tracer: All tubas are non-transposing instruments. If I put down my CC upright tuba and pick up a BBb Sousaphone, I’ve got to completely rework my fingering down a step.
And yes…bass and contrabass tubas come in F, Eb, CC, and BBb. I don’t personally know anyone who plays all four, though; swapping fingerings four different ways would be anough to drive one mad.
I’m surprised they admit it…
You know how to tell the difference between a violin and a viola, right?
The viola burns longer.
<ducking and running>
Trumpet, a little piano, and currently learning classical guitar.
Picked up Trumpet in High School, because music was the only thing that fit my schedule. I actually was pretty good by the end of the year. Piano I started just because most of my mother’s friends seemed to own one, and it gave me something to do. Haven’t touched one in years though 
And guitars are just nifty.
The only instrument I actually own at the moment is my yamaha guitar, which a friend gave to me after giving up on it himself. I’d love a trumpet, but brass is hellishly expensive.
Not yet.
Nope.
I think I answered that one already. 
OK, I’m curious. What’s with the anti-viola talk? 
It’s been a few years, but I used to play the trumpet. From the fifth grade through my sophomore year in college.
My dad used to play the trumpet, and he still had his old trumpet sitting in his closet. I started out on that one. But while dad got me started, some damn fine band directors kept me going.
The first horn was my dad’s, so I’m not sure of the price. I played on a King beginner trumpet in the sixth grade. That cost about $800. In the seventh grade, I got a Bach Stradivarius that set my parents back about $1400.
From my experience, make does make a difference. In my experience, Bachs and Yamahas have been on the more expensive side of the spectrum with Kings, Conns, and other Yamahas at the low end. In addition, B-flat trumpets are the cheapest with C trumpets just a bit more. Trumpets in other keys (as well as piccolo trumpets) are a lot more expensive.
I started out as a music education major in college. I left the program as I was shopping around for a C trumpet. A big part of me still really wants the Bach Stradivarius C trumpet.
Nope. I figure I blew about five bucks a month on valve oil and about ten bucks a year on other supplies (like slide grease and polishing cloth). In the almost ten years that I played, I think I put the instrument in the shop for a thorough cleaning about three times (at about $100 a visit).
I dabbled a bit on the clarinet and percussion (mainly the tympani and marimba). I tried numerous times to learn piano, but I royally stink at it.
** 1) What do you play? **
Violin(primary)/Piano
** 2) What influenced your choice? **
Parents They just shoved me in front of the instrument and a teacher and made me practice. But it’s well worth it.
** 3) How much did your instrument cost? Does the make, uh, make any difference? **
I don’t know about the piano. I started with a half size violin for $200 then moved to a 3/4 which my family already had from a cousin, then my current student model at $1800. The price does matter of course. Sounds vary a lot…from the kind of nasally tones from really cheap factory produced violins to nice deep sounds from a violin just a thousands dollars more.
** 4) Is there an “ultimate” instrument you’d like to own and play (eg. Stradivarius for violinists)? **
Not really. I like the violin I have right now. She might not be the prettiest with her slowly degrading varnish (grr to the maker), and the scratches from random encounters with the wall, but i just think she’s the sweetest 
** 5) Does your instrument have a huge maintenance bill? **
Nah not really. For the piano, get someone to tune it every once in a while but I never touch it now so it just sits there. For the violin: new strings, rehair the bow, rosin, and polish.
For those of you who long for a grand piano but don’t have the space or the bucks, I recommend the Kawai ES-1. I no longer consider electronic pianos as “just keyboards.” I was afraid of giving up my “real” piano for this. But believe me, the touch and sound are primo. I’ve had it for a year and never fail to marvel at the quality.
The ES-1 was recommended to me by a professional musician in Germany. I told him that I wanted the best grand piano sound for under around $2000.
My husband paid around $1300, I think. It was a gift to me and I probably could have gotten away with a more expensive one.
My dreams of having that Steinway grand have completely faded. I’m very content.
