue before plunking for a new instrument. Take the time, however, to read the rental agreement. Can all the payments be applied to purchase, should you decide you want to buy it? Is there an "out clause" if, after a few months, your child has had enough? Also, do the math. A new instrument might cost, say, $500. Rental might be just $40 per month. But if your agreement is for 12 months, you'll pay $480, nearly as much as buying a new one.
3. Cultivate a local retailer. If your kids love music and are going to play for a long time, you'll be buying a lot of equipment. You can find deals at places like musiciansfriend.com, but you'll need to make frequent visits to the site to grab the really good ones—and they go fast. The retail chains usually can beat the prices of a locally owned store, but I prefer to buy from the latter. By patronizing one store, you become a valued customer, and the owner wants to keep you happy and will knock down prices to do it. With each purchase, you're investing in the relationship, and the owner is much more willing to deal. You're also supporting the little local guy, which is something I like to do. Know that buying a new instrument is like a buying a new car, however. Before you're out of the parking lot, its value has dropped, unless you're buying a top-end instrument, which can even gain in value through the years if it's well cared for.
NEXT: Trade in or Sell the Old Ones
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