Musical instruments for kids. [more inside]
posted by cameronfromedinburgh on Oct 7, 2009 - 22 answers

Is it reasonable to expect that I can develop reasonable proficiency at piano/keyboard with 30 minutes to an hour of practice each day for a few months? [more inside]
posted by DMan on Sep 25, 2009 - 12 answers

Fixing an old transistor organ: how do I fix these switches that seem to rely on the springiness of metal in order to make contact? [more inside]
posted by tmcw on Sep 7, 2009 - 5 answers

I'm looking to pick up an instrument. What would you recommend that doesn't cost too much to buy and maintain, is fairly easy to learn, can be self-taught (i.e. with online resources/videos), and works well as a solo instrument? [more inside]
posted by sciencemandan on Aug 25, 2009 - 29 answers

Help me write retro-styled video game music! I've finally found a system that works for me, but its supported music formats are OGG - which is nice, but too heavyweight for the kind of retro feel I want - and MOD/XM, which has definite potential... [more inside]
posted by wanderingmind on Aug 17, 2009 - 6 answers

I'm considering a new violin... but I live in an apartment. And I have no intention of performing for anyone but myself. What's the most reasonable violin to get, and how can I best keep from driving my neighbors insane? [more inside]
posted by katillathehun on Aug 13, 2009 - 13 answers

Seattle resident (US Citizen) wants to buy a $900 keyboard amp of Canadian manufacture from Vancouver B.C. music store. How much it would REALLY cost after taxes and customs duties? Store couldn't tell me; getting busy signal from Border Information Service 800 number. GST - about 5%? Additional provincial tax for BC, and if so, how much? Additional customs duties? Would drive up from Seattle and buy in person. Is this insane, or should I just special-order via Seattle music store and save money (but not time?)
posted by dorgla on Aug 12, 2009 - 7 answers

What exactly is the difference between a guitar and bass amp? If I were to get the latter, could I plug in the former instrument and still get similar bitchin' sounds out of my rig? [more inside]
posted by shoebox on Jun 29, 2009 - 15 answers

I am interested in learning to play the pedal steel guitar, what do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by MaryDellamorte on Jun 10, 2009 - 7 answers

What musical instrument looks like a clarinet but has a tiny thin reed? [more inside]
posted by Brodiggitty on May 28, 2009 - 8 answers

How do I transpose guitar sheet music, not tabs, into banjo sheet music?
posted by shesaysgo on May 17, 2009 - 9 answers

When I practice my shakuhachi (bamboo flute) I'm usually easily distracted, unfocussed, and lacking energy. However, I have excellent practice after orgasm. How can I replicate this without having sex with my wife before each practice/performance? [more inside]
posted by zachawry on Apr 14, 2009 - 12 answers

What is the instrument heard at 0:46 in Aimee Mann's "The Moth"? [more inside]
posted by inoculatedcities on Apr 10, 2009 - 5 answers

I've decided to learn how to play the Autoharp, and am looking into purchasing one for the very first time. What's a good entry-level instrument? (Note: keep in mind that I'm an absolute beginner, and am looking at the lower end of the price range, since I'm just starting out.) Thank you in advance for your help, all!
posted by sarabeth on Feb 23, 2009 - 8 answers

Where in Vancouver, BC might I find a replacement power supply (I believe it's a Yamaha PA-6 adapter) for a PSR 740 keyboard?
posted by stray on Feb 21, 2009 - 5 answers

How do I avoid annoying the neighbors while I practice a musical instrument? [more inside]
posted by realpseudonym on Feb 15, 2009 - 25 answers

Is there a great, free website where a child with no prior experience can learn to tune and play her new guitar? [more inside]
posted by daisyace on Jan 13, 2009 - 2 answers

What instrument is this? [more inside]
posted by cusr0002 on Jan 9, 2009 - 4 answers

Please suggest a few songs (rock,punk,alt-country,indie,country, I hate using labels, but please no blues or jazz or classical) that incorporate the trumpet. Doesn't have to be the main ingredient, just part of the song will do. For some reason, when used in this vague context, it sends me into a solemn, pensive place for a while. Thanks.
posted by repoman on Nov 7, 2008 - 77 answers

I'm very curious about learning to play a hammered dulcimer. What do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by valleys on Oct 18, 2008 - 9 answers

What instrument is featured on 30 Rock? During the first season of the TV sitcom 30 Rock Liz's scenes are sometimes introduced with a few notes of wistful music, played with what sounds like a woodwind instrument. Usually solo. Can anyone identify the instrument?
posted by Jeff Howard on Aug 15, 2008 - 5 answers

Would it be way too expensive to get some minor work (installing railroad spikes) done on my banjo... in Washington, DC? (vs. 'the suburbs' ?) If not, any recommendations of general instrument guru shop guys? [more inside]
posted by tmcw on Jun 6, 2008 - 7 answers

Our kids, 5 and 7, haven't singled in on any specific instrument yet (nor, perhaps, will they ever), but they do love listening to, humming/singing, and dancing to all kinds of music, and playing the various "minor" instruments we've got. We're thinking about buying some sort of simple music machine/synth to have in the house for them play around with. Any recommendations?
posted by progosk on May 13, 2008 - 14 answers