No maintenance, so far. It doesn’t have to be tuned or have new hammers put in.
Yes, I play and collect other musical instruments but not well enough to impress anyone. (I’ve developed an interest in weird Latin percussion instruments.) However, when I’m angry with someone, I can always do a drive-by concertino solo and they beg for mercy.
I played flute in elementary school… does that count?
<hijack>
A “reformed” violist (jr. and sr. high school, no longer playing) chimes in. Violas rarely get star" parts (melody or solos) like the violins do. There really isn’t as much music written for the viola as a solo instrument as there is for a violin. Also, a lot of musicians look down on the violas as the “third violin” section the string pecking order is first violins, second violins, then viola. A fair number of violist were originally violinist, and some violinist look down their noses at the poor violists. All this gives the impression that the viola is an easy instrument (untrue) and violist are rather unskilled moroons (sometimes true), which spawned “viola jokes”, rather like Texas Aggie or drummer jokes. For example:
Why do Violists get antsy when they see the Kama Sutra?
They can’t handle any subject reference to “more than one position”.
Why are some Violists taking up the Accordion?
Upward mobility.
What’s the only thing separating Violists from the apes?
The 2nd Violin section.
http://www.petelevin.com/violajokes.htm
All that having been said, rthe viola is a great instrument! And apologies to any violist out there for misstatements or offense.
<byejack>
A few questions for any classical musicians:
What do you play?
Most often, I play bass trombone and bass guitar.
What influenced your choice?
I ended up playing bass trombone instead of tenor because I thought playing loud and low sounded cool, and the bigger horns looked pimpin’. I’ve never been that good at playing in the upper register, anyway. Bass guitar- I’ve always loved the instrument since hearing Geezer Butler (and then some funk, some jazz, and more…). Guitar never seemed half as interesting.
How much did your instrument cost? Does the make, uh, make any difference?
About $2500 for the super fat Edwards bass 'bone. The MIM Standard Fender Jazz, $200 used. The make of an instrument does make a difference- I mean, as long as you pick something decent, most brands will hold together, but there’s a lot that’s personal preference in how an instrument plays or sounds.
Is there an “ultimate” instrument you’d like to own and play (eg. Stradivarius for violinists)?
Hmm…bass bone is pretty much covered. I’d like a smaller jazz horn someday; I’ve heard good things about '70s King 2Bs, but haven’t played one yet to see. As far as basses, I’d like an upright bass someday, and my Mexi Jazz is good for learning, performing, etc, but it’s definately not the best out there. We’ll see.
Does your instrument have a huge maintenance bill?
Trombone- hardly any. Bass- Strings. Bass strings don’t break often, and really you can leave them on there for a helluva a long time. I like having some snap, though, in case I feel like pretending I can slap and pop. I’ve been playing less than a year, and not with anyone for a lot of that time, so I don’t know how often I’d change them if I was, but for a four-string bass a set costs about $20-$35.
Can you play more than one instrument?
Bass and tenor trombones (no big deal there), bass guitar, euphonium, baritone.
Firstly, I’m not a classical musician. I play jazz and other tidbits. But I play a couple of “classical” instruments so I think I count.
1) What do you play?
Clarinet & Piano (among others)
2) What influenced your choice?
We always had a piano or keyboard around the house when I was a kid. I just started playing it.
As for the Clarinet, I really like the sound so I bought one and started playing.
3) How much did your instrument cost? Does the make, uh, make any difference?
My first clarient was $70 off ebay. A cheap plastic student model. Not long after I was VERY lucky to find a used R13 Buffet Crampon clarient for… cough $300. A very low price. I put about $50 into it having it repadded and recorked (just a few here and there).
I also bought an old 1940’s metal clarinet for $50 and spent $100 having it broguth back to a playable condition. I figured it would be a great clarinet for goofing off with.
I’ve also bought a handful of different mouthpieces ranging from $30-60.
The Buffet plays MUCH better then the plastic Vito. The Metal plays better then the Vito as well.
