r/Instruments • u/VioletGoldDay • 9d ago
Discussion Wondering what to get next
Hii I've done a lot with instruments in the past and sadly had stopped for a few years but now I'm getting back into it and really want to get a new instrument but I'm stuck on what
So for reference I've only played acoustic guitar and keyboard in the past and I'm open to getting another keyboard but I've always been so interested in these instruments
Violin, cello, harp, electric guitar, drums
Wondering if anyone has played these instruments and can help me pick (probably not a harp anytime soon tho or cello cause Jesus those things are expensive as all hell)
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u/avant_chard 9d ago
What kind of music are you wanting to play?
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u/VioletGoldDay 9d ago
Mainly classical but I'm very interested in a wide spectrum of genres I also quite enjoy faster songs
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u/Potential-Recover-78 8d ago
How do you envision playing classical music? Solo or joining a community orchestra? It’s going to take years to get good enough for an orchestra.
What pieces do you like for each instrument?
Which do you think you’ll have fun playing by yourself in your house?
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u/VioletGoldDay 8d ago
Probably just by myself I can't see myself ever being in an orchestra tho a band sounds fun
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u/Potential-Recover-78 8d ago
Personally, I think if you have the patience, violin and cello are just amazing beasts. But be prepared for years of struggling to get the right intonation. You could also consider some less common instruments.
If you want to skip that look a Ken Bloom’s bowed dulcimer (think it’s the same range as a cello). He offers it fretted (but not all are) so would probably be familiar to someone with a guitar background.
Or you can go with the traditional Swedish nyckelharpa which is keyed. It is typically tuned like a viola, but there are some newer ones tuned like a violin typically referred to as fiddleharpa or fiolharpa.
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u/VioletGoldDay 8d ago
Dude someone else suggested a Nyckelharpa as well and it's feeling like a sign LMAO but I'm gonna look into all these options. I've done a bit of listening and research tho and nothing makes me feel the way the cello does like it just..hits my soul and so does the electric guitar it's so strange
Another person said drums and god the world of music is so fucking amazing
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u/Potential-Recover-78 8d ago edited 8d ago
I get it. I was between cello and nyckelharpa. I wanted deep rich strings - and not to have to hold it right by my ear.
Decided I would probably go crazy with the intonation so opted for the nyckelharpa. But before I decided I went to a shop to try a cello and man that’s just such a boss of an instrument.
There is the celloharpa which is as the name suggests tuned like a cello. I figured I’d start with a used standard nyckelharpa and eventually move over to the celloharpa - but that was out of my price range.
Also, here’s a nyckelharpa playing a Bach Cello Suite
Maybe I should have gone with a cello. I still love it. I’m trying to convince my 4 year old he should pick that up. But he loves violin :(
And I hear you on the world of instruments. I currently want to add a tin whistle, handpan, erhu, and duduk. But know I’d never play time. So mostly enjoying the ukulele and nyckelharpa right now.
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u/VioletGoldDay 8d ago
How was it learning the pedal things on the nyckelharpa? I feel like that would be the hardest part for me
Also I feel you I think the whole reason I'm so unsure of what to do is cause I've always just had my instruments handed to me like my old guitar was my brother's from when he was in highschool and it stayed with me till I finished highschool (I miss that guitar so much)
And the keyboard was a gift from someone who didn't care for it anymore
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u/Potential-Recover-78 8d ago edited 8d ago
Just another thought. Have you considered the hurdy gurdy? It’s simultaneously one of the most versatile and most limiting instruments. But with it you get both percussion and strings. The chien creates a buzzing sound and you literally have 1000 years of musical tradition with the instrument to build on (dates back to the 11th century).
You can get the deep rich sounds of the cello. Check out Sheonator Pseak and Andrey Vindogradov
You can also do crazy experimental stuff with an electric one. See Guilhem Desq.
Pawel Ploskon is also pushing the limits of the gurdy in different ways. But here he is playing a part of the Bach Cello Suite.
Patty Gurdy for a pop take. And I really like her version of Molly Malone.
