Step-up Instruments

INSTRUMENT STEP-UP PROGRAM

If your middle or high school student has been playing the same instrument since grammar school and remains interested and committed to music, it maybe time to step-up to an instrument more appropriate for an advancing musician. 

Financing available! Apply here.

If you're a rental customer, call for your special pricing using your current available rental credit toward purchase!  Call: 800-526-4593


WHY UPGRADE?


STEP-UP BRASS & WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS
Depending on the student's proficiency, musical aspirations and the family budget, either an intermediate or professional quality instrument maybe the best choice as a student musician's next instrument. Beginner instruments are constructed to be durable and easy for a new student to play. As your child becomes more advanced, tone quality, pitch and technique become more important considerations. Intermediate and professional instruments use different designs and are manufactured from upgraded materials to facilitate the needs of a musician tasked with playing more challenging musical passages.

Upgraded models generally offer these specific enhancements which can greatly benefit the advancing musician.

Saxophone: 

  • Ribbed construction gives the key mechanisms increased stability
    and allows the instrument to retain fine adjustments better. 
  • Certain additional key mechanisms improve playability –
    Rocker style low Bb mechanism, High F# key, Low C# adjustment. 
  • Closer attention given to key adjustment and tone hole coverings
    in final assembly helps increase responsiveness.

Clarinet: 

  • Made of Grenadilla wood, not plastic – for better resonance.
  • Wood allows better “undercutting” of tone holes – to play more in tune.
  • Silver plated keys, not nickel – for easier handling (less slippery).

Trumpet: 

  • Silver plated for better resonance.
  • Hand lapped solid Monel valves,
    not nickel plated allow for better wear and feel.
  • Extra features often include an adjustable 3rd valve slide ring,
    main tuning slide brace, and higher quality brass for the bell.

Flute: 

  • Solid silver head joint, not silver plated –
    for better resonance and tone.
  • Open-hole design promotes improved hand position and natural
    movement which allows for relaxed and more fluid finger movement.
  • Low B foot joint design extends the range of the flute,
    allowing for a more even scale.

Trombone: 

  • Larger bore allows the player to create a fuller, more resonant sound.
  • F attachment (additional tubing section) helps facilitate playability
    across the full range of the instrument.
  • Extra features often include a nickel silver outer slide, upgraded
    rotary valve mechanism, upgraded mouthpiece, and
    higher quality brass for the bell.


STEP-UP STRING INSTRUMENTS
Younger children will generally start on a less than full sized stringed instrument and will need to migrate to a larger instrument as they grow. Once ready for their final full sized instrument you may opt for a beginner quality instrument; or if the student has been playing for several years an intermediate or advanced model may be a better investment. Stringed instrument outfits designed for students who have been playing for several years contribute to a more satisfying musical experience for the player and their audience.

  • Made using aged and seasoned hardwoods with more
    hand carving and finishing.
  • Fitted with better quality bridges and strings.
  • Supplied with carbon fiber or genuine wood bow.

When in doubt, check with your child's music teacher to see if the time is right for an upgrade. EasyRent customers may be able to use some or all of their accrued rental credit to make it more affordable to select the best instrument for their child as they continue on their musical journey. Please call 800-526-4593 to discuss your options with one of our customer service representatives or browse our Step Up Instruments for sale.