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Musical Instruments

Our range of musical instruments covers guitars and basses, keyboards and digital pianos, drums and percussion, harmonicas and folk instruments, along with the pedals, amplifiers, stands and accessories that go with them. Whether you are buying a first instrument or replacing something that wore out, the sections below split the range by what you play. Found it cheaper elsewhere? We will match the price.

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Buying a first instrument

Two mistakes account for most abandoned instruments. The first is buying something too large, particularly for children, since an instrument they cannot comfortably reach around is discouraging rather than aspirational. The second is neglecting setup: on a guitar, the height of the strings above the frets makes far more difference to whether it gets played than the price on the label. Buy the smaller size and budget for a setup rather than stretching to a bigger name.

What you will need alongside it

Almost every instrument needs a small amount of supporting equipment before it is genuinely playable. A guitar wants a tuner, a strap with locks, spare strings and a stand or case. An electric guitar or bass also needs an amplifier and a lead. A keyboard needs a sustain pedal, a stand and headphones for quiet practice. A drum kit needs sticks, spare heads and, importantly, hearing protection. Factoring these in from the start avoids the frustration of an instrument that cannot yet be used properly.

Matching amplifiers to instruments

Amplifiers are not interchangeable. A guitar amplifier deliberately colours the midrange, a bass amplifier is built for low frequencies with far more headroom, an acoustic amplifier aims to stay transparent and usually adds a microphone channel, and a keyboard amplifier is full range and stereo. Running a bass through a guitar amplifier sounds thin and risks damaging the speaker, so match the amplifier to the instrument rather than to the price.

Practising without disturbing the house

This is what stops many people practising as often as they intend. Digital pianos and most practice amplifiers include headphone outputs, which makes late playing possible. Drummers can fit mesh heads or use a practice pad to cut volume dramatically. Acoustic players can use a felt mute. Whatever the instrument, keep headphone levels moderate, since sealed listening makes a loud level feel reasonable and hearing damage from long sessions is permanent.

Looking after an instrument

Wood responds to humidity and temperature, so the real threats to a guitar or a wooden instrument are radiators, direct sunlight and a cold car boot overnight rather than playing. Keep instruments in a case or on a proper stand rather than propped against furniture, wipe strings after playing, and be aware that some vintage style finishes react with certain stand materials. Strings, heads, sticks and reeds are consumables, and replacing them when they sound dull rather than when they break is what keeps an instrument sounding like itself.

Where to start if you are unsure

If you want to make music quickly with the least learning curve, hand percussion or a harmonica in the key of C will have you playing something recognisable within days. If you want an instrument to grow into over years, a guitar or a weighted key piano rewards the extra patience. Both routes are valid, and the instrument someone actually picks up daily is always the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best first instrument?
The one that gets picked up daily. Hand percussion or a harmonica in C produces recognisable music within days, while a guitar or weighted key piano rewards more patience and grows with the player over years.

What size instrument should a child have?
One they can comfortably reach around and play without stretching, which usually means a three quarter size guitar or a 61 key keyboard. An instrument that is too large is the most common reason young players give up.

What else do I need to buy alongside the instrument?
A guitar wants a tuner, strap, spare strings and a stand or case, plus an amplifier and lead if electric. A keyboard needs a sustain pedal, stand and headphones. A drum kit needs sticks, spare heads and hearing protection.

Can I use any amplifier with any instrument?
No. Guitar amps colour the midrange, bass amps need far more headroom and a larger speaker, acoustic amps stay transparent with a mic channel, and keyboard amps are full range. Bass through a guitar amp can damage the speaker.

How can I practise quietly?
Digital pianos and most practice amps have headphone outputs. Drummers can use mesh heads or a practice pad, and acoustic players a felt mute. Keep headphone levels moderate, since sealed listening makes loud feel reasonable.

Does a cheaper instrument need setting up?
It benefits more than an expensive one. Adjusting the string height and intonation transforms how easily a guitar plays, and it is worth budgeting for rather than assuming the instrument is faulty.

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