Best wind & woodwind instruments according to redditors
We found 101 Reddit comments discussing the best wind & woodwind instruments. We ranked the 63 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 101 Reddit comments discussing the best wind & woodwind instruments. We ranked the 63 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
>I've been pondering getting a saxophone and learning to play via beginner books and YouTube tutorials. I currently play no instruments. How often will I need to practice?
The general rule of thumb is to practice an hour a day if possible. This depends on many factors though. Beginners won't have the stamina for that and need to work up to that. Good players generally have a period where they practiced substantially more than that and underwent rapid improvement, although they may not need as much practice to simply maintain their skills. Many pros continue practicing more than that. Obviously this varies a lot from player to player.
>How long (average) until most people can play and it actually sounds decent?
This depends on far too many factors to really guess accurately (as well as your definition of decent itself!) but if you put a gun to my head and made me guess I'd say minimum of a year and probably more for most people. It'll be substantially longer if you try to teach yourself, and you may just teach yourself a bunch of bad habits and flawed technique to the point where you never get there.
>I also have a low budget to spend. Is this a ok beginner sax to buy?.
No. That is an expensive paperweight. The best starter sax out there is a student Yamaha. You can get a YAS-23 used for probably $500-800 depending on your local market and whether you search online. You could probably also make do with a handful of other student saxes, but most won't be substantially cheaper than the Yamaha.
>The other question is can the noise be muffled? I've seen mutes but do they really work? I cannot afford a large enclosed sound dampening case. I'd rather not annoy the wife or neighbors. I live in a house not apt.
Not really, no. Even the enclosed cases only cut about a third to half the sound. The problem is that, unlike brass instruments that can be effectively muted, saxophones (and other woodwinds) emit a large percentage of their sound through the highest open tone hole. There are many such holes, so you can't just mute the bell. There are a few products that claim to be able to do precisely that but doing so would defy the laws of physics, and they are shams.
>I've always liked Jazz, Blues, and funky beats. I've been listening to "too many zooz" and "Moon Hooch" does anyone know of any other bands similar to these? That funky tenor sax makes my ears smile.
Not exactly the same thing, but in a vague way (emphasis on vague) Snarky Puppy has some similarities.
Apparently they make adaptive recorders just for this
https://www.amazon.com/Recorders-All-Triple-Adaptive-Recorder/dp/B07B5D4VF2
https://www.amazon.in/Muteyaar-Plastic-Chhikka-Kainchi-Clapper/dp/B07BN8MG5F
I think this is it
ammoon Soprano Saxophone SAX Bb Brass Lacquered Body and Keys with Lubricating Cork Grease https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0143XYCGM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tA4gzbN21WXWE
There must be a good handful of musical instruments available for under $40. A decent recorder is $7.50. When I was a kid I bought my own after playing one in 4th grade music class.
I have to agree with u/rlvis.
I only added this up because I was bored, but I thought a sub $30 estimate seems low as well.
That's $19 already and I haven't included wire, shipping costs (typically starts at $6.95) plus my shop cost (solder, tool wear, power, time).
Or I can buy the Hosa for $20 from Amazon (shipped) and have a return policy.
Not even a contest to what the real bargain is.
Hosa FSC-385 Dual Latching Guitar... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000VXKUL0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Edit: This thing is awesome and is way cheaper than the Boss pedal.
Hosa FSC-385 Footswitch, Guitar-style, Dual-latching https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VXKUL0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IEaBCbAXD7JH7
This one is cheap and works well, just make sure to buy the cable with it. I do not believe there are any options with a tuner as the functionality of the switch is to control the amp only and does not process the guitar signal at all.
I have this and can verify it’s the most cost effective option on for the 50, in the US that I have found.
When shopping for one make sure the pedal actuates the proper electrical contact function you need. For all intents and purposes a pedal is a on/ and off switch. Some pedals are always "on", (Electronically Closed) and when you push them they turn off (opening the connection). Some are the opposite.
My first go around I had some trouble when I purchased a Yamaha FC5 Sustain Pedal, its normally on. I was trying to use it with a simple RTS 301 Belt pack but it was doing the opposite of what I needed, Opens the mic when I plug it in, then kills it when I press and hold, Not all that desirable.
I did some more shopping and for a Hosa Dual- Channel foot switch It features 2 latching contacts that you could use between A and B channel Comm systems. The switches were "normally open" and when you press and latch it closes the connection and turns on the mic.
