(Part 2) Best band & orchestra according to redditors

that's a lap harp

Yamaha 2xxx series horns are great places to start. At first you really won't notice a difference between that and a more expensive instrument.

Yamaha YTR-2335 Bb Trumpet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007KPKXK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uOI0Bb0GE3ZC2


Trumpet is hard. It will take a lot of practice to make a good sound on a few notes. So don't get discouraged when you don't sound like Miles as fast as you would like.

Try to stay relaxed, tension breeds bad habits and will serious impede your sound.

If you can find a teacher you should definitely take a few lessons to get started. A little bit of guidance goes a long way.

I hope you love the trumpet and stick with it. Good luck on your journey!

Apparently they make adaptive recorders just for this

https://www.amazon.com/Recorders-All-Triple-Adaptive-Recorder/dp/B07B5D4VF2

Isn't it a type of zither? We had one when I was a kid.

Edit: Lap harp, here it is on amazon

In general, I think Great Wall means "Made in China." The model number, GWV-1500, makes me think it's a factory-made violin, made in China. The Strad label usually just means that it's a copy of an actual Strad.

Probably worth <$1,000 at best.

Edit: Unless you've bought it yourself at a music shop/luthier, I have a sneaking suspicion that GW is the maker for stentor violins, therefore: https://www.amazon.com/Stentor-1500-4-Student-Outfit-Polishing/dp/B075S91YWY/ref=pd_cp_267_2/132-5729587-5125165?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B075S91YWY&pd_rd_r=1e734802-8ce8-4082-b49f-162f1dbf82f7&pd_rd_w=4UFHl&pd_rd_wg=7SKGT&pf_rd_p=0e5324e1-c848-4872-bbd5-5be6baedf80e&pf_rd_r=A38JKKW383A8JDS56GXH&psc=1&refRID=A38JKKW383A8JDS56GXH

Music Maker Lap Harp, commonly called a zither.

https://www.amazon.com/Music-Maker-681234000013-Lap-Harp/dp/B00000J50W

https://www.amazon.in/Muteyaar-Plastic-Chhikka-Kainchi-Clapper/dp/B07BN8MG5F

I think this is it

There isn't really a specific price range I can think of where you are buying a VSO as compared to a student violin. but if I were to say any, maybe below 300- 350?


but really, it all depends on the maker, whether it was manufactured or made by a luthier, materials used, etc. A VSO in my opinion is just a cheaply made violin that is audibly shitty, and tend to use cheap woods and supplies (glue, strings, etc.). a good way to spot a VSO is if it comes in multiple colors, like pink or blue, or different wood textures (ahem, ahem, mendini). also, just picking one up, you can tell something is up. it may be too light, or the neck may have really cheap wood. stuff like that.

but yeah, as I said, the price line between a student and a VSO is very... fuzzy, I think the word I'm looking for is.

Teaching at a public school, I see a lot of the Amazon instruments. Stentor is probably my favorite of them, though the Cremona are all right. The quality can really vary on those cheaper instruments, especially when the peg box or bridge are poorly cut. Amazon has a pretty good return policy if you want to consider buying a cheaper one and asking your child's teacher if they'll be successful on it. If you end up buying one of the cheap ones, you're probably better off getting a $30 bow from Shar to use instead of the one that it comes with.

I love that the affordability of these instruments opens up the opportunity for more kids to play violin, but they really do make playing harder for the kids using them. If you think the kid will stick with it long enough to get to a full size, I think that's more reason to invest in an instrument that is more playable and produces a better tone so they enjoy it more. But I get it when parents can't afford that extra cost.

Woot! Did it without adding anything new to my wishlists/linking to nonwishlisted items :D


1.) Something that is grey.


2.) Something reminiscent of rain.


3.) Something food related that is unusual.


4.) Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself.
Tell me who it's for and why. (Yes, pets count!): It's for my roommate because I can't cook to save my life >_<


5.) A book I should read! I am an avid reader, so take your best shot and tell me why I need to read it! That or anything else my Elizibeth Hand- she is amazing. I also highly recommend her wonderful novel on mental illness, Generation Loss


6.) An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping... that is not jewelry, nail polish, and or hair related! $1.35 was the best I could do


7.) Something related to cats. I love cats! (keep this SFW, you know who you are...)


8.) Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it. Both needlessly fancy brads and a coloring book (as if I weren't about to start the semester full time in a couple days. Heh. Leisure time. LOL, that's so cute.)


9.) A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. Why? I didn't add any movies onto my wishlist because I have Netflix and I never watch the DVD's I have. But everyone should watch Fight Club, The Daparted, Memento, Requiem for a Dream, Night of the Living Dead, and- most importantly, The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra. Go watch it now! To fulfill the scavenger part of the contest somehow, here is a tchotchke from my favorite TV show ever, which has spawned 12 movies, most of which you should see.

