Guides · Oct 19, 2026
How to choose a digital piano: six checks, in the order they matter
Keys first, then polyphony, sound, speakers, pedals and connections. What each spec means in practice and which models get it right at each budget.
Guides · Oct 19, 2026
What do I need to record vocals at home? Five things, and the room matters most
A microphone, an interface, closed headphones, a stand with a pop filter, and a way to stop the room from echoing. What to buy for each, from about $300 in total.
Guides · Oct 19, 2026
How much does a trumpet cost? A student horn, a pro Bach and the $174 plastic one
A good student Bb trumpet costs around $600, the median Bb trumpet about $3,100, and pro models like the Bach Stradivarius pass $4,000. Plus the cheap plastic and pocket options.
Guides · Oct 19, 2026
How much does an electric guitar cost? What 4,912 guitars say about each price step
Half of all electric guitars cost less than about $1,070, a starter set with an amp costs under $300, and USA-made Fenders and Gibsons mostly cost $1,500 and up. Every step explained.
Guides · Oct 19, 2026
How much does a violin cost? From a $200 student violin to a $49,500 Cremona copy
A decent full-size student violin costs $200 to $500, half of all violins cost less than about $1,500, and handmade master violins start around $5,000. What each step buys.
Guides · Oct 19, 2026
Gifts for music producers: 12 boxes with knobs that beat another plugin
Producers live in software, which is exactly why hardware makes the best gift: something to touch, twist and play away from the screen. 12 picks from $60.
Guides · Oct 19, 2026
Gifts for piano players who play digital: 11 upgrades they'll feel every day
The cheap pedal that came in the box, headphones for late practice, a pedal unit that turns a portable piano into a real one. Practical gifts, sorted by budget.
Guides · Oct 18, 2026
Digital piano vs keyboard: the difference is in the keys, not the sounds
A keyboard has 61 light keys and hundreds of sounds, a digital piano has 88 weighted keys and a few great pianos. Which one fits, and what each costs.
Guides · Oct 18, 2026
What size violin do I need? A two-minute measurement, and what each size costs
Stretch out the left arm, measure from the neck to the middle of the palm, and read the chart. Plus what each size costs and when a child moves up.
Guides · Oct 18, 2026
What audio interface do I need? Count your inputs first
Most people need one or two inputs and a USB connection, which costs $100 to $200. When you need more, and what Thunderbolt and Ethernet add.
Guides · Oct 18, 2026
Home studio setup for beginners: the same studio at $300, $750 and $1,500
An interface, a microphone, headphones, then monitors and a keyboard. Three complete home studios built from our rankings, with tonight's Thomann prices.
Guides · Oct 18, 2026
How much does a drum set cost? The price before and after cymbals
A complete beginner kit with cymbals starts around $300, but many drum sets are sold as shells only. What each kind costs, and what you still have to buy.