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Making music on a budget? Inexpensive instruments make it possible
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In many cases, the dream of owning your own instrument is associated with comparatively high costs. So you could find yourself paying several thousand euros for a professional drum set. The same applies to one of the most popular instruments: the piano. But apart from these examples, instruments do not necessarily have to be expensive and can still be of high quality. In this article, we introduce you to some cheap instruments in more detail and show you how to get started on the right foot.
Table of Contents
- Inexpensive instruments: Often small but mighty
- These instruments are expressive and inexpensive
- Keyboard and guitar as intermediate solutions
- Ideal as a solo instrument or as accompaniment
- Making music on the road at a reasonable price? Our tips
- Instruments as a strong investment in the future
- Now it's time to find the right instrument for you!
Inexpensive instruments: Often small but mighty
Large, heavy and correspondingly expensive musical instruments are often quite inflexible and therefore not always ideally suited for outdoor use. This applies, for example, to heavy pianos, to larger guitars or to other instruments that are not suitable for moving or carrying. Other instruments such as the harmonica or a recorder do not have this problem and find their place in any bag. But small instruments also appeal with other advantages.
Another advantage of many small instruments is that they can be played without an additional battery or without electricity at all. This is not true for many electronic instruments such as a keyboard or electric guitar. In most cases, small and thus often inexpensive instruments also offer simple and uncomplicated setup—if they need to be set up at all. At the same time, rather simple melodies are usually much easier to play on such instruments without requiring much practice.
These instruments are expressive and inexpensive
Not only as solo instruments, but also in combination with other instruments, many small and inexpensive instruments can be used to excellent effect. The following instruments are inexpensive and yet incredibly versatile and beautiful to play:
Harmonica
For many years now, the harmonica has been a real perennial favorite. This is because with just a little effort, it produces not only long and low drawn notes, but also modern and fast melodies. For as little as ten euros, you can get usable and inexpensive instruments that will get you started in the world of woodwind instruments.
Recorder
For many children and teenagers, the recorder is their first contact with the world of instruments during their school years. Thus, the recorder is enticing with its quick learning curve and continues to make a good impression for many years if it is manufactured in high quality. As with the harmonica, you don't have to spend much more than ten euros to find a cheap, suitable recorder to start with.
Xylophone
A classic wooden xylophone is usually a lot of fun to play—especially for the little ones who love using the wooden mallet to explore the various sounds. Starting at around 40 euros, you can get high-quality devices that will delight listeners young and old. Especially as an accompaniment, the xylophone becomes an interesting and extremely versatile choice.
Bongos
If you are looking for an exciting instrument to improve your own sense of rhythm, you will quickly get your money's worth with the small drums known as "bongos." Starting at around 50 euros, you will find the best instruments for beginners, even if higher-quality bongos naturally have a better sound. For the first steps, however, this range is sufficient.
Triangle
The simplest and cheapest instrument at first glance is the triangle, which you can get for as little as five euros. Especially at a young age, the triangle is a good accompaniment, even if it doesn't work as a standalone instrument for long in most cases. For a low-cost introductory instrument, however, the triangle is a great choice.
Keyboard and guitar as intermediate solutions
Besides these instruments, you can also opt for a guitar or an electronic keyboard at a slightly higher price. Although high-quality models here do not start below 100 euros (in direct comparison to an expensive piano or a high-quality electric guitar) you can still save significantly with a classic keyboard or with a guitar. Especially for beginners, it doesn't necessarily have to be an expensive instrument. That being said, don’t skip our on accessories—such as a few additional strings—when buying.
The same applies to the purchase of a keyboard. There are usable models for as little as 30 euros, although a clear distinction should be made between these and instruments for children: In many cases, keyboards are also available as a play device for the little ones. However, if you are looking for a fun, inexpensive way to start playing music in your free time, you should opt for a professional model.
Ideal as a solo instrument or as accompaniment
While inexpensive instruments such as the flute or harmonica can certainly be played independently and thus as a solo instrument, they also make a very good impression as accompaniment. This is especially true for instruments with rather simple sound patterns, which includes the triangle, for example. Nevertheless, it can be played in many different ways, whereby the strength of the beat or the position and posture contribute to different tones. Therefore, many of the rather inexpensive musical instruments are not quite as easy to use as they may seem at first glance.
Making music on the road at a reasonable price? Our tips
For many musicians, music goes beyond recording in a studio and practicing at home. Playing music in nature or street music is fun, clears the mind, and of course provides experience with playing in front of people. Not every instrument is suitable for this. However, many inexpensive instruments are:
- Guitar - with the right backpack you can carry it easily and without complication to any place
- Flute - a good choice that fits in any pocket and is easy to use
- Harmonica - small, handy and the best solution for many relaxing melodies.
- Accordion - clearly a bit heavier, but (with the right attachment) ideal for outdoors
- Hand drum - up to a certain size the hand drum remains compact at all times
Instruments as a strong investment in the future
What is often forgotten: A good musical instrument lasts for many years and provides you with countless hours of fun. Even the at first glance somewhat more expensive variants can have their justification with high quality. When buying a new instrument, always pay attention to your current abilities and adjust the selection accordingly. For children and teenagers, the classic entry-level variants are also sufficient, while there are usually other sizes and designs for adults. It's best to get advice on this in advance.
Nevertheless, it doesn't have to be an expensive instrument to get started. There are also inexpensive instruments in many areas, which means that the dream of making music will certainly not have to wait too long. In the long run, however, the focus of music should not be on the financial side, but solely on the fun of it. For both children and adults, the joy of playing an instrument is the most important basis for making music successfully in the long term.
Now it's time to find the right instrument for you!
Would you like to find the right instrument for yourself on a small budget? With our tips and tricks we will help you to make the right decision. Even for less than 100 euros, there are many exciting and affordable instruments you can play interesting music with. If you want to learn more about the different types of pianos or support for musicians, please read our other blog posts. If you are also interested in personal ads for musicians, then you’ve found yourself at the right spot here at mukken.
Originally published on May 19, 2023, updated on May 19, 2023
Main topic: Billie Eilish and the tragic
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