What is the fundamental difference? 

Brass instruments are lip-vibrated regardless of the material they are made of, generally, they are made of brass. Trumpets, Trombones, French Horns, Euphoniums and Tubas are common examples of brass instruments. 

Discover our range of Brass Instruments.


Left to Right - Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba

Woodwind instruments are either edge blown like a flute or a recorder or produce vibrations using a reed like a clarinet, saxophone, oboe or bassoon. Once again the material used in the production is not the discerning factor here, while some woodwind instruments are made of wood; brass, resin and silver are common to build materials as well.

Discover our range of Woodwind Instruments.

Left to Right - Recorder, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon

What instrument should you choose?

Even though the humble recorder is often maligned, it is a great way for young players to enter the world of woodwind instruments. The fundamental fingering remains very similar throughout the family so moving on to clarinet, saxophone, etc., is relativity intuitive. Often what is needed in the school band is the first option for young players, this is ok, however, the best idea is for students to try a range of instruments and one invariably will jump out as a favourite. This is important because at the end of the day having fun and enjoying yourself playing the style of music you want is the main goal.

Common Woodwind and Brass Instruments for Beginners

Recorder – relatively inexpensive, portable and a great pathway to other instruments

Clarinet – portable, manageable for young people and a great pathway to other instruments

Flute – portable, manageable, no reed replacement and in the key of C (no transposing)

Saxophone – portable, easier for adults to learn, come in a range of sizes of keys and support a wide range of musical styles.

Trumpet – portable, manageable and supports a wide range of styles

Trombone – not as common due to size, however, great for ear training, versatile

.

Considerations for Choosing a Price Point?

Recorder/Clarinet – the resin-based “school” style of recorders and clarinets are great for learning. They are durable, are not affected by the temperature, and are easy to clean. They are also easier to play for young students because they vibrate more readily. More expensive models of recorder and clarinets are made of wood. 

Flute – range in build materials which determines price points. Entry-level flutes are made of nickel, then move to plated silver and then solid silver. More expensive flutes also feature a split E key which assists playability.

Saxophone – prices vary due to the quality of the grade (thin versus thick) of the brass used in the production of the body. Key strength also influences price points as materials range from nickel, silver-plated to solid silver.

Trumpet / Trombone -  like saxophones prices vary due to the quality of the grade of the brass (red and gold brass) used in the production of the body. Key strength also influences price points as materials range from nickel, silver-plated to sterling silver. Other influences on cost include slide weight for trombone and triggers to access other notes. (Bb to F for example)

Flute - Cleaning papers and optionally a silver polishing cloth, as well as a swabbing cloth. Clean teeth before playing and swab out after use.

 

Clarinet / Saxophone – Reeds, mouthpiece, neck strap, cleaning swab, cork grease, stand if applicable. Replace reeds, clean out mouthpiece with water and wipe out after use.

Trumpet / Trombone – Mouthpiece, valve oil, slide oil, water spray bottle, mouthpiece brushes, “slide snakes”, polishing cloth, cleaning rod (trombone). Empty water key after use, periodically disassemble and clean, re-lube, and clean inner and outer slides (trombone).

Accessories and Maintenance – a durable quality hard case is essential to protect the instrument from the general wear and tear of transportation to and from school, lessons and concerts. Most brass and wood manufacturers understand this and so many entry-level instruments will come with a case.

 

Foleys and Musos Corner Recommends

  • Recorder - Yamaha.
    Check out our range here
  • Flute – Pearl and Yamaha.
    Check out our range here
  • Clarinet – Buffet, Yamaha, Backun and Eastman. 
    Check out our range here
  • Saxophone – Jupiter, Yamaha and Eastman.
    Check out our range here
  • Trumpet – Bach, Yamaha and Eastman.
    Check out our range here
  • Trombone – Bach, Yamaha and Eastman. 
    Check out our range here

Accessories 

Header image: Unsplash