How to buy an instrument

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Whether you've got a passion for the classics or you're an indie rock addict, staying up to date with everything that’s going on in the music world can require real effort. Fortunately, the Internet can make your task a little easier. On it, you'll find tools for buying music, listening to music, discovering new music, and even making music. Or you can read all the available news and reviews, find bloggers who are writing about the music you love, and buy concert tickets. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.

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Buy Music

It may be hard to get music for free online, but your options for buying it are manifest. ... read more »

Listen to Music Online

The industry may be cracking down on illegal downloading, but it's possible to stream music for ... read more »

Music News and Reviews

Whether you love to read gossip, interviews, long features, or reviews, you can get your fix ... read more »

Buy Concert Tickets

There's nothing quite like hearing your favorite band live. Unfortunately, it can be hard to ... read more »

How to buy an instrument

Buying a musical instrument is no small matter. You want to find the instrument that's exactly suited to you, and if at all possible, you don't want to pay a fortune for it. Shopping for an instrument online can help you find what you need in a quick and easy manner, and sometimes for less money than you’d pay at a brick-and-mortar store. You can compare prices and features at several stores right from your own home, find resources on the best instruments to chose, and peruse the widest selection available.

Dulcinea's Insight

Always comparison shop. As you'll see, there are similar sites for buying instruments but one may offer a better deal than another on a particular item. And check out stores in your neighborhood; although you may find discounts online, consider whether you'll save money by avoiding shipping costs.

Sites that sell instruments often include news and articles about buying instruments. See what you can learn to aid your decision.

If you're looking for music recording equipment, browse souces in the findingDulcinea Music Recording Web Guide.

Dulcinea's Picks

For online stores …

Guitar Center , a popular brick-and-mortar guitar vendor chain, also has an online store. You can get good deals on a wide selection of guitars, basses, drum equipment, keyboards, and amplifiers. You can also get recording, DJing, and lighting equipment as well as other accessories. Or if you like to see before you buy, scroll down to the bottom of the page and enter your zip code to find a brick-and-mortar store near you.

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Musician’s Friend is similar to Guitar Center except that it's online only. It also sells orchestra and band instruments, and puts an emphasis on offering great discounts.

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zZounds.com is another site akin to the two above but offers a greater selection of keyboards, and also offers a special section on making music on your computer. Although it provides most of the same product, zZounds puts a heavier emphasis on recording equipment than the other two sites.

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Giardinelli is a site devoted to selling classical instruments. It specializes in woodwind and brass, but all orchestral instruments are available. Giardinelli also has product reviews and buying guides on the site.

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For auctions and classified ads …

eBay Musical Instruments is the site to visit if you’re looking for a really great deal, a unique vintage instrument, or both. eBay Musical Instruments works just like regular eBay: open an account and place bids on the stuff you want.

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Craigslist is one of the largest sites out there for free classified ads. Choose your city, go to “for sale,” then click the tab for “musical instruments.”

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PianoMart.com is a site that helps you buy or sell a piano; it’s a classified ad site for pianos only. Look at the homepage for featured pianos of the week and then search for a specific type, brand or price range in your area. PianoMart also offers an escrow service so you can send your money to the company, and the buyer doesn't get it until you receive your piano.

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Who knew?

Bash the Trash is the brain-child of John Bertles, an educational consultant. He's posted instructions for making unique musical instruments out of recycled materials. Teach your kids a skill, and get rid of the trash.

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