Upgrade your Sound at Ted Brown Music

Student-model instruments from reputable brands like Accent, Yamaha, and Jupiter are designed for durability and ease of play, allowing beginners to quickly produce notes found in early band and orchestra books. This helps new students feel successful from day one. Since these instruments are built specifically for beginners, factors that become important to more advanced players, such as intonation (how well the instrument plays in tune) and extended range, are not the primary focus of their design.

Professional-level instruments are meticulously crafted, often by hand, to achieve the qualities that student-model instruments are not designed for. Rather than prioritizing durability, their materials and construction are carefully chosen to enhance resonance, tone quality, and responsiveness. For players who are ready, simply transitioning to one of these instruments, without changing anything else, can significantly improve their sound and intonation.

Intermediate instruments bridge the gap between student and professional models. While often still produced in larger quantities, they incorporate higher-quality materials and craftsmanship that more closely resemble professional instruments. This allows advancing musicians to explore more refined techniques and tonal nuances without the full investment of a professional-level instrument.

Absolutely! Brass and woodwind players can improve their sound by upgrading their mouthpiece. Just like student model instruments, basic mouthpieces are designed to make beginning band music easier to play by regulating airflow. However, using a higher-quality mouthpiece on a student instrument can help overcome some of its limitations.

For reed players, upgrading the ligature and increasing reed stiffness can also enhance sound quality. A stiffer reed vibrates more evenly, while a well-designed ligature allows for purer vibrations without restricting the reed’s movement.

String players can see noticeable improvements with simple upgrades as well. High-quality rosin can make a difference, as can better strings or a bow upgrade. Many professional musicians invest heavily in their bows, sometimes nearly as much as their instrument itself. While that level of investment isn’t necessary, moving from a fiberglass bow to a wooden one can greatly enhance tone and playability.

If you're ready to take your sound and musicianship to the next level, Ted Brown Music is here to help. Fill out our contact form, and one of our educational service representatives will be in touch. We look forward to supporting you on this next step in your musical journey!