The Instrument Recommendation thread

[ThePhanastasio]

Originally Posted by realfanback

i have recently formed a band a few months ago but i have no idea where i can purchase a guitar and a good quality drum. Besides that, is it possible to get an antique piano and how much does it cost?

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.

[ashleighmunnx]

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.

[escapetheperfection]

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!

[drh1589]

Originally Posted by ThePhanastasio

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."

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.

[Two Jacks]

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.

[Ozthemonkey]

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.

[Reburon]

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.

Originally Posted by Two Jacks

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.

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

[Burning Down]

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.

[Lord Larehip]

Originally Posted by ThePhanastasio

Seriously, Craigslist. If you see a drumset for, say, $250,

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

For a guitar, check out Craigslist as well

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

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.

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

[Dr_Rez]

Originally Posted by Lord Larehip

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

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.

Originally Posted by Lord Larehip

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

...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?