Los Angeles, the City of Angels, boasts a vibrant music scene fueled by a diverse population and a thriving arts community. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding musician, finding the right musical instrument is crucial. This guide explores some of the best places in Los Angeles to find 31 different musical instruments, catering to a wide range of budgets and musical tastes. Finding the perfect instrument in LA is easier than you think!
Finding Your Perfect Instrument: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide isn't just a list of stores; it's a roadmap to help you navigate the diverse musical instrument landscape of Los Angeles. We've categorized instruments for easier browsing, highlighting key shops and considerations for each. Remember to try before you buy whenever possible! The feel of an instrument is as important as its sound.
String Instruments
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Violins, Violas, Cellos, & Double Basses: String Specialists, Inc. in Hollywood is renowned for its high-quality string instruments and expert repairs. They offer a wide selection of new and vintage instruments, catering to both students and professionals. For a more budget-friendly option, check out Guitar Center locations across LA – they usually have a decent selection of student-level string instruments. Don't forget to factor in the cost of a bow and case, which can significantly add to the overall price.
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Guitars (Acoustic & Electric): LA is a guitarist's paradise! Wild West Guitars in West Hollywood offers a curated selection of vintage and high-end guitars. For a broader selection and more competitive pricing, Guitar Center is a reliable choice. Consider your playing style (fingerstyle, strumming, lead) when selecting a guitar. Solid-wood guitars generally offer superior tone but come with a higher price tag.
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Ukuleles: The Ukulele Underground in Los Angeles specializes in ukuleles, offering lessons and a wide array of instruments. This is the perfect place for ukulele enthusiasts of all skill levels.
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Banjos: While finding a dedicated banjo store in LA might be challenging, many general music stores carry banjos, especially Guitar Center. Research different banjo types (five-string, four-string, plectrum) before committing to a purchase.
Woodwind Instruments
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Flutes: Most music stores carry flutes, from student models to professional-grade instruments. Check Guitar Center, local music shops near you, or specialized wind instrument stores. Consider the type of flute (closed-hole, open-hole) based on your playing level and musical style.
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Clarinets: Similar to flutes, clarinets are widely available. Woodwind & Brasswind often has a good selection, but local music shops might offer more personalized service.
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Saxophones: Saxophones are best purchased from stores specializing in woodwinds or those with experienced staff who can help you select an appropriate instrument based on your size and playing ability.
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Oboes & Bassoons: These instruments require more specialized attention. It's best to visit a reputable music store with an experienced staff member to assist in the selection process. You may need to order these instruments in advance.
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Recorders: Recorders are readily available in many music stores and even some larger retailers like Amazon.
Brass Instruments
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Trumpets: Woodwind & Brasswind is a great resource for brass instruments in LA. They offer a comprehensive selection and expert advice.
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Trombones: Similar to trumpets, trombones are best purchased from specialized stores that can help with fitting and maintenance.
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French Horns: These instruments, often requiring specialized expertise for selection, are also best found at stores like Woodwind & Brasswind.
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Tubas & Euphoniums: These larger brass instruments might require special ordering, so contact local music stores or Woodwind & Brasswind in advance.
Percussion Instruments
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Drums (Acoustic & Electronic): Drum Center is a must-visit for drummers in LA. They offer a vast selection of drums, cymbals, and hardware, along with expert repair services. Guitar Center also has a sizable drum department.
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Keyboard Percussion (Marimba, Xylophone, Vibraphone): These instruments are less common, so you might need to order them online or from specialized musical instrument retailers.
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Hand Percussion (Congas, Bongos, Timbales): Many Latin music stores in Los Angeles carry a wide selection of hand percussion instruments. Check online listings or local directories for specialized shops.
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Mallet Percussion (Mallets & Sticks): Most drum shops and music stores carry a selection of mallets and sticks.
Keyboard Instruments
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Pianos (Acoustic & Digital): Sam Ash Music and Guitar Center offer a wide selection of pianos, both acoustic and digital. Consider acoustic pianos if you have space and budget; digital pianos offer convenience and versatility.
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Keyboards (Synthesizers, MIDI Keyboards): Guitar Center and Sam Ash Music have broad selections of keyboards and synthesizers. Consider the features and sound engines you need based on your musical style.
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Organs: Finding organs might require more research and possibly specialized stores or dealers. Contact local music shops for assistance.
Other Instruments
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Harmonicas: Harmonicas are readily available at most music stores.
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Accordions: Accordions are less commonly stocked, so contacting local music stores is recommended. You may find better options searching online.
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Harp: Finding a harp may require contacting specialized stores or harpists in the Los Angeles area for recommendations.
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Cello: Specialists like String Specialists, Inc. are ideal for cellos, while Guitar Center offers more affordable student-level options.
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Violin: Similar to cellos, String Specialists, Inc. is excellent for higher-end violins, while Guitar Center has more affordable choices.
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Viola: Again, String Specialists, Inc. is a good starting point, with Guitar Center as a more accessible alternative.
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Double Bass: This instrument requires expertise in selecting, so String Specialists, Inc. is strongly recommended.
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Guitar (Classical): Many stores carry classical guitars, but consider those specializing in classical instruments for personalized assistance.
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Guitar (Steel): Finding steel guitars might require some research; contacting local music stores or searching online is advisable.
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Mandolin: Many stores carry mandolins, but those specializing in folk instruments might offer better choices.
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Sitar: Finding a sitar might require some research; contacting stores specializing in world instruments is recommended.
Tips for Buying a Musical Instrument in Los Angeles
- Set a Budget: Musical instruments range in price from affordable to extremely expensive. Determine your budget before you start shopping.
- Try Before You Buy: Whenever possible, try out different instruments before making a purchase. The feel and sound can vary greatly between models.
- Consider Your Skill Level: Choose an instrument that's appropriate for your current skill level. Starting with a more basic model can be more cost-effective.
- Ask for Advice: Don't hesitate to ask the staff at music stores for advice. They can offer valuable insights into different instruments and brands.
- Read Reviews: Before making a significant purchase, read online reviews of different instruments and stores.
- Factor in Accessories: Remember that you'll likely need accessories like cases, straps, picks, or reeds. Factor these costs into your budget.
This comprehensive guide provides a starting point for your musical instrument journey in Los Angeles. Remember to do your research and have fun exploring the city's rich musical landscape!
