How & When to Upgrade Your Musical Instrument

Hi everyone,

In this post I'm going to talk about how & when to upgrade your musical instrument.

Now when it comes to upgrading your instrument planning a little bit in advanced will definitely help, as not only will it help you figure out a budget for your next instrument. But, it will also start exposing you to more brands that specialise in making your chosen instrument. 

I would definitely recommend for you to get a rough figure in mind in how much you are willing to spend on your upgrade, and to also research different reputable brands. Try and research and get to know as many reputable companies within your local as possible - whether that be music stores or stores that specialise in selling your chosen instrument.

Also, please don't pushed into buying an instrument that isn't right for you. Don't let the sales talk put you off. This also nearly happened to me, as we got talking about mechanisms on the flute. I got told that I couldn't buy a flute that has X, Y, and Z, as I wasn't an advanced player. It's a big red flag, so please don't fall for it. I left that particular store feeling baffled and disheartened. 

Reasons to Upgrade your Instrument

- You have outgrown your student model instrument

- You need an instrument that offers you more in the terms of tonal colours, projection, more handmade, and maybe some additional features that your current instrument doesn't have

- Your instrument isn't doing for you what you need it to do

- Maybe you just fancy treating yourself to a new instrument

- You want a different tonal personality compared to what you are used to playing

- More variety in your instrument collection

- Your playing style has changed

A few of these have happened to me over the years, and the first one was with my student flute. I outgrew my student flute within around 18 months of starting. Fortunately enough I had already started looking into flute upgrades within a month of me starting lessons. My student flute wasn't doing for me what I needed it to do, plus I was struggling and fighting with it. So, I had to purchase a Miyazawa 202 flute as an emergency purchase; as I was getting so fed up with my student flute. It did the job, but it still wasn't right for me and the way that I naturally play on the flute.

 When I started looking into flute upgrades quite early on I came across the Altus 907, which gave me more of what I was looking for in a flute; as I prefer a slightly darker tone. I then tried it compared with the Altus 1107 and the Miyazawa 602. The Altus 1107 and Miyazawa 602 are both beautiful flutes in their own right, but the Altus 1107 was the one I fell in love with and its the flute I currently play on.

When upgrading your instrument you not only have to make sure that your chosen upgrade will work for you, but it also has to be within your own financial budget.

Go and explore the world of your chosen instrument, and you will pleasantly surprised at the variety that is out there. Don't forget to plan ahead a little bit, as it will give you a feel for what is out there on the market.

Most of all - Have Fun!