The Piano is a Steinway upright. Cost about $15k years ago.It plays better then the Chickering I learned on.
4) Is there an “ultimate” instrument you’d like to own and play (eg. Stradivarius for violinists)?
I’m pretty happy with what I have. They play great.
5) Does your instrument have a huge maintenance bill?
No. The clarinet might need pads or corks from time to time, but a complete repadding and recorking from a shop up the road is under $150.
The piano needs dusting from time to time. And a tuning every handful of years (as needed)
6) Can you play more than one instrument?
I play drums, various keyboard instruments, clarinet, a little guitar and bass.
I really want a sax next, and perhaps a digerido.
Dear god, man, that’s a sweet deal.
1) What do you play?
I’m a clarinet player, though due to a lamentable problem with my lips, I have trouble practicing much anymore.
2) What influenced your choice?
It was so long ago that I hardly remember. I was in fourth grade at the time. I remember hearing a bit from Peter and the Wolf at the time, and rather liked the clarinet part. And, much more shamefully, I thought that Kenny G played clarinet, and I liked his tunes.
I was 8, people.
3) How much did your instrument cost? Does the make, uh, make any difference?
Absolutely. I learned on various rentals, all plastic, made mostly by either Bundy or Selmer. By the time I was 13, I was playing very seriously, so I purchased a Buffet E45. It’s pretty much an intermediate model, made of lovely grenadilla wood. It’s got nothing on Seven’s R13, that’s for sure. It cost me about $800, around 1990.
4) Is there an “ultimate” instrument you’d like to own and play (eg. Stradivarius for violinists)?
Nah, nothing quite like that in the clarinet world. I would have loved to own a high-end Buffet or perhaps a LeBlanc, though. Would have cost me about two grand at the time for a new piece.
5) Does your instrument have a huge maintenance bill?
Nah. Like Seven said, clarinets need occaisional replacement of corks, pads, and springs. Cracks can be fairly costly, but are easily avoidable if you take good care of the instrument. I’d love to have mine worked on so I can try to play it more again.
6) Can you play more than one instrument?
Yep, I can play most breeds of sax. I like tenor and soprano best, probably because there is something about Bb that is hardwired into my brain.
1) What do you play?
I play Trumpet and guitar.
**2) What influenced your choice? **
I picked Trumpet in Elementary school as an instrument. My grandparents had an old Olds in their attic, which was my uncle’s 25 years before, and the rest is history.
As far as guitar, I was interested in it in sixth grade, so I took it up.
**How much did your instrument cost? Does the make, uh, make any difference? **
My trumpet cost uh…nothing. As far as the make…I would think so. Not a terrible amount of difference, though. I have never heard a trumpet (played by a good player) and just said to myself, “god, that trumpet sucks.”
I have a Taylor acoustic guitar that I love, it cost me about $1200 when I got it and plays beautifully. I later bought a Fender Stratocaster for $750 (Amp $300). Make definitely makes a difference for guitars and amps. Bad guitars can be a disaster to tune, and always sound dull and flat. If the “action” on a guitar isn’t good, it also can be trouble. Make of Electric guitars also make a difference, pickups are hugely important, as are the inside mechanic thingys.
4) Is there an “ultimate” instrument you’d like to own and play (eg. Stradivarius for violinists)?
For Trumpet, no. I like mine just fine. For guitar, I would love a good PRS, or an old Fender Strat. Paul Reed Smith (PRS) makes some incredible guitars, and classic Fenders just can’t be compared.
5) Does your instrument have a huge maintenance bill?
My trumpet needs valve oil, which isn’t too much of a burden. Slide grease maybe, but I usually borrow grease if I need it. I occasionally bring it to the shop, but generally not a big deal.
My guitars need new strings occasionally, which shouldn’t cost more than $8 unless you are crazy.
6) Can you play more than one instrument?
Yes. I play Trumpet and guitar. I just started playing Baritone/Euphonium Horn to help out one of the school’s bands. It is in Bb, so it isn’t too different from a Bb Trumpet
(Hijack)
Maeglin: yeah. Funny story behind it as well.