Sorry for the long post explaining Normally Open , Normally Closed foot pedals.
All else considered: a high-end harmonica set... like seven different Crossovers... or five different Seydel Session Steels... will cost you far less than an equivalent professional clarinet, professional violin, professional piano, professional guitar, or professional Trumpet.
Basically, you're gonna have to leave professional-grade and get a "student trumpet" if you want to compare costs to a set of high-end Session Steel harmonicas.
Special 20 is highly recommended around these forums. I haven't tried that one yet, as I've only really tried the Marine Band 1896. Frankly, the Marine Band is almost perfect for me, I just need screw-based construction to make it perfect (I open it up to tweak those reeds relatively often. I know this harmonica won't hold in the long run with the nails). Marine Band Deluxe might work out, but with only two harmonicas, its hard for me to form a solid opinion still.
IMO, ~$40 Lee Oskars and ~$40 Special 20 is the definition of "midrange" for me. High-end Diatonic Harmonicas are ~$60+. One day I'll try each of them, but it'd be a while. I'm not sure if I'm able to jam with a band yet with my skill level anyway.
I dig that that he is proficient with the flute. He should have one of those Double flutes that the gelfling has in the Dark Crystal to represent your ambidexterity. https://www.amazon.com/Crystal-Flute-Firca-Double-Replica/dp/B00Z5OJKWA
So yeah, that looks as good as you can do as a Duel wielding barbarian at level 5. I see you got the Duel welding feat, unless you want to reflavor a light weapon that is the only way to DW them.
As you level in the future, I could suggest you take a level in Fighter for the Two Weapon Fighting style. And then maybe even go to 3 in fighter for action surge and a subclass. My pick for Fighter subclass is Battle Master, as it doesn't conflict with your bonus action attack. Maybe Cavalier for tanking to spread your mark around to the the most enemies you can and really force lots of enemies to target your large HP pool and resistance to all damage.
Or a straight fighter (battle master or cavalier) is also a pretty good class for a duel wielder if you want.
People will tell you Duel Weilding is sub optimal and they are not wrong, but a barbarian is not a wholey horrible class for two flails and has tons of flavor.
Have fun!
First thing's first, welcome! :)
My greatest advice is to avoid the <$100 Amazon/eBay specials like the plague. They look like this or this.
If you are to buy used, make sure you get something from a reputable brand. I learned on a Gemeinhardt when I was a little kid and it took a beating and kept playing, so they're close to my heart. Yamaha is a great choice, Armstrong is pretty good too. Generally when you buy a flute, I recommend buying it in person but as you are new, it would be hard to gauge if the instrument is in good condition/working order. If you're buying from the internet, see if you can arrange with the seller to allow for a return policy so you can take it to a technician!
Some other advice-- it's hard to get going and its even harder without the guidance of a private teacher. It'll take a while to be able to get a sound, and it takes practice to make that sound good. As recommended by Band_Derp, it may be worth taking a lesson or two to expedite the process. Don't be frightened when you realize it's difficult to play, this is where a lot of people give up. It just takes perseverance, and once you get the technique it's hard to forget it. It becomes muscle memory and will only improve with practice.
The other point I should wish to add is to have fun with it all. As with all hobbies, make sure you still find the fun in it all even through all the work you put into it!
There’s a great teaching tool called the Pneumo Pro that you could use for this. It’s a plastic headjoint with an array of little fans at different angles. It gives a great visual cue for where your air is going and, to some degree, how fast it’s moving. Perfect for this sort of problem.
https://www.amazon.com/Pneumo-Pro-Wind-Director-Practice/dp/B0058VGO24
maybe you could use something like this with a highspeed cam? then infer air speed from rotation speed
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 know it's oft-stated but find a Yamaha. They're fantastic flutes to get started on, even if throughout their offerings they're rather dull and over predictable.
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YFL-222-Intermediate-Student-International/dp/B01DD4MIPY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=yamaha+flute&qid=1571365210&sr=8-1
I use the overpriced GAFC for the 100 but usually see the FS6 or 7 recommended for the 50. The FS6 goes for about $70 new and around $40 used. There are cheaper under $30 options available. I believe there some livewire and hosa latching pedals that people pair with the Katana that work fine. I’d watched one or two YouTube videos that show how they are set up and see if that’s what your looking for.
