Individual Instrument Information

For every band instrument that exists, we have a variety of professional and school band choices.  We carry and sell the equipment and supplies needed for every instrument, plus we provide repair for every instrument that exists.

As a new band student, the choices can be extensive, and there will be a standard set by your band director as to what instrument you will be assigned or selected to play.  The following is basic information about each instrument to give you a starting point in your selection.  Our staff is happy to help parents, students, and professionals pick the brand and style of instrument that suits your needs and budget.

We carry brand new and used instruments of various brands at great prices.  We will consider purchasing used instruments based on condition and inventory.

American Band Instruments can help you find professional lessons on each instrument, as well.

For every instrument, we carry the following supplies:

• Cases
• Music stands
• Cleaning supplies
• Reeds and mouth pieces

Clarinet

Buffet: Buffet clarinets come with only the Buffet name as model numbers. The E11 is one of the most popular models of student clarinets. Buffet makes a complete line of clarinets from professional to student. Jupiter: Jupiter makes fewer model clarinets. Jupiter is a much newer company than the two above. However, the instruments they make are very high quality. A growing percentage of band directors are coming to believe that these instruments are as good, or better, than most models made by the older companies

Flutes

	DiMedici: Dimedici flutes make only intermediate flutes. They are not as expensive as some and are popular with the college musicians and high school students planning to play flute in college.
	Jupiter: Jupiter makes a complete line of flutes. Jupiter is a much newer company than the ones above. However, the instruments they make are very high quality. A growing percentage of band directors are coming to believe that these instruments are as good or better than most models made by the older companies.
	Used Flutes: We usually stock a large number of used flutes that include Selmer, Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Armstrong, Artley, Bundy, Pearl, and others. Please call or e-mail for what we currently have in stock and the price. We have the best repair and service shop in Texas so our used band instruments are always in great shape.

Saxophone

Buffet: Buffet saxophones have not been popular in the East Texas area. However, they make a great saxophone on par with other major brands. Their latest model professional instrument is one of the best in the world. Jupiter: Jupiter is a newer company than the two above. However, the instruments they make are very high quality. A growing percentage of band directors are coming to believe that these instruments are as good or better than comparable models made by the older companies. These instruments cost a little less money than the other models but the same quality. Used Instruments: Most of the time we have a stock of good used instruments that are sold at great prices. These include Jupiter, Buffet, Vito, Selmer, Signet, Bundy, Yamaha, and others. Please call or e-mail for what we currently have in stock. We have the best repair and service shop in Texas so our used band instruments are always in great shape. Especially the woodwind instruments are in great adjustment.

Trumpet

	Schilke: This is an American made trumpet that is the most prestigious trumpet made for professional musicians. All major manufacturers make a “professional” horn. Most of them are made to sell to school musicians. Schilke is made for professional musicians. Schilke does not make a student instrument.
	Getzen: This is a good old USA company still making their trumpets in Wisconsin. The trumpets made by this company are some of the best in the world. They make a complete line from beginner to professional. The Getzen instruments are priced no more than other major brand name horns.
	Jupiter: This company is not as old as the two companies above. However, a growing percentage of band directors are coming to believe that these instruments are as good or better than most models made by the older companies. They make a complete line of instruments from beginner to professional and the price of these horns is a little less than the two listed above.
	Used Instruments: Most of the time we have a stock of good used trumpets and cornets that are sold at great prices. These include the Jupiter, Eastman, Holton, Getzen, Bach, Selmer, Bundy, King, Conn, Yamaha, and others. Please call or e-mail for what we currently have in stock. We have the best repair and service shop in Texas so our used band instruments are always in great shape.

Coronet

	Getzen: This is a good old USA company still making their cornets in Wisconsin. The cornets made by this company are some of the best in the world. They make a complete line from professional to beginner. The Getzen instruments are priced no more than other major brand name horns.
	Jupiter: This company is not as old as the two companies above. However, a growing percentage of band directors are coming to believe that these instruments are as good or better than most models made by the older companies. They make a complete line of instruments from professional to beginner and the price of these horns is a little less than the two listed above.
	Used Instruments: Most of the time we have a stock of good used cornets that are sold at great prices. These include the Jupiter, Holton, Getzen, Bach, Selmer, Bundy, King, Conn, Yamaha, and others. Please call or e-mail for what we currently have in stock and the price. We have the best repair and service shop in Texas so our used band instruments are always in great shape.