I went into the music store looking for a nice, older, wood clarient. I had my mind set on an Albert System just because I’m weird that way. I ask the guy at the music store if they had anything sitting around and he said “no… oh wait. We just took in an older wood clarinet”
So he digs around the shop and finds the Buffet. It was kind of grubby and dirty, but in good shape short of one cork and a few pads.
Of course, these aren’t stamped with a model number, just a serial number. The music store guy didn’t know what model it was so he headed over to his computer to look up the serial at the Buffet website -but his internet connection was all messed up or something was wrong with the website.
He comes back and says “I can’t look the model up right now but let’s see how much we paid for it”
It seems they bought it for $250-275 or around there.
Normally they buy the old clarients, fix them up and sell them. He said because it had only been in the shop for a day or two and they hadn’t worked on it yet he’d be willing to sell it to me and a very limited markup. He also said it was an older student model, but still a pretty good clarinet.
So, I bought it.
I asked how much to have it fully repaired and he said about $200. I said thanks and left.
I walked down the block to another music store. This guy does woodwind and horn repair. I showed him and asked how much, he said about $50. I left it with him.
About a week later I picked it up. The guy at that store commented on how nice it played and what a really nice clarinet it was. I thought that was cool. Here’s a guy who plays a lot of horns and to get a comment like that was pretty neat. It MUST be a good clarinet.
Still thinking this was a student clarient I started wondering about the model and the age and more on the horn itself. I went on-line and started to research the model number and how to figure out the model number.
When I learned what I had bought I couldn’t believe it. A 1973 R13 in great shape for $300.
One of those rare moment you always hear about but never happen to you.
Here’s the kicker. I told my wife I bought a new clarient. She says “Oh god… how much?” I told her $300.
“$300??? Are you nuts? What are you going to do with a $300 clarinet? Why do you NEED another clarinet? Your other ones work just fine.”
“Well. I got a great deal on it. But if you want I can put it on e-bay and try to sell it. I think I’d rather have a new one anyway.”
“How much are the new ones?”
“$3350”
“oh… ugggghhh? Why don’t you just keep that one”
heh heh
(and so ends the hijack)
i havent played recently but the cello
i liked the way it looked and sounded
it was the schools, so nothing
i would like to own and play an electric guitar, i already have a classical guitar but havent tried playing it
nope
i used to play the clarinet, but stopped, i didnt like the spit it grossed me out
oops I forgot that I have tablas too, but I don’t know how to play them yet
Used to play classical guitar. I had a decent student model, not concert stage quality, but one with a solid cedar top. A Dauphin. Really sweet, mellow tone. Now it runs about $1300, but I got mine for half that, 18 years ago.
Then 3 or 4 years ago, a spinal cord problem left my hands partially paralyzed. My playing went to hell, of course. I didn’t want to give it up entirely, but I wanted a guitar that was more matched to my playing, as the Dauphin was a better guitar than I was a player. I gave it to a cow-orker who plays electric well, and wanted a nylon string guitar for fingerstyle playing. Then I bought a $100 (brand new) no-name classical, just for beating around on. Oddly enough, I’m perfectly happy with it, much happier than I was with the much better Dauphin guitar.
Anyway, when my guitar playing dried up, I took up fretless bass guitar. Bigger strings, easier for my clumsy hands to deal with. It’s not a classical instrument, but I do play a few Bach pieces, as well as some blues and other stuff. My best bass, a semi-acoustic, cost about $1000. My ultimate bass would be a high-end acoustic fretless. The ones I like best run about $2-3000, which I can’t really justify, since all I would use it for is recording stuff at home and jamming with friends.
Not much maintenance cost for me–a set of strings is 20 bucks, and lasts at least a year. I also have a collection of bamboo flutes that I play (my “real” flute was stolen a thousand years ago), and some percussion things: congas, djembe, guiro, etc. I use them all for home recording. Oh, and the hands are slowly getting better, thanks. They’re about 85% back to normal now.