So I know this is mostly a state based question, but does anybody know a good, cheap shop to buy instruments? I would also be interested in purchasing reeds and/or sheet music.

When I was in band class, I played Clarinet and Flute, and I've recently been really wanting to buy both if them so I can relearn. I've always liked Violins so I was thinking of buying one of those as well. I haven't played an instrument in so long I've forgotten how to read music. It makes me sad when I think about it.

For a Clarinet and Flute, I would really prefer a new one (I don't know where the mouth pieces have been. Gross.) For the Violin I don't really mind if it's used.

I'm trying to check my local Craigslist but I'm not really coming up with anything. I live in TN, in the US if that makes a difference.

And even if you don't have any advice, feel free to post about what you play, what you want to learn to play, anything. :3

Clarinet's and flutes will be super cheap. (Bought my clarinet--wood--for 30). They are very popular instruments and really easy to make. You'll have to make a choice on whether you want a wooden or a plastic clarinet though. Wood will sound better but plastic will last longer. Pawn shops would be a great place to check for your instruments. You can even get brand new ones since most people buy an instrument and then never touch it. Another good place is honestly Ebay. You can buy both the instruments and your reeds from there. Although if you don't like online stuff then find your local music store (any place that gives music lessons will sell reeds).

Thank you for th advice! I will have t check out some of my local pawn shops. I remember I had a plastic clarinet, so maybe I should get another plastic one. Would it be okay to pay more for a flute than a clarinet?

I'll look around EBay as well, since it will probably be cheaper. I think the closest music shop is about an hour away so maybe they can tell me which reed I need (I can't even remember xD I think it was 3.) and I can buy in bulk.

3 sounds about right. Mine is 2 /12 but I never went any kind of professional with my clarinet. I just did it in high school. (Elementary and Junior High was Trumpet). I can't really imagine them being more expensive. Either the same or cheaper really.

I was never very good at playing but I enjoyed it. I was in middle school when I was in band so it was about ... 5 years ago? Wow. My band teacher was a HUGE bitch; she turned me off of music for awhile.

And oh okay. I just assumed since it was metal it would cost more. I'm planning in getting a clarinet, a flute, a violin, and an ocarina when I get a job. Hopefully I can mostly teach myself, e.e I don't want to get a tutor.

Buying a used Clarinet wouldn't be too bad because you can always buy a new mouth piece. That is what I did for my Bass Clarinet in middle school. It was a school instrument and I was not gonna use the same one as someone else, hah. I think mine was around.. $20? That was in '03 though, so don't quote me! As for stores, I'm not really any help =[.

What nlp said: you can always buy your own mouthpiece. Have you also considered renting? It's definitely not long-term, but it can give you an idea if you'd really want to make the investment of a long-term instrument. You might be able to do that at a local music shop, or even a nearby school might have a program that loans instruments out.

And wow am I getting severe flashbacks. I haven't thought about reed buying for years. I wonder if I have any reeds with my clarinet back home.

Wow xD I'm surprised that all of you guys got clarinets for a cheap, I was prepared to spend more than tht on one. xD And oh that is true, I could just buy a new mouthpiece. Thank you!m

They have a music shop in a nearby town that does rentals. It's around 25-30 a month though, And you rent it for 9 months and that money goes towards a purchase. Which is good but I would like the know the whole price a d they never tell you. I supposed could do that for the violin, though, sinc I have no idea how to play it.

And xD it's funny how it just hits you one day, eh?