We typically work with Sean Geyer from Sweetwater regarding musical equipment. Sean and his team are knowledgeable and give UpBeat parents excellent service and competitive pricing. Sean's contact info is below, but feel free to purchase your equipment from any provider.
sean_geyer@sweetwater.com
Sean Geyer: 1-800-222-4700
Extension 1688
Piano/Keyboard
The following keyboards are listed in order of functionality/price. All of these keyboards include built-in speakers and headphone jacks for silent practice if needed. The equipment typically recommended to get started on the piano are a keyboard, stand, and bench.
The Yamaha P-125 and P-45 keyboards have 88 keys that are weighted (more similar to a piano). These keyboards react more like a piano and sound more realistic. These are preferred keyboards for students seriously committed to continuing music. UpBeat uses the Yamaha P-125 keyboard at our studio where you can try it out.
The Yamaha Piaggero NP-12 has 61 non-weighted keys (smaller than a piano and less realistic touch). However, this type of keyboard is more affordable and sufficient for a beginner.
Guitar
There are mainly two types of guitars - acoustic and electric. The style of guitar you choose mostly depends on what style of guitar you want to learn. What are you more inspired to play? Electric guitars are amplified and are associated with rock n’ roll (think maybe AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, etc), while acoustic guitars have steel strings which are ideal for folk, blues & country (think The Beatles’ “Blackbird”). An advantage of acoustic guitars is that they are more portable and involve less equipment. Electric guitars have lighter strings so it’s easier to push down, making them a good options for beginners. Classical guitars have nylon strings which are better for classical and flamenco guitar. They are similar to acoustic, but have a few small differences - see here for more information.
Acoustic Guitars
3/4-size guitar. This size is typically best for ages 6-11.
Full-size guitar. This size is typically best for ages 12 and up.
Classical Guitars
3/4-size guitar. This size is typically best for ages 6 - 11.
Full-size guitar. This size is typically best for students ages 12 and up.
Electric Guitars
One thing to keep in mind when purchasing en electric guitar is that you will need also a cable and an amplifier to create sound. Below, some of these guitars are sold in packages, and others are just the guitar. While there are limited options for the guitar packages, the convenience makes them ideal for beginners. If you have any questions, please let us know and we can offer our sage-like wisdom.
3/4-size guitar. This size is typically best for ages 6-11.
Full-size guitar. These are electric guitar packages for full sized guitars. A full size guitar is appropriate once students reach about 12 years old.
If you are looking for more options, we recommend going to www.Sweetwater.com or www.Guitarcenter.com. While there are many great guitar manufacturers out there, Fender, Epiphone, and Gibson are the biggest companies and they offer quality guitars at an affordable price.
Bass
3/4-sized bass - This electric bass is best for ages 8 and up. Keep in mind that you will need a bass amp, as well as a cable.
Full-size bass - These packages are best for ages 12 and up. They include everything you would need to get started.
Violin
Renting a violin is a great option for beginners. That way, you can try out the instrument for a period of time and see if you like that style and size. Ask your violin teacher for size recommendations and what is best for you!
Drums
When buying drums, there are two big categories to choose from: electric and acoustic. Electric drums are very convenient because they allow for headphone use and keep overall noise down. However, you may lose the overall feel of what an acoustic drum set feels like. An acoustic drum set will be louder, but is typically what most drummers would use.
Here’s a great beginner-level electric drum set.
A complete drum set should come with all the hardware such as seat, high-hat stand, snare stand, bass drum pedal, and at least one cymbal stand. Cymbals usually are not included in semi pro drum sets. Beginner sets come complete with everything including cymbals but quality might be subjective.
Here’s an upscale beginner-level to semi-pro level drum set.