So I could be all cheesy and pick a movie that most people have for the most points, like Avatar, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc, but you know what's more important than winning contests? Revelling in the cinematic beauty that is The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra! Los Skeleton is literally the funniest movie I've ever seen. I remember my abs hurt so bad afterwards from laughing so hard for so long. My friends and I got all these inside jokes that we still use today, ten years later, that still crack us up.
Well, now that I've played it up to a standard that no movie could ever live up to (I'm sorry, I meant no movie except The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra!) so that you'll surely be underwhelmed by it, regardless of the cinematic masterpiece that it is, all I can say is, "Enjoy!"


10.) Something that would be useful when the zombies attack.

Explain.

Because destroy the brain, kill the ghoul, of course.


11.) Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals.. There were a couple of items I could have put here instead: a die cutting machine, an accordion (want. SO. bad!!), a Chromebook, but I think what would really bestow the greatest impact on my life and help further my goals would be a serger. My birthday was a week ago and someone asked me what I wanted to happen this new year for me. I ended up writing a journal page about it, and one of the things was to improve my costuming skills and to finally take them to a professional level that I can be proud of distributing.



12.) One of those pesky Add-On items. So pesky that I made an entire wishlist just for add-ons


13.) The most expensive thing on your list. Your dream item. Why? I love the accordion and I've wanted one for years. I can't explain why. Or Jason Webley is why. Whichever answer you prefer.


14.) Something bigger than a bread box. Hello!


15.) Something smaller than a golf ball.


16.) Something that smells wonderful. I love this stuff!


17.) A (SFW) toy. I apparently have a bunch and they're all in Hebrew. I don't even speak Hebrew O_o


18.) Something that would be helpful for going back to school.


19.) Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be.. Mixing two of my obsessions and one love all together: scrapbooking, washi tape, and steampunk. Yes.

20.) Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it. Explain why it is so grand.


I don't know if the grandness of Cthulhu slippers needs to be explained. It's Cthulhu...but slippers! :D


Your Name Is Bonus: How about some super good-for-you Melissa supplements?

Oregon Bonus: "harvested in the waters right off the Oregon Coast."


fear cuts deeper than swords. I live you contest idea- this was really fun to do. Thanks! :D

looks like it is sold out right now,

This is the set

its a low quality instrument, I got it (and everything pictured) 500 after tax and shipping.

the instrument is a great learners, came well packed, works for me to learn what I need to . I will upgrade if/when I ever need to.

I have no experience with them but this looks nice. A little classier than most.

I actually used to work for CG, amazon is your best bet! If you're looking in that range :

https://www.amazon.com/Mendini-Antique-Violin-Shoulder-Strings/dp/B002026DR0/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1483299777&sr=1-3&keywords=violin
https://www.amazon.com/Mendini-Strings-Shoulder-Natural-Varnish/dp/B01MTV42C9/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1483299777&sr=1-5&keywords=violin


I would recommend the higher priced- but they're both student, bottom of the line violins. Better quality though!

I've had it for a few years (in which time it's been safe in its case), but it had this problem out of the box. It wasn't a very expensive set.

I picked it up the other day for the first time in a few years and really enjoyed playing, expect that I sounded awful and the screeching kept me from making any very long notes.

https://www.amazon.com/Hisonic-Signature-2610-Orchestra-Clarinet/dp/B000BOQYCS I believe this is the link to my current clarinet. Cork is coming off and some buttons are pretty sticky. When I play certain notes of a lower register, it just squeaks because a piece is missing/the buttons are misaligned. I've had it since I was in elementary school, currently in college.

I had a classic antique violin with a horse tail bow when i was very young..it sounded absolutely amazing when someone who knew what they were doing touched it. I am fascinated by the awesome modern looking ones like this one or this one - i have seen them played on youtube and its amazing..i love the sound.

This is a song from my band which features a zither. It was tuned to an open chord and struck with a tuning fork. There is also plucked melody as well.

This is the model we played on. It's pretty basic, not great tone, resonance, or projection, but it gets the job done.

5k is a whole lot of money for a flute, especially if she isn't taking private lessons to really be able to know how to use those nice features (like the better tone, possibly open holes, etc etc...)

Honestly, you can get a very nice flute for $800 or so at any close-by Music store. I've taken private lessons since I was 13, and have for 3 years now and my Yamaha 221 is a very good flute for me.

If you're really set on buying her a more advanced, expensive flute, you can go with one priced at around $1300 or so, such as the Yamaha 262.

The difference between the two flutes I have listed is that the 221 is meant for more beginning students, but still not the cheapest one. 221 has offset G, so the key is easier to reach with your fingers, it has closed holes, so you don't have to worry about covering the holes with your fingers, especially if she's got small fingers. The tone in my opinion is just fine.

