Instrument reviews

22 reviews of single instruments. A comparison page helps while you are still choosing a category; these are for after you have chosen, when what you want is a reason not to buy. Each one names the weakness that matters, and several of them argue for renting instead.

Written from published manufacturer specifications and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not played these instruments ourselves and do not claim to have, and we publish no ratings of our own because we have nothing to base one on.

Pianos and keyboards

Yamaha Arius YDP-145 review Graded Hammer Standard action, three pedals and a cabinet, which is what separates a piano from a keyboard. Yamaha Arius 88-key weighted upright digital piano review The same Graded Hammer Standard action and three pedals for three hundred dollars less, with a simpler sound engine. Casio Privia PX-770 review Tri-Sensor II hammer action and ebony and ivory feel keys, at a price Yamaha's consoles do not reach. Yamaha P225 review Eighty eight weighted keys, the CFX grand voice and a body you can carry, at half the price of a console. Roland FP-30X review PHA-4 Standard keys and a 22 watt speaker system, in a slab that still needs a stand and a bench. Roland FP-10 review The same PHA-4 Standard keys as pianos costing twice as much, in the smallest body Roland makes. Roland GO:PIANO88PX review Eighty eight full size keys in a piano light enough to carry, and the compromise that makes that possible. Alesis Recital Pro MKII review Eighty eight hammer action keys and a lesson mode that splits the keyboard, at the lowest price weighted keys exist.

Band instruments

Yamaha YTR-2330 student trumpet review Monel valves, a gold brass leadpipe, and a price that makes renting worth pricing first. Yamaha YAS-280 student alto saxophone review High F sharp and front F keys, a case included, and seven hundred dollars of difference to justify. Jean Paul TS-400 student tenor saxophone review NAPBIRT certified setup in the US, leather pads with metal resonators, and a horn that is bigger than a child expects. Jean Paul AS-400 alto saxophone review NAPBIRT certified setup in the US and a high F sharp key, at half what the school standard costs. Yamaha YCL-255 clarinet review Modelled on professional Yamaha clarinets, with a 65mm barrel and the 4C mouthpiece included. Yamaha YFL-222 student flute review Nickel silver body, silver plated keys and an offset G, which is the specification that makes beginner fingering comfortable.

Guitars and strings

Taylor GS Mini Mahogany review A short scale guitar that adults keep, which is why it outlives every 3/4 size beginner instrument. Yamaha FG800J review A solid spruce top at two hundred and sixty dollars, which is the specification cheap guitars leave out. Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS pack review A guitar, an amp, a bag, a tuner and a cable, which is the entire reason a starter pack exists. Cecilio 4/4 cello CCO-100 review Everything in one box, and a setup by a luthier that is not in the box and matters more than anything that is. Cecilio full size 4/4 violin review Solid spruce and flamed maple with ebony fittings, and the same setup caveat every budget violin carries.

Drums

Roland TD-02KV V-Drums review A mesh snare, sixteen V-Drums kits, and a kick pedal that still goes through the floor. Yamaha DTX452K review A three zone snare, a proper FP6110 bass drum pedal and a KP65 kick pad, which is where beginner kits usually cut corners. Alesis Nitro Max review Eight pieces, every head mesh, and Zildjian cymbal sounds in the module.

Before you buy anything

For a first year student on a band instrument, renting is usually the cheaper and lower risk route, and most reviews here say so. Run the numbers for your own local rates in the rent versus buy calculator, and read the school band guide before ordering anything a director has an opinion about.