The Newbie Musician's Guide to Music Store Shopping

Shopping for musical equipment can be quite daunting for inexperienced musicians. Music stores are at once exciting and overwhelming for those who have little exposure to the items therein. But the beauty about these stores is that they are filled with all sorts of hidden goodies-equipment that can really elevate your artistry. However it's very easy to buy equipment that is much too advanced for your needs. Following some of these simple tips might prevent you from overspending, or becoming too overwhelmed by your purchases.

Musical Instruments 101

It's always a good idea to do your research before embarking upon any hobby (or career path) that requires an investment of time and/or money. Before purchasing any musical equipment, do a little bit of research first. For example, if you're shopping for an acoustic guitar, getting accustomed to the difference in sound according to brand name is a big help. To say that there exists a wealth of information on this topic would be a complete understatement. Just brushing up on the basics will give you a pretty good leg to stand on. Common sense dictates that the more knowledge that you have before entering a music store the better off you will be.

Bargain Shopping

Don't neglect the pawnshops. Some people are leery of shopping for musical equipment in pawnshops. But for the inexperienced musician, these stores may be a godsend. Often you will find musical equipment that is in almost-new condition. You may also find items that have been discontinued and are as a result, much cheaper than you would ever have been able to find had they still been on the market. Pawnshops are great for finding "practice equipment"-instruments that are inexpensive since they have been well broken in.

Maintenance and Repair

A lot of inexperienced musicians fail to consider what happens if a piece of equipment breaks. Some musical equipment cannot be repaired locally and must be sent back to the manufacturer for repair. And depending upon the type of equipment purchased, you may end up having to replace certain internal parts - if not the entire piece of machinery itself. Before buying instruments or accessories, pay close attention to your warranty; and find out whether repairs can be handled locally. The same sentiment applies to the maintenance of certain musical equipment. Understanding how to care for your instruments will help you save money down the line.

"Pros vs. Newbies"

Don't let those music store employees intimidate you into buying products that you don't really need. Furthermore, don't let them talk you out of buying things that you believe might be good for your musical endeavors. Musical equipment can be used in millions of different ways. No two artists perform, compose, or create in the same way. Therefore, even though the music store employees are trained to know what they're talking about, they may not always know the best item for your specific purpose. Keep an open mind and know that certain products have multiple uses. Once you understand this, you may end up saving money by avoiding buying expensive equipment that will end up gathering dust.

SOURCES:

www.about.com
www.samash.com
www.guitarcenter.com