The 262 has the offset G (if you want an onset G, it's just a more expensive flute. But the tone difference between having onset and offset is barely even noticeable. I feel onset G is unnecessary for her playing.) 262 has open holes, which once mastered, produced a very good sound. It's not a whole lot different from the 221, except for the fact it's slightly higher quality and has closed holes and a few other minor features.

You can check all of the features through each of the links I gave you for each flute.

All of the advise from the other redditors is great too, and I much agree that for your daughter's level, it's a much better investment to buy a less expensive flute and invest in some private lessons for her, they do make a difference!

I hope your daughter continues to enjoy playing the flute!

Take care.

Here are some suggestions:

A simple system flute, often called an Irish flute. They are diatonic but these will allow you to play music in the keys of D, G, A and e-minor. Many good inexpensive ones are available, usually made out of Delrin, a very durable plastic. These are decent and affordable instruments. You can literally put them in a dishwasher and they will play fine afterwards:

​

Tipple Irish Flute: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Doug-Tipples-3-piece-Irish-Flute-in-Low-D/133022489025?hash=item1ef8c219c1:g:A0gAAOSwNSxVXrS~

Shannon Irish Flute: https://www.irishflutestore.com/collections/irish-flutes-new/products/shannon-low-d-polymer-irish-flute-by-walt-sweet

​

Or, if you want to play a modern chromatic flute (which would allow you to play most any sheet music) there nothing wrong with getting a decent metal student instrument. It will hold up fine to travel with modest care. Just get a little hard case, and swab it out after use:

Yamaha YFL-221 Student Flute: https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YFL-221P-YFL-221-Student-Flute/dp/B0002F7LXC

As to the suceptable to moisture comment, just think how many of these perform just fine with student marching bands in rainy weather.

Someone mentioned the Nuvo plastic flute and that is fine too, though for a little more the Yamaha is a better instrument and will last longer.

​

I don't think the suggestion to get a Native American Flute is a very good one, unless you are interested in playing that genre of music. The simple one octave pentatonic (5 note) scale is very limiting.

just by the picture you linked to it looks to me that it's stamped into the top plate. If it really is stamped, just return it and get this one instead

I'd stick with a Yahama, Jupiter, or Bach beginner horn then. Those are going to be the highest quality and within your price range. Something like this

I’d use DSK SaxophoneZ or invest in a Venova or Xaphoon,

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YVS-100-Recorder/dp/B074R86GRQ

I’d prefer to learn this though, also M1 Legacy has a good saxophone in it.

1. Violin - Because it is one of my dreams to learn the violin.
   
2. Sony Headphones - Because I desperately need a new pair for running.
   
3. Pocket Synth - Because synths are awesome!
   
4. Letter Opener - Because I broke my old one.
   
5. Inkless Pen - So I never need to buy a new pen again!

Thank you. I think I'm going to purchase http://www.amazon.com/Cecilio-CEVN-2BK-Electric-Solidwood-Metallic/dp/B003F1PK42/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1289068746&sr=1-1
I realize it probably isn't that good but I don't want to spend $1,000 on one right now.

Thanks everyone for the replies! I'm replying to this comment, but I also encourage anyone else (and esp /u/Skripka) to reply as well!

I think I'm more than discouraged enough to stay away from the two I linked in my original comment. What about Stentor 1 and Stentor 2? I've seen a few places (and a comment here) that recommends them.

The plan is for my first child to use a violin for a couple of years then move to a full size. I actually own a couple of full size violins and hope to hand down one of them. I have a second child as well, who will hopefully then pick up this same 3/4 violin when the time comes.

My experience with this was not negative. It seemed to be a real violin with real spruce/ maple/ebony: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0020288RI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage Swap out the strings for Dadario Preludes Look also for Cecilio violins too. The Cecilio cello I bought is awesome.

I'm on my phone and will edit with links later, but the violin would do so much for me. It's my favorite instrument, and I don't care if it is impossible to become great once I'm an adult, l want to play and learn and have a chance to let the music in my heart out.

Edit: The Violin in question

It is a lever harp. The levers near the top allow for different tunings, but it doesn't have any pedals. This is the specific one the player uses, as indicated in the video. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LUD1F4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=acousti0f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B001LUD1F4&linkId=c61cc225ecbd65b568d13a74c89c399a

Check out the video's description. There's an amazon link that answers your question.

http://www.amazon.com/Full-Student-Violin-Starter-Rosin/dp/B000FB6TV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372334502&sr=8-1&keywords=violin

Is there anyway you could buy me this cheap violin? I've always wanted to try and play, but on a students budget, I can't afford one. Here's a really cheap one