Selecting the right level of instrument can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially for those just starting their musical journey. Whether you’re a beginner looking to embark on your musical exploration or a seasoned player seeking to upgrade your instrument, understanding the differences between beginner, intermediate, and professional-level woodwind and brass instruments is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore these differences, highlighting the different tiers of woodwind instruments available on the market today.
Materials and Construction
One of the most significant differences between different instrument grades comes down to the materials used.
Beginner woodwind instruments are often crafted from a durable material such as ABS, resin, or composite materials. While these materials are durable and affordable, the drawbacks typically lead to less richness in tone quality.
Intermediate woodwind instruments typically use professional materials, at least in some parts. For instance, an intermediate flute may have a solid silver head joint, with the body still remaining simply silver plated like a student-grade flute.
Professional level woodwind instruments are meticulously crafted from truly premium materials. This material is used consistently throughout – i.e., a solid silver flute, or a clarinet body made entirely out of grenadilla wood. The keywork is more durably constructed, with silver plating rather than nickel or zinc plating, and top-quality pads and silencing materials are used.
In addition, intermediate- and professional- level instruments will often be constructed with higher-quality “consumables,” such as pads, resonators, corks, felts, and springs.
Tonal Quality and Projection
These differences in materials can often result in differing tonal characteristics.
Beginner instruments are typically manufactured with durability and cost in mind. As a result, an instrument of this caliber may eventually be a limiting factor to a student’s musical development.
Intermediate instruments are generally constructed with the same materials as professional instruments to remove the tone quality barrier found in student-level instruments, such as a plastic clarinet.
Professional-grade instruments, constructed with the finest and most consistent materials, enable an experienced musician to produce a rich, beautiful tone with complete control across all dynamic ranges and articulation styles. These instruments are inspected to the highest standards, and it is very common for an instrument that failed inspection to be re-worked and sold as an intermediate level instrument.
Keywork and Mechanisms
Beginner instruments feature all basic standard keywork and still provide a young musician with the tool they need to learn. While some elements are simplified (such as a closed-hole flute), very few true limitations come from this keywork design. The keywork may be on the “noisy” side, but it will work!
Intermediate instruments often represent a mechanical setup with extended features, such as added notes, intonation improvements, or alternate fingering solutions. An intermediate saxophone may come with a High F-Sharp Key installed, whereas a beginner instrument would not as this is not a commonly used key.
Professional woodwind instruments are constructed with high-quality keywork, taking no shortcuts in terms of material durability or range limitations. A full conservatory system oboe, for instance, will contain all the “bells and whistles,” including split ring E trill key, Adjustable Ab-Bb mechanism, Low Bb vent key, and a third octave key.
Price and Value
As previously mentioned, these tiers of instruments do have a certain price-to-value target.
Beginner instruments are designed to be affordable without being “cheap.” These instruments are made for young musicians, and will often live through less-than-ideal care situations.
Intermediate instruments represent a significant step up in price, especially if they are new. Used intermediate instruments can be the perfect solution for a serious student musician, looking to leave limitations behind on a budget.
Professional-level instruments are the highest price, but for good reason. Their exceptional craftsmanship, material quality, and inspection regulation yield superior performance capabilities. A serious musician who can truly feel and hear the difference will appreciate the money well spent.
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or professional musician, choosing the right woodwind instrument is a pivotal decision that can impact your musical journey. By understanding the differences between beginner, intermediate, and professional-level instruments, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your skill level, aspirations, and budget. Remember, the perfect instrument is not only a tool, but a gateway to unlocking your musical possibilities.
Need help deciding which level of instrument is right for you? Contact a local music professional to learn more today.
