The violin (often referred to as the “fiddle”) is the smallest and highest-pitched string instrument commonly used by the violin family. The instrument is commonplace in orchestras, chamber music groups such as string quartets, and solo performances. Violin/fiddle is also popular in many other musical genres, including, but not limited to, folk, bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Because the violin is such a popular instrument, it makes perfect sense that there are plenty of options to choose from on the market. Whether you're a student, intermediate or professional violinist, it's worth knowing the top brands.

Of course, the brand is far from the most important aspect of an instrument, though it's still worth considering for general knowledge and judgment. In this article, I'll share my take on the top violin brands.

Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I've done my best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):

• Company reputation
• Performance of the violins
• Longevity of the violins
• Variety of violins available
• Accessibility of the violins (how easy they are to find/buy)
• The company must currently be in operation

With all that being said, let's list out the brands.

The Top 11 Best Violin Brands Are:

1. Holstein
2. Scott Cao
3. Ming-Jiang Zhu
4. Yamaha
5. Jay Haide
6. Knilling
7. DZ Strad
8. Eastman
9. Snow
10. Klaus Heffler
11. Antonio Strad

Let's get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best violin brands. I'll share their country of origin, a bit of history, an example of a notable violin, and a link to their official website.

Click here to return to My New Microphone's articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers.

Holstein

Pierre Holstein had been playing professionally for well over three decades when he joined forces with his brother Michael to fund Holstein violins. They set out to make great-quality, affordable pieces that could help advanced students and professional players sound awesome without breaking the bank.

They not only succeeded in their endeavour but also established their last name as a synonym for well-made violins that can help shape the sound of any upcoming player. Moreover, they accomplished top-notch craftsmanship, keeping costs low and sounding great.

Notable violin: Holstein German Virtuoso Violin

Holstein manufactures the very top of its line in Germany. As a part of that collection, this violin represents the very best of the company's craftsmanship qualities, working with the best European woods. By the very best, we mean 30-year-old wood that has been seasoned and dried for another 30 years. Moreover, the entire violin is made by only one master builder from start to finish. Because of all these features and its uncanny sound, this violin raises the standard by which affordable European violins are measured.

If it fits your budget, you have to try one today.

Scott Cao

Scott Cao is a violin master builder who has been chasing the perfect tone for decades. Although his company was founded in 1989, he had already been making top-notch instruments for solo players for over 15 years.

Nowadays, Scott Cao's violins are factory-made and bear the same passion for excellence, being a great vessel for imagination regardless of the skill of the person playing it. In other words, you can trust a Scott Cao instrument at any stage of your learning journey with excellent results.

Notable violin: Scott Cao 1716 Messiah

Of all the surviving Stradivarius violins, the Messiah is the greatest one, according to most leading experts. This is a faithful copy of that one-of-a-kind marvel. Indeed, from the thickness of the wood to the last measured detail, this version of the Messiah is ready to take anyone's playing to the next level.

Moreover, the wood grain and patterns generate a 3-D effect that will keep you mesmerized even beyond sound. If you are after a quality instrument that can perform well every night, you have to try this model out.

Ming-Jiang Zhu

Considered among the top 5% of violin makers globally, Ming Jiang Zhu has won 19 international awards for his creations. Moreover, together with his team of notable luthiers, that number goes up to 23, including gold and silver medals from organizations such as the Violin Society of America.

Every violin created in the Ming Jiang Zhu shop is ready to take the world like a storm. Indeed, the continuous supervision of Ming Jiang keeps all standards sky-high and all luthiers committed to excellence.

For those looking for a high-quality instrument crafted following Italian traditions by expert hands, trying a Ming Jiang Zhu is a must.

Notable violin: Ming Jiang Zhu 925 Violin

The 925 represents the highest standards for Ming Jiang Zhu's company. Indeed, these are violins made by luthiers at the Noble Heart Shop, a place only accessed by those who have been building violins for over ten years.

Moreover, for the manufacture of each of these pieces, a batch of top-notch tonewood is imported from Europe. As a result, the sum of impeccable craftsmanship and material quality make these violins sound like an instrument with a price tag twice as high.

If you want the best quality for the best price, and this violin fits your budget, you have to give it a try. If you want to see it in action, watch this review video.