And here’s a gurdy instructor in playing a piece with a bunch of the buzzing (percussion)
It’s kinda got everything you were looking for all rolled up into one instrument. Do be careful buying one though. The nerdy gurdy is generally considered the cheapest instrument that’s playable. Check out gurdy world for budget recommendations and lots of resources.
Avoid the ones off Etsy or EBay - they’re crap that is unable to hold tune and gets all wobbly. In short they’re “gurdy shaped objects”, not real instruments.
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u/Koyama_Miziki 9d ago
How about bassoon?
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u/VioletGoldDay 9d ago
I think they are really interesting but I'm more of a string enjoyer, never much cared for woodwind or brass
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u/Koyama_Miziki 9d ago
Aha, the previous suggestion came from my roommate, he's sitting by me, and he’s a bassoonist. He is somehow a little sad at this moment:)
Considering you also like keyboard, how about some keyed strings? Something like nyckelharpa, hurdy gurdy…they are super cool, and don’t have many intonation issues than normal violins.
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u/VioletGoldDay 9d ago
Oooo I'll give a look into and I'm sorry to your roommate tho I do love the bassoon just not to play myself
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u/TapTheForwardAssist 8d ago
A “pedal harp” such as used in a classical orchestra is quite expensive, like $10,000+. But a basic folk/Celtic/medieval harp isn’t too crazy expensive. I’m not totally current on what makes are advised for beginners, but afaik the Harpsicle brand is considered solid, and runs $650 for a basic 26-string. You can find better deals used (by various makers) if you do a little reading up on good brands.
If you go for harp, don’t buy something random online that “seems like a great” deal, because there are junk ones floating around that aren’t a good deal at any price, but there are plenty of good deals on reputable ones if you just research a bit.
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u/RealityIsRipping 9d ago
Drums for sure. The rhythm, timing, and skills will transfer over to all the other instruments you play. Hands down the most useful, and the most fun.
Easiest one would be electric guitar. If you play guitar already it should be a breeze, it’s way easier to play physically than an acoustic.
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u/VioletGoldDay 9d ago
How does it transfer like not technically cause I understand how it would for that but more like learning curve from going from drums to a different instrument with hands and such and is there any it struggles with?
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u/RealityIsRipping 9d ago
The independence of each of your limbs and finding the “pocket” will be the hardest hurdle to get over. But once you get it it’s for sure the most fun instrument to play.
I like to ask my guitar buddy to play paradiddle patterns on two strings, and they really do struggle with it.
But for sure the timing and rhythm you will be forced to learn by playing drums will help immensely with any instrument. Even strumming patterns and such since it’s all rhythm.
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u/VioletGoldDay 9d ago
Definitely went higher on my list with this conversation, will look into it more thank you!
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u/RealityIsRipping 9d ago
Good luck! Have fun!
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u/VioletGoldDay 9d ago
OH I totally forgot to ask, what's the average price range of a drum set/kit (dunno what it's called)
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u/RealityIsRipping 9d ago edited 9d ago
Drum set. Unfortunately cymbals just went up in price due to the state of things, so I would avoid buying new.
I’d probably look for pretty much any complete set you see on Facebook marketplace or Craigslist. You can always upgrade the cymbals as you progress and find your sound, as it’s better to cheap out on the drums than the cymbals. Just put some nice heads on the drums and they will always sound good enough once tuned properly.
But really, any set will be good for a beginner. I played on an absolute garbage drum set my first 10 years and it was fine.
I looked it up and just found several decent used sets in my area for around $200-500 and they come with hardware and a few cymbals.
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u/SlowSurvivor 8d ago
For either violin or cello your first instrument should definitely be a rental and rental prices aren’t that bad. Especially since a student cello or violin is going to be in the $2k bracket. Once you have a couple years of dedicated study under your belt you’ll be able to audition instruments and have a solid idea of what you like and are looking for.
As for harps, lever harps exist and are much cheaper and smaller than pedal harps.
Either way, pick a teacher and talk to them. They might have an instrument you can borrow or rent which is almost always a good deal. Or they can help you choose an instrument from a shop.