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Latest stories
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Piccolos - A Short Guide to Purchasing a New Instrument
There are a few things to consider when you are looking to purchase a new piccolo, whether you are new to the instrument or looking to up-grade from your student model. In this short guide we take a look at some of the factors you might take into account in your search to find the right instrument for you.
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Laying the Foundations - Wind Instruments for the Younger Player
Scientific research has shown that learning to play a musical instrument can make you smarter, increasing the power of the brain by several IQ points. Additionally, playing an instrument can improve concentration, co-ordination and memory amongst other skills. It is therefore not surprising that many parents are keen to encourage their child to start learning an instrument at a young age. Here, we look at some of the wind instruments that now make it possible for the aspiring young woodwind player to begin their music journey earlier than ever before.
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Leblanc 700 Series Saxophones - A Review
Leblanc, a name with a rich history in the woodwind manufacturing world, recently launched a new range of professional quality saxophones. Formerly under the name of Conn-Selmer, this 700 series ‘Premiere’ range has been re-imagined and now bears the renowned Leblanc name. Here, we take a look at some of the reasons why these new 700 series Leblanc saxophones are a serious competitor and worthy of consideration if you are in the market for a new horn.
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Buffet Crampon - 200 Years of Exceptional Craftsmanship
This year, world leading clarinet brand Buffet Crampon celebrates 200 years of instrument manufacture. Here, we take a brief look at the history of the company from its humble beginnings as a workshop in the heart of Paris to the global success it is today.
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Saxophone Ligatures - Do they Make a Difference?
The difference that a mouthpiece can make to your overall sound is well documented and discussed, but the difference that the ligature can make is sometimes underestimated. Here, we look at how your choice of ligature could impact your sound and the response you get from your reed.
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Saxophone Mouthpieces - A Short Guide
When it comes to mouthpieces, it is easy to get bogged down, not only by the huge number of products in the marketplace, but also by the rather bewildering array of terminology from manufacturers surrounding mouthpiece construction and how this may affect tone quality. Here, we look at the fundamentals to consider when considering the purchase of a new mouthpiece for your saxophone.
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Tips for Testing a New Saxophone
The purchase of a new instrument should be an enjoyable and exciting process, but with so much choice on the market, it can also be a daunting one. Here, we have put together some tips on how you might go about testing saxophones to help you find the perfect instrument for you.
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Cane or Synthetic Reeds? Pros and Cons
Most clarinet and saxophone players will probably play on a reed made from cane. However, there are a growing number who are turning to synthetic reeds as a durable and consistent alternative. Here, we consider why you may choose one or the other, or maybe a mixture of the two.
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Flute Instrument Terminology
Offset G key, Split E mechanism, Closed or Open hole keys...what does all this mean? Here, we have put together a list of the features commonly referred to on flutes to help you choose the best instrument for you.
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Tips for Testing a New Flute
Testing a new flute can seem like an overwhelming experience – what is the best way to test a new flute? Here, we’ve put together our top tips for testing an instrument to help you choose your perfect upgrade!
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Best Clarinets for Beginners
Choosing your first instrument can be a daunting task. In order to help you make your decision, we have looked through the range of instruments on offer, and have selected our top choices for starter clarinets.
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Best Flutes for Beginners
Choosing your first instrument can be a daunting task. In order to help you make your decision, we have looked through the range of instruments on offer, and have selected our top three starter flutes.
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Best Saxophones for Beginners
Choosing your first instrument can be a daunting task. In order to help you make your decision, we have looked through the range of instruments on offer, and have selected our top four starter saxophones.
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Spotlight on Yamaha Wind Instruments
At Presto Music, we are proud to offer a range of Yamaha's student and intermediate flutes, clarinets and saxophones, which are amongst some of the biggest-selling student instruments in the world. Find out more in this spotlight article...
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Choosing a new flute: Open Hole vs Closed Hole
The choice between playing on an open or closed hole flute is a preference, but as a flautist begins to advance, an open hole model becomes a more serious consideration when the time comes to upgrade from their student model. So, what is the difference and why might you choose one over the other?
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Spotlight on Pearl Flutes
We are excited to have expanded the range of flute brands we offer to now include Pearl flutes! Find out more about their range in this article...
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Spotlight on Yanagisawa Saxophones
Here at Presto Music, we are excited to now have Yanagisawa saxophones in stock. The Yanagisawa company has a long history of high-quality and innovative instrument manufacture, rivalling other well-known saxophone manufacturers including Selmer and Conn.