Here’s a video from boss showing the FS6: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqu82m2Pf00
You need any two-button switch with a TRS connector (tip, ring, sleeve) - Here is a cheap one I found.lies
https://www.amazon.com/Students-Flute-Beginner-Flutes-Instruments/dp/B01CY9Y910
Bruh
Hmm. Interesting! Right, "tamil carved flute" and "carved bansuri" show multiple very similar flutes, and some of them have this thing on top, while some of them don't have it! It's as if this thing on top were a plug of sorts that can be taken off?
It doesn't seem to be a real bansuri though (despite what the ebay claims), as bansuri is a transverse flute. And this one has a fipple.
Here we can hear that it can actually play, if it doesn't have this hat on top. Are you sure you cannot take the hat off? By like twisting it or whatever?
Gemeinhardt Model 3. Was under $1,000 when I bought it new last year. I love it. It's also gorgeous:
Gemeinhardt Model 3 Black Intermediate Flute Outfit Offset G, B Foot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015M1E9IU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_g-4WBbSXP1TRN
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.
I bought one and I love it. It works perfectly fine and I've had no issues. It was great for an affordable solution to get back into saxophone. I had a barrowed sax when I was in school. this is the one I got. https://www.amazon.com/Mendini-MAS-L-92D-PB-Mouthpiece/dp/B00501ISJ4 Don't let the snobs steer you away. If this is affordable and will get you playing again DO IT!
I know you said something that retails for 700 new, but I've heard great things about this sax.
I'd check out some videos about it, and consider going this route. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G4TBMLQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-hOJDb0KCBGTN
I am guessing you had a soprano recorder. Get yourself an alto (a good beginner: (https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Baroque-Fingering-Recorder-ECODEAR/dp/B01IRRI0I6). The American Recorder Society is a good resource and may have a chapter near you. The recorder’s repertoire spans centuries.
Here's the link to the flute I got. https://www.amazon.com/Herche-Superior-Flute-FL-297-Mechanism/dp/B01MS8S57Q/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=flutes&amp;qid=1555286243&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-2-spons&amp;psc=1 . It seemed like a good one when I was reading descriptions on Amazon.
This thing from amazon. I've never played the flute before and this one's pretty good. I didn't want to go all out and buy an expensive one but I was talking to some guys who played the flute after I had it and they said it was pretty good for the price and felt nice
I'd LIKE to be able to keep it under $250.
This Mendini seems like it has some kinda sketchy reviews, so I don't know how I feel about it.
I've seen the name Nuvo before though, maybe it is a better investment?
I should also note that we live in a fairly remote location, so I really want to find an option online that I can have shipped up to me.
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.
Cajon (percussion)
Melodica
Ocarina
Kalimba
Beginner violin
Tin Whistle
Recorder
A lot of these may seem simple to play (or not "real" instruments), but proficiency in even these type of instruments is good. And as someone has already said, buying used opens up more possibilities.
I've given this a gift a few times when I want to torment a friend >:P
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YRS-23Y-Soprano-Recorder-Natural/dp/B0014ZG676/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1537468750&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=plastic+recorder
It's indestructible, no batteries are required, and the horrible noise it makes can be heard through walls. There's practically no way a kid can actually produce a pleasing sound on this device.
Nope. My sister vowed to murder me if I ever got one of these for my niece.
https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-FSC-385-Footswitch-Guitar-style-Dual-latching/dp/B000VXKUL0
the switches are both latching. start on patch 1, click once for patch 2, click again for patch 1 same thing for bank. It's this switch
I'm thinking of just using 2 layaround leds and resistors just as an indicator and spending more time playing.
There's no reason to buy a powered switch with the Katana 50. Get something like this instead. Better yet pick one up at your local shop.
With the switches you can not switch the channels on the panel quite like that instead you are switching between your 4 customizable preset channels - which override your panel settings. In order to get back to your panel you'll need to press the switch on the panel itself. But you can set up 4 channels to your liking, save them and use the switch to switch between them to your heart's content.
Honestly?
This
OR
THIS
They are on my wonderfully named "No Way in Hell" list
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:
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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
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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.
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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.
https://www.amazon.com/Mendini-Cecilio-MAS-L-92D-PB/dp/B00501ISJ4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=alto+sax&amp;qid=1574453194&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;psc=1&amp;spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzT1hKRFk2S0tORVlaJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzk2NTQ1MU9OWUZKVlRPVEs5MCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjg1NzA2MTZDTEpFVkdKWFJURiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl