3 Tips for Buying Electronic Instruments Online
What I Mean When I Say "Electronic Instruments"
When I use the words electronic instruments, I tend to lean toward the Wikipedia definition. Generally speaking, I'm talking of "a musical instrument that produces it's sound using electronics." I would forward you to their article for more detailed information on the emergence of electronic instruments and a more complete history. Just click on Wikipedia in the first sentence of this paragraph and you'll be linked to their article on electronic instruments.
Some Examples of Electronic Instruments
Probably some of the best and most familiar examples of electronic instruments are keyboards and drum machines. But that's a long way from thorough when it comes to electronic instruments. Within the keyboard category are both piano and organ keyboards if you're talking specialty. Many keyboards can produce both sounds, along with a bunch of others.
Drum machines fall within the percussion category of electronic instruments. You can find some electronic instrument that will mimic just about any percussion or beat sound you can imagine.
The same is true for wind instruments and string instruments. They're all available as electronic instruments nowadays. I think a lot of the popularity is due to the ease of mobility of electronic instruments. A keyboard you can take with you a lot easier than a heavy, cumbersome piano or organ. That's just logical! Another reason for popularity is that the quality of the sound has improved light years beyond what some of the sounds were in the early electronic instruments. Often it's only a well-trained ear that can distinguish the difference between genuine instruments and electronic instruments.
Purchasing Electronic Instruments Online
Just like with any other purchase, whether in a local store or online via the Internet, it is always prudent to remember the old adage "buyer beware." This applies for electronic instruments as well. I encourage online purchasers to follow at least these three tips when buying an electronic instrument:
1. Do your research. It's easy for you to shop online and do your research today. Simply type in what you're looking for regarding the specific electronic instrument with as much detail, including a desired brand name if you have a preference. Take the time to read what others are saying in reviews. Just make sure it's a legitimate review and not just a sales-type review to get you to buy something from them. Are you looking for used or new in the electronic instruments category? What is your budget? Spending a little time online doing research is time well spent and can help you answer these questions...and probably come up with some additional questions.
2. Purchase from a reputable seller. There are all sorts of horror stories about people that sent their hard-earned money to someone and never got anything in return. You don't have to be one of those. There are all sorts of protections for online purchasers. Companies like eBay offer a form of protection even in the online auction business model. They have strict seller requirements and have created a reasonably safe purchasing environment where you can buy from an individual. Many retail companies have an online presence, too. If you've never heard of a company that is offering something online and you cannot find out anything about them when doing your online research, then I do NOT recommend purchasing any electronic instruments from them.
3. Know the return policy and warranty BEFORE you make the purchase. If when your electronic instrument arrives at your door and you don't like what you got, can you get your money back? How long is the warranty period? Where do you send or take your electronic instrument for repairs. These are all things you should have clear answers to before you buy. Some companies today are charging "restocking fees" as much as 50% if you return a product. It is in your best interest to know what the policy is before you hand over your funds.
Now, check out this Youtube video to get a flavor or what can be accomplished with various electronic instruments:
Electronic Orchestra (Orchestronics 101)
Hopefully, these simple, straightforward tips will help you have a positive experience with your online purchase of electronic instruments.