Musical Instruments | Beginner Guitars | Digital Pianos and Keyboards

A good musical instrument is one that gets played. That depends less on the photo and more on a few plain facts: the size, the key, what is in the box and what it needs to work. This guide walks through those facts and the kinds of instrument we sell.

Start with the player

Think about the player before the instrument. What music do they like, and will they have lessons or learn from videos? A child who sings along to everything may do well on a ukulele or a keyboard. A teenager who loves rock will not stay interested in a recorder. For a gift, ask the parent or the teacher if you can. A quick message can save an instrument that is the wrong size.

Read the size and scale length

Guitars and string instruments come in sizes. A half size classical guitar suits a child of roughly six to nine, a full size dreadnought suits most people from about twelve. A concert ukulele is a comfortable middle size for adult hands. Where the maker gives a scale length or an overall size, the product page shows it. If there is doubt, smaller is easier to hold and tune.

Keys, strings and reeds

Key. A harmonica is tuned to one key, and C is the key most lesson books use. A trumpet and a clarinet are Bb instruments, and the flute and the recorder are in C. Strings. The page lists what the instrument ships with, and spare strings are worth adding to the order. Reeds. A saxophone or clarinet uses reeds that wear out, so check how many come in the box.

Power and connections

Where a keyboard or an electronic drum kit needs batteries or a mains adapter, the product page says which and whether it is included. Look for a headphone socket if the instrument will be practised in a flat or late at night, and a USB connection if the player wants to record or use learning apps.

Guitars and basses

A dreadnought acoustic is the all-round steel string guitar for strumming and singing. A classical guitar has nylon strings that are softer on young fingers, which is why most children start there. A Stratocaster style electric needs an amplifier, so budget for one. A Precision style bass has four heavier strings and a longer neck, better for a teenager or adult.

String instruments

The ukulele is the quickest instrument to get a tune out of and the cheapest to try. A violin rewards patience and usually needs a teacher. A lyre harp and a kalimba are simple, calm instruments that sound good from the first day. A banjo and a mandolin suit players who already know a few chords.

Keyboards and pianos

A 37 key portable keyboard is light, runs on batteries and suits first lessons and small hands. An 88 key weighted digital piano feels like an acoustic piano and suits anyone taking lessons seriously. Count the keys and check the action: weighted keys build proper technique, unweighted keys are fine for learning tunes.

Drums and percussion

An electronic drum kit with mesh heads can be played through headphones, which matters in a family home. A cajon is a drum you sit on, and bongos and a djembe are hand drums that need no stand. A steel tongue drum and a glockenspiel are tuned percussion, easy for children and calm to listen to.

Wind and brass

The soprano recorder is the classroom instrument, cheap and robust. A harmonica fits in a pocket and suits blues and folk. The flute, clarinet, alto saxophone and trumpet are school band instruments, and a teacher will usually tell you which one suits the player. A melodica and an ocarina are fun, simple wind instruments for any age.

Buying a gift on time

Most orders arrive within 3 to 7 working days of the order date, and regional addresses can take longer. Working days leave out weekends and public holidays. For a birthday, Christmas or the start of term, order at least two weeks ahead. Delivery is free on orders of $150 or more and a flat $15 under that.

Looking after an instrument

Read the maker's instructions before the first play. Tune string instruments with a clip-on tuner, and expect new strings to stretch for a few days. Keep wooden instruments out of direct sun and away from heaters. Swab out wind instruments after playing and let reeds dry. This guide is general information, not music teaching or safety advice.

Your instrument buying checklist

Check the size against the player. Read the key and what the instrument ships with. Look at what is in the box, and add a tuner, strap, stand or spare reeds if they are not there. Note the power supply. Think about where the instrument will live. Then check the delivery window against the date you need it.

The short version

Buy for the player, read the facts on the page, and leave enough time for delivery. Every product page here lists the maker's details (size, key, materials and what is in the box) so you can decide before you order, and you have 14 days from delivery to change your mind.