Instruments & Accessories Guides
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Clarinet Instrument Terminology
14th Jan 2026
If you have started playing the clarinet – congratulations! You are at the beginning of an exciting musical journey. There are lots of additional details you will learn as you go, but here is a list of the most common clarinet terms and definitions to get you started.
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Why that Bargain Woodwind Instrument is a False Economy
30th Oct 2025
Everyone loves a bargain, especially at a time when the cost of living is so high. For some purchases, those bargains can represent a genuine saving, but when it comes to musical instruments, the mantra ‘you get what you pay for’ almost always applies. In this article, we look at the reasons why the purchase of a cheap woodwind instrument isn't worth it.
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Buffet v Yamaha: Beginner and Intermediate Clarinets
15th Oct 2025
When it comes to purchasing clarinets, we are often asked what the difference is between Buffet and Yamaha. In this article, we take a look at the student and step-up models from both manufacturers and what they have to offer to help you make the right choice for you.
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Laying the Foundations - Wind Instruments for the Younger Player
14th Mar 2025
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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Flute Instrument Terminology
8th Nov 2024
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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Tonewoods: Acoustic Guitar Edition
24th Sep 2024
Tonewoods are the specific types of timbers that are prized for their acoustic properties, particularly their ability to resonate and transmit sound effectively.
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Breedlove: Body Sizes Explained
6th Sep 2024
The guitar's body shape and size significantly impact its sound and performance. Bigger not necessarily better, just different.
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Best Clarinets for Beginners
23rd Aug 2024
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
23rd Aug 2024
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
23rd Aug 2024
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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Guitar Strings: A Quick Guide
16th Aug 2024
Don't get "Strung Up"; Our Beginner's Guide to Guitar Strings: This article aims to help explain the different types of guitar strings, their unique features, and how they affect the sound and feel of the guitar you play.
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Three Guitars for the Starter
20th Feb 2024
Picking up a guitar for the first time is a capital experience that becomes the genesis for a lifelong expedition into music. The guitar is great fun and also allows the player to be introduced to musicianship and to increase one's musical knowledge in a fun and rewarding way.
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The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide
14th Nov 2022
We don’t just sell sheet music, instruments and CDs here at Presto - we’re a veritable goldmine of music-themed gifts, too! Whatever your festive needs, we have something for you. Find out more.
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Take up the trumpet
20th Dec 2021
Ok, you have decided to TAKE UP THE TRUMPET … but how to choose your first instrument? In this guide, we have selected our top three Yamaha trumpets.
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Best Violins for Beginners
10th Jun 2021
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 violins.
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Plastic Brass instruments from pBone
20th Apr 2021
Ever dreamed to take up a brass instrument but do not know where to start? We have some recommendations for you and a selection of the best beginner brass instruments on the market.
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Beginner Violins from Hidersine
15th Feb 2021
Hidersine has been at the forefront of bowed instrument maintenance and care ever since their foundation in 1890. We take a look at their range of beginner violins.
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Introducing Edgware by BBICO
28th Jan 2021
Hannah Williams, Brand Manager of Edgware by BBICO, introduces us to their range of sustainable, eco-friendly maintenance products for woodwind and brass instruments.
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New Generation Gig Bags from Tom & Will
19th Jan 2021
For the past fifteen years, Tom & Will's colourful gig bags have been providing reliable protection for a broad range of instruments from orchestral, concert and brass band as well as folk. We take a look at some bags from their New Generation series.
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School Percussion Essentials
20th Oct 2020
To help you get started with your school music ensembles we have put together a selection of the most essential percussion instruments including starter kits for KS1 and KS2 students, boomwhackers, shakers, chime bars, bells, and more.
