Playing a musical instrument doesn’t have to be a huge financial commitment. While some musical instruments are very expensive, there are often affordable alternative solutions. Whether you’re thinking of picking up the piano or trying the trumpet, here are a few ways in which you can save money on your musical instrument of choice.
Buy used instruments online
Online platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to find cheap used musical instruments. Some of these musical instruments may not be in good condition, but others could be near enough brand new and barely played. It’s even possible to find some people giving away instruments for free (including used pianos – however you will need to figure out how to transport it back to your home!).
Rent an instrument
There are some companies that provide instrument rental services. This can be much cheaper upfront than buying an instrument. It can also be a good way of trying out an instrument – if you decide it’s not for you, you can return it. Instrumental rental services include band instrument rentals, guitar hire companies and piano hire companies.
Borrow instruments from family/friends
Know someone who has an instrument that’s just gathering dust? Or perhaps you know a musician who has more than one instrument in their collection? You could consider asking to borrow this instrument to learn it. This could help you decide whether the instrument is right for you without having to pay anything. Just remember that it is not your instrument – they are in their right to ask for it back at any time, plus you’ll need to keep it in good condition.
Shop around for discounts
It’s possible to buy brand new musical instruments at amazing discounts by shopping at the right places at the right time. You can often grab deals on musical instruments around Black Friday, but the best time of the year for discounts is usually January when you get a lot of clearance sales. Online instrument stores can sometimes have much cheaper prices than physical stores. That said, you will have to pay for delivery – which could cost a lot of money when ordering heavier instruments. Sites like Amazon could be worth exploring if you’re a prime member as free delivery may be offered.
Stick to starter instruments
If you’re just learning an instrument for the first time, it could be worth sticking to musical instruments advertised as ‘starter instruments’. These instruments may be quite basic in design and built from cheaper materials, but they are also often easier to play as a beginner and a lot more affordable. Yamaha, Squier and Roland are a few examples of brands that make musical instruments for beginners. There may also be lesser-known brands out there worth exploring that have great starter instruments at even lower prices. Of course, make sure to read reviews to check that customers approve the quality of these instruments – some musical instruments sold online are built so cheaply that they may fall apart in less than a year.
