If you’ve ever stepped into a music shop or scrolled through instruments online, you know the thrill of imagining your hands on a beautiful guitar, your fingertips tracing polished keys, or your first song flowing from new strings. But choosing a musical instrument is more than falling for a shiny finish or a familiar brand name.
Avoid Costly Mistakes—Insider Tips from Lou & Joan Cordas to Get the Perfect Instrument for Your Musical Journey
According to experienced musicians and educators like Lou and Joan Cordas of Cordas Music, what you ask before you buy can shape your progress, your enjoyment, and even how long you stick with playing. Before you make that exciting commitment, it pays to ask the right questions, listen carefully, and make sure your choice fits your style, skill level, and future goals.
A common pitfall when buying an instrument is focusing only on appearance or price. If you fall for an instrument just because it looks cool or seems like a bargain, you may soon realize it’s not comfortable in your hands, doesn’t fit your playing style, or simply doesn’t make you want to pick it up again and again. The Cordas approach is to guide you through thoughtful questions that reveal what truly matters. For instance, ask yourself: What kind of music do I most want to play? Do I prefer practicing quietly, or do I thrive in the excitement of a lively jam session? When you share these answers with professionals like Lou and Joan, they can suggest options you might not have considered—crafting a match between player and instrument.
Just as important as your personal style are the physical details that can make or break your experience. An attentive professional, like those at Cordas Music, will encourage you to check how the instrument actually feels. Does the saxophone’s weight fit comfortably in your hands? Can you hold a chord on a guitar without wrist strain? For violin or stringed instrument buyers, test how the bow glides and whether the arm length matches your body. You gain so much by asking to try different sizes, brands, and models. Skilled, experienced sellers will welcome your questions about how the instrument was set up, what maintenance it might need, and if there’s a warranty or trade-in program. This support protects you from hidden surprises that can crop up after you take your instrument home.
If you’re buying for a child or beginner, the questions are even more important. Lou and Joan Cordas always ask about who will be playing the instrument, what experience level they have, and how quickly they’ll want to progress. Don’t be afraid to bring up concerns like durability, ease of tuning, and available accessories. Practical questions such as “Are replacement parts easy to find?” and “What support does the shop offer after the sale?” help build your confidence and set your student up for success. At Cordas Music, the care continues well after a purchase—helping you with basic maintenance, follow-up lessons, and honest troubleshooting for common beginner snags.
Every musician should also ask about the story behind each instrument. An instrument chosen and checked by an experienced professional like Lou or Joan comes with the benefit of hands-on expertise and a passion for music. They’ll often have insights about which brand holds up over time, what tends to frustrate new players, and how each model supports different musical dreams. Ask about the teaching methods or learning materials matched to each instrument, and you’ll find yourself in a community where building skill, having fun, and sharing your music are just as important as owning something beautiful.
When you walk out of Cordas Music or finish chatting with true professionals, you should leave with more than just your new instrument. You’ll have specific knowledge, honest answers, and a sense that the choice was truly yours. By asking the right questions—from comfort and sound quality to after-sales support and growth opportunities—you’re setting yourself up for a musical adventure that will last for years. So before you buy, slow down, ask what matters, and know that with the right guidance, your next instrument could become a cherished companion in your creative life.