Instrument Rental & Purchase Resources
Brands and businesses recommended by GCHFA for instrument purchase, rent, or repair.
Instrument Brands & Accessories
Part of the Conn-Selmer family of brands, Bach manufactures brass instruments of all levels. Having produced trumpets and trombones for almost 100 years, Bach instruments have long enjoyed a place of respect amongst musicians. There student instruments are well built yet maintain the expressive musical quality the professional models are known for.
Regarded by some as the “Gold Standard” for professional clarinets, Buffet has been a fixture of the woodwind world for close to 200 years. In that time, they have maintained an exceptional reputation across their entire line of instruments. Many clarinet players that start on Buffet are lifelong loyalists which speaks to the special place their instruments hold among musicians.
Though they recently began making clarinets and saxophones, Gemeinhardt is probably best known for their flutes. A staple of the industry for many years, every flautist you ask will probably be familiar with the Gemeinhardt name. This mainstay of the flute section in many band halls will stand up to almost anything your student will throw at it, and sound great doing it.
Beginning with trombone manufacturing in 1946, Getzen soon branched into trumpets and gained a reputation for excellent craftsmanship and superior tone. Known for some of the best trumpet valves and trombone slides in the industry, Getzen student horns often have features and manufacturing techniques found on step-up and professional instruments.
Jupiter is a relative newcomer on this list, but still has over 40 years of band instrument manufacturing experience. In this comparatively short amount of time, Jupiter has been able to gain significant market share by being responsive to the needs of the industry and maintaining their dedication to music education. Every year, more band directors are recognizing these instruments for their outstanding value.
Another member of the Conn-Selmer family of brands, Selmer is probably best known for their outstanding pro-level saxophones. That doesn’t take away anything from their finely crafted clarinets, bass clarinets and bassoons, it’s just a testament to their near-legendary professional saxophones. Selmer manages to make affordable student instruments found in band halls all across the country, if not the world.
The brand that needs no introduction. What’s interesting about Yamaha is that they enjoy brand recognition across multiple industries. From motorcycles to band instruments, Yamaha products are well regarded for their craftsmanship and durability. Producing woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, there are very few beginner preference-lists that don’t include Yamaha.