Trombone

	Schilke: This is an American made trombone that is made for professional musicians. All major manufacturers make a “professional” horn. Most of them are made to sell to school musicians. Schilke is made for professional musicians. Schilke does not make a student instrument.
	Getzen: This is a good old USA company still making their trombones in Wisconsin. The trombones made by this company are some of the best in the world. They make a complete line from beginner to professional. The Getzen instruments are priced no more than other major brand name horns.
	Jupiter: This company is not as old as the two companies above. However, a growing percentage of band directors are coming to believe that these instruments are as good or better than most models made by the older companies. They make a complete line of instruments from beginner to professional and the price of these horns is a little less than the two listed above.
	Used Instruments: Most of the time we have a stock of good used trombones that are sold at great prices. These include the Jupiter, Eastman, Holton, Getzen, Bach, Selmer, Bundy, King, Conn, Yamaha, and others. Please call or email for what we currently have in stock. We have the best repair and service shop in Texas so our used band instruments are always in great shape.

French Horn

	We sell and service French horns for beginning band students as well as professional players.		Jupiter: This company is not as old as the company above. However, a growing percentage of band directors are coming to believe that these instruments are as good or better than most models made by the older companies. They make a complete line of instruments from beginner to professional and the price of these horns is a little less than some of the other companies.		Getzen: This is an American company still making their French horns in Wisconsin. The French horns made by this company are some of the best in the world. The Getzen instruments are priced a little higher than the other major brand name horns.				Used Instruments: There are not as many used French horns around as other instruments. However, we sometimes will have few. If you are in the market, give us a call. The ones we usually get include the Jupiter, Holton, Conn, Yamaha, and others. Please call or e-mail for what we currently have in stock and the price. We have the best repair and service shop in Texas so our used band instruments are always in great shape.

Euphonium & Baritone

	Getzen: This is a good old USA company still making their euphoniums and baritones in Wisconsin. The euphoniums and baritones made by this company are great instruments. The Getzen instruments are priced no more than other major brand name horns.
	Jupiter: This company is not as old as the two companies above. However, a growing percentage of band directors are coming to believe that these instruments are as good or better than most models made by the older companies. We have sold dozens of these instruments and our coustomers have been very pleased with their purchase. The price of these horns is a little less than the two listed above.
	Cerveny: Cerveny makes several models of rotor valve instruments including euphoniums and baritone horns. They instruments are very similar to the Mirafone background brass and are much less expensive. We have sold many of these instruments and the directors who purchase them, and the students who play them, love the horn,
	Dynasty: Dynasty makes several models of background instruments including euphoniums and baritone horns. The most popular Dynasty instruments we have sold are convertible on-the-shoulder tubas for marching bands. The directors like the projected sound on the field and the student can use them for practice horns during concert season.
	Used Instruments: Most of the time we have a stock of good used instruments that are sold at great prices. However, used baritones and euphoniums are scarce. Please call or e-mail for what we currently have in stock and the price. We have the best repair and service shop in Texas so our used band instruments are always in great shape.

Tuba & Sousaphone

	Cerveny: Cerveny makes several models of rotor valve instruments including tubas and basses. They instruments are very similar to the Mirafone background brass and are much less expensive. We have sold many of these instruments and the directors who purchase and the students who play them love the horn. Jupiter: This company is a relative newcomer in the music industry. However, a growing percentage of band directors are coming to believe that these instruments are as good or better than most models made by the older companies. We have sold dozens of these instruments and our coustomers have been very pleased with their purchase. The price of these horns is a little less than most established brands.
	Dynasty: Dynasty makes several models of background instruments including tubas and basses. The most popular Dynasty instruments we have sold are convertible on the shoulder tubas for marching bands. The directors like the projected sound on the field and the student can use them for a practice horn during concert season.
	Weril: Weril is another increasingly popular background tuba or bass. Directors are calling for this instrument more often than a few years ago.
	Used Instruments: Used tubas and sousaphones are rare in our area, but we do get them from time to time, and we sell them at great prices. Please call or e-mail for what we currently have in stock. We have the best repair and service shop in Texas so our used band instruments are always in great shape.

Drums & Percussion

Pearl: Pearl is the world’s largest manufacturer of drums both marching and sets. You can access their website from our links page for complete information. The drums are about average cost, they are very high quality, and they hold up to the stresses of hard use by both students and professionals alike. Mapex: Mapex drums are growing by leaps and bounds because of their high quality and because they cost a little less than the other major name brands. Yamaha: Yamaha drum sets are also popular. They make a complete line from beginner to professional. All Major Cymbals: The three major brand names for cymbals are Zildjian, Paiste, and Sabian. We are dealers for all three of these brands and some of the lesser know brands. All Major World Percussion: There are several big names in world percussion including Toca, LP, (Latin Percussion), Remo, Pearl, and Yamaha. Again, we are dealers for all of these and some lesser known brands.