buying instruments

A First Guitar – Electric or Acoustic?

by David McCormick January 2, 2011

A frequent question from parents is whether to start children on electric guitars or acoustic guitars. Most kids interested in playing rock will obviously want an electric guitar, but there is a widespread idea that it is somehow better for them to start with a “regular” guitar. I have no idea where this idea started. […]

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Pianos vs. Keyboards

by David McCormick January 1, 2011

Parents and adult beginners often ask whether it’s necessary to invest in an acoustic piano before starting lessons. In our experience, the answer is definitely not. True, nothing beats the sound quality and expressiveness of a good baby grand piano. I know – I used to own one. But I got tired of having to […]

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Buying a first violin

by Lia Zito June 21, 2009

I sometimes get sent Craigslist postings from students asking me whether they should buy an instrument based on the label information provided in the seller’s post.

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Why won’t my instrument stay in tune?

by Lia Zito May 22, 2009

Instruments aren’t built to stay in tune perfectly, and they shouldn’t. Here’s why: all materials change size with changing temperature, and wood is also quite sensitive to changes in humidity. To survive in Alaska, instruments must be able to respond to the changing weather, and this necessarily changes their tuning. Ask any carpenter: wood moves. […]

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