Download Band Instrument Purchase Information 2

 Band Instrument Purchase Information/Details
WARNING! NOT ALL INSTRUMENT BRANDS ARE GOOD! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
Please remember:
• You actually do get what you pay for.
• Inexpensive instruments are available but will not play well and are often not repairable.
• STICK TO THE LIST BELOW!!!
• GOOD WEBSITE: www.wwbw.com
• All personal choice instruments listed below are available in Guangzhou and Hong Kong
C Flutes Brand Names: Yamaha, Gemeinhardt: When purchasing a Yamaha flute, be sure to get a series 300
or higher (the 200 series is a beginning model). A personal choice is the YFL 481H (available locally). Choose
flutes with a high proportion of silver, particularly in the head joint for the best quality of sound. Some “Step-Up”
models come with a low B foot. AISG purchases the Gemeinhardt 2SP as a beginning instrument.
B Flat Soprano Clarinet Brand Names: Yamaha, Selmer, Noblet or Buffet Details: I do not recommend a
plastic or resonite clarinet; the tone is inferior. A personal choice is the Yamaha YCL 450 (available locally).
Wooden clarinets have a beautiful tone. Sometimes a wooden clarinet will crack if not taken care of properly, but
if the crack is serious, it can be repaired. A mouthpiece is supplied but it is suggested that students purchase a
B45 mouthpiece when purchasing a new instrument. For this climate, look for the Buffet “Green Line” clarinets.
AISG purchases either the Selmer CL200 or the Yamaha YCL250 plastic clarinet.
E Flat Alto Saxophone or B Flat Tenor Saxophone Brand Names: Yamaha, Boosey and Hawkes, or
Selmer: A personal choice is the YAS 475 (for Alto or Tenor). An inferior mouthpiece is supplied, but a Selmer
C* (called, C Star) is recommended, as is an upgraded ligature. DO NOT BUY OFF BRAND SAXOPHONES.
AISG purchases Alto Saxophone Yamaha YAS 23 and the Yamaha Tenor Saxophone YTS 23.
B Flat Trumpet Brand Names: Yamaha or Bach: AISG purchases the Yamaha YTR2335M. The Yamaha
YTR2335M has the 3rd valve tuning slide ring and also the 1st valve tuning slide thumb saddle, which is a good
investment. A personal choice is the YTR 4335 . Either lacquer (Brass color) or silver finish is acceptable. Bach
brass instruments are also excellent (model 180 ML bore).
(French) Horn – Double and Single Brand Names: Yamaha, Holton Farkas or Conn: AISG buys the
Yamaha Double F/B Flat Horn YHR667. If you decide to buy a French Horn please only buy the recommended
model and it must be a “Double” horn (has both f and Bb sides- the music store will understand this).
A personal choice is the YHR 567 or YHR 667V . Yamaha and Holton also have a horn with a detachable bell
that is easier to travel with on planes, as it fits in the overhead storage.
B Flat Tenor Trombone Brand Names: Yamaha, Bach or Conn Details: AISG purchases the Yamaha YCL
356. This instrument does have a “Thumb Trigger F-Attachment”. If a student wishes to purchase an instrument
they should buy it with an “F-attachment”. A personal choice is the YSL 620, YSL 640 or YSL 356 . Either
lacquer (Brass color) or silver finish is acceptable. A “rose brass” bell is also recommended if buying a step-up
trombone for a serious player.
Baritones, Euphoniums and Tubas – I recommend a Euphonium, not baritone horn, for our kids. The
Yamaha YEP-321 four-valve euphonium in silver plate is the best intermediate horn on the market. For tuba
information, see me.