Musical Instruments Don't Have to Weigh You Down
Parents Should Consider Portability When Choosing Band Instruments
Apr 13, 2009
Musicians learn more quickly and double their fun by getting out and playing band instruments with others. They may not be planning on playing in public or even with a group of friends for a while, but they’ll want to keep portability in mind as they consider which musical instruments to take on.
Portability of Heavy or Large Musical Instruments
Perhaps the greatest obstacle musicians should consider with larger instruments such as concert harps, double basses, drum sets, or tubas is transportation. Musicians who just purchased a shiny, new economy car might do better to select a more economy-sized instrument.
The acoustic bass for example, is one instrument which begs for company. It may shine on a few short solos, but generally, its lot is to round out an ensemble and lend a full sound. But getting the bass to that ensemble is no small feat. Tight corners, narrow doorways, and winding stairs have made their mark on many a seasoned bass. Many bass players even bring a tool along in case just the right bump knocks the sound post loose.
If an ocarina worn around the neck is at one extreme of portability, at the opposite end of the spectrum are instruments like pianos, best left to professional movers. Despite its extreme lack of portability, the piano still manages to remain very popular. Thanks to this, many places musicians visit will have a piano on site, but not all. Pianists may regularly find themselves frustrated in a group of musicians with no way to join in the music.
Electric Musical Instruments and Portability
Many musicians accommodate for the piano’s lack of portability with a high quality electric keyboard. Similarly, an electric bass is easier to lug around than the acoustic giant.
But musicians who play electrically amplified instruments will also need to take into account all the equipment that needs to travel along with their instrument. By the time they haul their instrument, pedals, amp, chords, and anything else, they’ll have gotten quite a work out.
It’s also important to remember that the portability of any electric instrument is somewhat compromised by its need for electricity. Outlets, or at least long extension cords, will always dictate where these musicians can play and how many of them can play together.
Musicians who dream of playing under the stars or greeting the sunrise with music may want to consider an instrument that amplifies sound through an old fashioned resonator chamber. On the other hand, in certain settings, only electric instruments will have a chance of being heard.
Tuning Musical Instruments Affects Their Portability
Another portability issue to consider is tuning. Subtle changes in temperature or humidity make tuning necessary almost every time a string instrument is moved. The relatively few strings on a guitar, violin, or mandolin, can be tuned in a matter of seconds. The dozens of strings on a harp, autoharp, or hammer dulcimer though, are more of a commitment.
New percussionists might also want to take tuning into account if a great deal of traveling is in their musical plans. It probably won’t be long before they want to join the camaraderie of a drum circle or lend rhythm to a group. Animal hide heads have a distinctly natural tone, but many percussionists opt for synthetic heads which hold their tuning despite temperature changes. Synthetic heads also have a crisper sound that tends to carry better when played in a group.
Portability Issues Related to Quality of Musical Instruments
Musicians aren’t likely to bring their Gibson to play by the campfire. Certain instruments become less portable simply due to their quality. For this reason, musicians who own a nice instrument often purchase an inexpensive model to take on beach trips or hikes.
When traveling, musicians who play wooden instruments will need to be mindful of the effects humidity and temperature changes can create. Wooden clarinets or flutes often develop cracks as warm air from the player’s breath causes the inner wood of the instrument to expand while cold air of a chilly evening causes the outer layer to contract. One travel hazard to instruments is the temperature extremes found in hot cars or airplane cargo holds.
Portability is just one factor that goes into choosing a new musical instrument. A musician will also take into account each instrument’s versatility, degree of challenge, cost, and compatibility with his individual personality.
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