Seriously, Craigslist. If you see a drumset for, say, $250, contact them and say, "I'm kind of short this month, but would you take $175 cash?" Nine times out of ten, they'll say yes, (especially if you go pick it up and load it out) and that's a bargain.

For a guitar, check out Craigslist as well, or pawn shops. Pawn shops will hella jack up the price. Don't super lowball them, but just examine a guitar lovingly that's got a price tag of $250 - $300 and then be like, "This guitar is so pretty, but I saw one of this model on Ebay/Craigslist/Amazon used for $150."

They'll probably shoot for the $200 range, then be like, "Yeah, well, with shipping, I guess I could probably pick the other one up for $175." Generally, they'll either take that offer, or put you around $180 or $190. At this point, just seem a little skeptical, all, "Well, I don't know. I mean, I'd like to have the guitar right now, but waiting a few days and paying $175 seems pretty nice." Then, they usually either match your price or are all, "I'll go $180, and throw in some picks and a strap."

For the piano - Craigslist, estate sales. That kind of thing. If you want an upright, they usually go from $150 - $500, depending. In the lower end, they've probably never been tuned, and that will add additional expense. On the bright side, you can still haggle the price.

NOTE: If you offer CASH IN HAND, suddenly the bottom dollar lowers itself.

Hey! I've been playing guitar on and off since i was 13. I have a Bc Rich warlock and quite like it but i am wanting to expand on my guitar skills. I'm wanting to take up acoustic guitar though i don't really know whats the best type for me to get, i don't want to spend too much just a guitar to get me all the basics on.

Hi guys,

I'm after a new electric acoustic. I currently play an ibanez acoustic which sounds terrible and is extremely difficult to play. I am hoping to spend no more than $1000 but want a decent guitar. Was looking at a Maton or a Taylor but they are quite hefty in price.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

This man speaks the truth. I've bought two guitars, a pedal, a microphone, and a vintage amp in pawn shops before. If you're smart about how you shop you can get a steal.

Hi all. I've been taking some beginner piano and theory classes and now I want to start getting more serious with it. I'm good around a computer and move around a lot as well. It seems to me like a electronic paino will be perfect for me. So now my question is, which piano is best for me?

I want to be able to interface with my computer and I know you need MIDI to do so.
1. How do I tell if my computer will already take MIDI interface?
2. If I can't, what kind of attachment will I need to make it work?
2. What is a good piano for the kind of composition work I want to do?
3. What is some software you would recommend to do this?

I am a student so being cost effective is always on my mind, and since I move something compact is nice as well. Thanks for the advice in advance.

Well you know , it doesn't have to be midi . you could just connect it with a normal jack and a converter . But i heard about the differences between and midi.

If anyone has a few thousand and are looking for a nice piano, the Yamaha CP 70 is absolutely B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. A unique tone and quite a good size as well.

1. I'm not great with technical stuff, but any music production software should support MIDI.
2. If not, I guess a MIDI-USB adapter would work.
3. I'm not good with individual models, although I have a few favourites. Generally, any piano with a decent brand should be acceptable. Make sure it as a MIDI out port though.
4. If you're starting out, I'd suggest Fruity Loops, to get used to simple stuff. If you're doing loops and things, Ableton Live (what I use) should do just fine

Does anyone know where I can get a cheap Autoharp? No more than $450-$500. If it's online they need to ship to Canada at a reasonable rate. I'd prefer 21 buttons, but 15 is okay, I can work with that.

Seriously, a drum kit for $250 is a piece of crap. I have cymbals that cost that much.

Never buy a guitar off the internet! How can you know it's any good if you don't play it first?? Caveat emptor.

I know guys who have put stuff up on Craigslist. Whatever you paid for it wasn't worth it.

Not if you are looking at a 4 piece or something. My first drumset was a pearl forum 4 piece with a high hat and ride that were Zildjian ZBT. I sold it for 250 on craigslist. It isnt a pro kit but it certainly worked for plenty of shows my friends and I used it for.

...You play it before you buy it lol, just ask them to plug it in when at their house. Do you know how craigslist works?