Problem with Godin Multiac Nylon String Synth-access guitar - specifically the RMC pickup. [more inside]
posted by Grangousier on May 5, 2008 - 1 answer

Help me pick the best first instrument for a very small 6 year old. [more inside]
posted by headspace on Apr 23, 2008 - 23 answers

Does anyone know where to rent a high quality student cello short term in NYC? Ideally, I'd like something hand crafted and valued at 10 - 20 k, but if need be I'll go lower end. Looking for a bow, too. Thanks!
posted by paul_smatatoes on Apr 21, 2008 - 2 answers

So I play guitar (fairly well) and ukulele (passably). I'm thinking about getting a baritone or tenor ukulele, but also strongly considering a guitalele. Where can I get one in America (in VA, DC, or NJ?) [more inside]
posted by tmcw on Mar 23, 2008 - 3 answers

AskMe Musicians - I'm buying a drum set for the first time. What advice would you offer me? [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco on Feb 15, 2008 - 14 answers

What was the harp-like instrument I saw Billy Connolly play? [more inside]
posted by popcassady on Nov 27, 2007 - 7 answers

Where can I buy a rubab in Chicago or online? [more inside]
posted by miqueltegler on Nov 27, 2007 - 2 answers

I want to buy a pedal steel guitar, and preferably I would like to buy one from Ed Naylor. I visited his shop in Portsmouth, Ohio, a few years ago and almost got one for US$500. His shop isn't there any more. Anyone know where I can find him? If not, anyone know where I can get a basic beginner's pedal steel guitar for under $1000?
posted by billtron on Nov 11, 2007 - 5 answers

How do I tackle feedback with a piezo pickup on a very small instrument (ukulele), running it through guitar amps or PA systems? [more inside]
posted by tmcw on Oct 4, 2007 - 12 answers

Can you help me find more information on the mystery-maker of my Grandfather's violin? [more inside]
posted by DecemberRaine on Jul 25, 2007 - 4 answers

MusicalInstrumentFilter: I was watching a program on german folk music, and one musical instrument basically looked like a small milk churner, and made a .. uh.. farting sound. Anyone know the instrument?
posted by slater on Jun 16, 2007 - 8 answers

In NYC, where can I get a violin CHEAPLY looked over and serviced? [more inside]
posted by allterrainbrain on Jun 13, 2007 - 7 answers

Please help me find a musical instrument to learn that fits all these qualifications (in order of importance): super easy to learn, small, cheap. [more inside]
posted by marginaliana on Apr 30, 2007 - 27 answers

I own a 50s reissue Stratocaster that I need to get some work done on. It's been in storage (not in a storage locker but someone's house, and not in a garage) for a couple of years, since I moved away from my hometown. Next month I'll be retrieving it. (Yay!) However, I'm not quite sure where to go in NYC to get that work done properly. I don't want my baby screwed up. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Mikey-San on Mar 24, 2007 - 8 answers

Real music-making onscreen: Fiction movies in which actors, portraying musician characters, actually play the instruments and/or sing? [more inside]
posted by lorimer on Mar 13, 2007 - 63 answers

I'm looking for an interesting and inexpensive MIDI instrument. [more inside]
posted by monkeymadness on Feb 16, 2007 - 15 answers

Help me find a good travel agent. I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area, and would love to find someone local, but I'm also open to other options. [more inside]
posted by purplefiber on Feb 11, 2007 - 3 answers

What do you think is the best inexpensive ($50 or less) pocketable musical instrument?
posted by archagon on Feb 4, 2007 - 44 answers

Short version: What cool musical equipment can I get for $200? [more inside]
posted by lekvar on Jan 29, 2007 - 30 answers

How do I properly clean and tune a newly purchased, but second-hand, acoustic guitar? [more inside]
posted by chos on Jan 29, 2007 - 11 answers

Should I buy a bass even though I can't afford one right now? Guitar Center offers no interest for a year, etc. What's the catch? [more inside]
posted by GS1977 on Nov 21, 2006 - 35 answers

Cheap, noisy and fun: Help me to build/make/collect dozens of inexpensive, whimsical musical instuments. [more inside]
posted by leapfrog on Sep 5, 2006 - 21 answers

Help me find somewhere online to purchase a theremin, preferrably cheaply. I'd just be a beginner, so great magical quality isn't an issue. Also, I have no problem with age as long as they function. There's aslo [more inside]
posted by Glitter Ninja on Aug 16, 2006 - 6 answers

At what point during a concert (e.g. rock/pop/country) performance do you recognize and applaud the song performed? [more inside]
posted by JigSawMan on Jun 5, 2006 - 27 answers

My cousin (a musician/producer-type) and I are taking a spectacular North American gear hunting road trip. What hot spots can you recommend? [more inside]
posted by glibhamdreck on May 23, 2006 - 2 answers

I have a 1997 Telecaster Plus with a rosewood fretboard that I'd like to darken up a bit. [more inside]
posted by KevinSkomsvold on May 19, 2006 - 11 answers

What's the least amount of money you can spend and still get a decent banjo? [more inside]
posted by defenestration on Apr 1, 2006 - 5 answers