WHAT TO CHECK FOR IN SELECTION A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

ü Is it a brand name that you never heard of?

ü Does the instrument lack serial numbers?

ü If it does have serial numbers, does the instrument sitting next to it have the SAME serial numbers? (We are not joking)

ü Does it come from China?

ü Does it come in a green case?

ü If it is a clarinet, is the barrel 1/4 inch shorter than a normal clarinet barrel?

ü Does the shape of the tenor sax neck look like no other you’ve seen before?

ü Do the keys and valves work properly, or do they stick and bind?

ü Is the price about HALF of that of a REAL student instrument?

ü Do the flute and clarinet pads look spongy and wrinkled?

ü Of course…What is the intonation like?

There might be a time in the future when these instrument makers from main land China will get it together and start making REAL instruments like Japan and some of the better Taiwan factories did. As it stands right now, most of those guys aren’t even close. Student instrument buyers will do well to head this important checklist.

Jim Scimonetti CEO

Scimonetti Woodwind & Brass, Inc.

Lancaster, PA