Yamaha

Not many people know this, but for Yamaha, it all started with pianos. Indeed, if you take a close look at the company's logo, you'll find three intertwined tuning forks. This rich musical past and heritage explain why every musical instrument Yamaha puts out to the market is considered among the best regardless of the category.

Moreover, Yamaha's tradition is just one side of the story because they have innovated relentlessly for over a century to create musical instruments capable of taking the playing concept to the next level.

If you are looking for the best blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation, Yamaha is the option for you.

Notable violin: Yamaha Silent Violin YSV104

The ideal combination of features, playability, portability, and sound is the name of the game for this creation by Yamaha. No other classic instrument company comes even close to what Yamaha has achieved with their Silent line.

In this case, the instrument has no resonant body, but the SRT-powered system will make you hear it as soon as you put on your headphones or plug it into a PA. Being a violin player has never been this easy; check the Silent Violin today and discover a new way of playing.

Jay Haide

Jay Ifshin was already an important vintage violin collector, master builder, and player when he decided to open his first Berklee shop. Although business was going well, he was frustrated because he couldn't find any brand to supply good quality violins that would play well and stay in tune for students.

Thus, he and his shop foreman, Haide Lin (a master builder trained in Guangzhou, China), made a joint effort to close that gap.

As a result, they created a line of solid, reliable instruments that played well and stayed in tune with an affordable price tag. This line performed so well that soon, they had to sell them worldwide to critical acclaim.

If you look for the perfect balance of price and quality, Jay Haide violins are a goldmine.

Notable violin: Jay Haide Statue Model

When the hand-picked, naturally-aged, European tonewood used in this violin starts vibrating, you'll understand why sourcing the right materials means the world of difference in violin-making.

Moreover, this violin by Jay Haide is entirely handmade by expert luthiers. It is capable of a beautifully layered sonority with enough depth and chime to bring life to any piece you play. The Statue Model by Jay Haide represents the brand's highest standards; check them out before making a decision.

Knilling

One of the foundational pillars of European master builders is that to create a masterpiece, you need to utilize the best materials you can find. In other words, it all starts with the wood choice.

After a century of making some of the best violins on the market, the company continues to honour the European tradition and deliver state-of-the-art, great-sounding instruments for the world to play.

Furthermore, there's nothing Knilling can't do since their Custom Shop takes custom orders from every corner of the planet, transforming dreams into tangible instruments.

Whichever is your playing level, you'll find a Knilling violin to satisfy your needs.

Notable violin: Knilling 86F Nicolo Gabrieli Maestro Model Violin

Bosnia, Germany, and Romania provide the best tonewoods for Knilling to craft some of the best-sounding violins in the market today. Moreover, the wood is the same as that of famous Stradivarius violins: indigenous maple and spruce. This wood is capable of superior resonance and is rich in musical harmonic overtones, giving each note beautiful complexity and depth.

These instruments are well-balanced and offer projection and response that could belong to an instrument several times more expensive.

DZ Strad

Perhaps DZ Strad's biggest achievement is offering such a broad, well-curated catalogue of violins to help every musician regardless of which step of the journey they are in. In other words, DZ Strad is a reliable choice for quality instruments in all tiers.

As you would expect, this company's commitment doesn't end in superb craftsmanship at a reasonable price. They also offer lessons, a trade-in policy, and a renting option for working musicians to record with instruments that are economically out of their reach.

For those in search of a company they can trust to accompany them through the sonic journey of their lives, DZ Strad might be the best option in the market right now.

Notable violin: D Z Strad 4-string Electric 4/4 Violin Outfit E201

This instrument is ready for students and professionals alike, featuring a 1/8″ and a 1/4″ jack for headphones and standard amplification. Indeed, this is an affordable, easy-to-carry, great-sounding solution for the musician on the road or the student who wants to practice without bothering others.

Moreover, this is a great-quality instrument with an ebony fretboard, chin rest and pegs, and a piezo pickup installed inside a rock maple bridge. Finally, you can even add some reverb to the sound and have countless hours of fun with this quiet, player-friendly electric violin.

Eastman

Borrowing the know-how from the tradition of 17th-century German luthiers, this relatively young company managed to amass a faithful legion of fans quickly. This can be explained by Eastman's attention to detail and overall supervision of the process.

Indeed, this company started as a one-man endeavour, and today, several decades later, the same attention to detail is put into every piece leaving the factory.

Eastman is a company you can trust; plus, they offer great-quality violins at prices most people can afford.

Notable violin: Eastman Master VL906

This violin by Eastman represents the best efforts the company makes toward excellence.

To begin with, this model is made of the finest European tonewoods, featuring a flamed maple back and a Bosnian spruce top. Moreover, the gold varnish finish makes the natural flame of the maple stand out in all its magnificence. Plus, the fretboard is made of hand-picked ebony.

Finally, sound-wise, this violin sounds rich and deep while delivering musical harmonics that create the perfect sound for soloists. If you haven't already, try one out today and feel the difference in your hands.

Snow

Snow's story is that of a dream, passion for excellence, and a ton of hard work giving positive results. Indeed, what began as a small shop in Beijing with only a handful of luthiers is now a 70-people endeavour with offices in several countries. Moreover, Snow builds and distributes high-quality string instruments to most big cities in the world.

This is not random or an overnight phenomenon but the outcome of years of hard work and dedication. If you want a mix of the best in Asian precision mixed with traditional European styles and modern ideas, you have to try a Snow violin today.

Notable violin: Snow Professional JHS-V Violin

With a top made of selected European tonewoods, a back made of Chinese maple, and light Linseed oil varnish, this violin is the perfect choice for the advanced student.

But what does this combination sound like? Well, you can expect an instrument with a strong character that can make neck turns on your first note. Don't let this character scare you since the bold presence is well-balanced with some mellow tones. As a result, this is a do-it-all, well-crafted violin ready to take any stage and make you shine.

Klaus Heffler

Klaus Heffler violins greatly represent what German precision means when met with centuries-old tradition. Furthermore, each Klaus Heffner violin is proudly made in Germany by the hands of expert craftsmen and women utilizing only the best materials.

Although you might expect such an outstanding piece to break the bank, Klaus Hellfer violins have become the best affordable option for players looking for a great sound and impeccable performance without a hefty price tag.

If you haven't already, give this company a chance; they will surprise you.

Notable violin: Klaus Heffler Violin, Premium Master

Finished with a beautiful golden-brown light varnish, this powerful instrument is a great show of what this company is capable of.

The hand-picked premium woods used in its construction are resonant and ooze the presence you need to cut through an entire orchestra. Also, the impeccable craftsmanship is perfect for the last detail. Finally, they are handmade entirely in Germany, following family traditions. The best doesn't need to have too many zeros in the price tag; try one of these today and see it for yourself.

Antonio Strad

As members of the Violin Society of America for over two decades, this violinist couple has seen, held, and played more violins than most people. This first-hand experience, added to their own collection of notable instruments, gave them enough insight to create some of the best-sounding, best-crafted violins on the market today.

Moreover, the same passion, commitment to excellence, and attention to detail can be found across the catalogue; thus, you can expect great violins for all budgets.

Notable violin: Antonio Strad Baldwin Violin

With a powerful yet highly textured sound, this violin oozes character and musicality to fall in love with. To begin with, it is 100% handmade, utilizing a 10-year aged spruce top and equally-aged maple back and sides. Also, the top is made entirely of carved solid wood and gives the perfect low-end balance to the snappy ebony fingerboard. Finally, the violin's Aubert Bridge is entirely hand-carved and ships out with a fresh set of Evah Pirazzi strings. If you haven't already, and it fits your budget, you have to try one of these today.

Honourable Mentions:

• Carlo Lamberti
• Mezzo-Forte
• Stentor
• Mendini
• Fiddlerman
• Franz Hoffmann
• Kennedy Violins
• Cremona
• Primavera
• Windsor

The post Top 11 Best Violin Brands On The Market first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

The tambourine is a common percussion instrument, finding itself in the hands of many performers as well as being incorporated into drum and percussion kits. Tambourines are used in a wide variety of musical genres around the world.

When it comes to choosing the best tambourine, there are plenty of options. In this article, we'll consider the top 9 best tambourine brands in the world today to help you make your choice.

Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I've done my best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):

• Company reputation
• Variety of tambourines
• Performance of the tambourines
• Longevity of the tambourines
• The company/brand must currently be in operation

With all that being said, let's list out the brands.

The Top 9 Best Tambourine Brands Are:

1. Meinl
2. Latin Percussion
3. Pearl
4. Rhythm Tech
5. Remo
6. Black Swamp Percussion
7. Toca
8. Grover Pro
9. Stagg

Let's get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 9 best tambourine brands. I'll share their country of origin, a bit of history, an example of a notable tambourine, and a link to their official website.

Be sure to check out the other top percussion brands at My New Microphone:
• Top 9 Best Conga Drum Brands On The Market
• Top 9 Best Bongo Drum Brands On The Market
• Top 9 Best Cajón Brands On The Market
• Top 11 Best Timpani Brands On The Market

Click here to return to My New Microphone's articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers.

Meinl

Meinl is a brand most people associate with cymbals because they have been part of the elite cymbals market for many years. Still, that is not the only percussion instrument that Meinl manufactures. It is a company that has been making amazing percussion instruments for the past 7 decades to critical acclaim.

In this vein, the demand for Meinl percussion instruments pushed the company to broaden its catalogue, manufacturing amazing tambourines, bongos, cajons, and more for the most demanding players in the world. Thus, Meinl is synonymous with quality, performance, and impeccable craftsmanship.

If you haven't already, check Meinl tambourines before buying anything else.

Notable tambourine: Meinl TA2WB

The quintessential tambourine sound comes from the mixture of tonewoods and stainless steel jingles. That is exactly what this 10″ tambourine by Meinl is all about: a no-frills approach to a great sound. Moreover, the ergonomically shaped handle and light weight make it a great tool for playing live since it can be moved easily. Finally, the special treatment given to the jingles makes them bright and shimmery, while the tonewood provides the rest of the tone.

This is a great tambourine for any musical style and is backed up by one of the biggest names in percussion around the world.

Latin Percussion

Known as “LP” by most people, the products this company manufactures are easily spotted on some of the biggest stages around the world in the hands of virtuoso players in many styles. Moreover, since the company has been making state-of-the-art Latin percussion instruments for over 5 decades, its founder received special recognition from the Latin Music Hall of Fame for being a huge contributor to Latin Music history through his creations.

In the past decades, the company was bought by giants Kaman Music, Fender, and DW. Being part of three of the most important musical instrument brands in the world elevated LP to legendary status. With such a tradition in Latin and percussion instruments, LP needs to be on your list when shopping for a tambourine.

Notable tambourine: Latin Percussion LP384-BB

From the Asian oak body and natural rawhide head, this tambourine by LP's pro series is among the best money can buy. Moreover, the hybrid design mixing 16 brass and bronze jingles will give the player enhanced nuances that can help cut through any mix.

In the same vein, the 10″ diameter and included head make it a great percussive instrument for the resourceful singer or tambourine player. Finally, it comes inside a Latin Percussion bag, so you can take it to every gig while keeping it in top condition.

Pearl

After over 7 decades of making drum kits, percussion instruments, and accessories for the entire world, Pearl has become a synonym for quality, tone, and performance. Moreover, Pearl can count legends like Dennis Chambers, Eric Singer (Kiss), Ray Luzier, and Mike Mangini (Dream Theater) among its endorsers.

Furthermore, what started as a one-man dream manufacturing music stands turned into one of the best, most sought-after percussion brands on the planet. Their tambourines are no exception to the rule; if you haven't already, try one before buying.

Notable tambourine: Pearl Elite Concert Tambourine

Arriving inside a padded carrying case, you'll find this elite-level instrument designed and manufactured by Pearl to satisfy the most demanding players in the world. Indeed, the 10″ diameter is made of hardwood and contains 17 sets of stainless-steel jingles staggered in a single line.

Moreover, since it is so light, it can be used in fast passages, for orchestras, and also for a studio recording with ease. Finally, the natural goat-skin head is the perfect combination to give it the tonal resonance musicians search for in studio environments.

Rhythm Tech

Richard Taninbaum is, before anything else, a world-class drummer and percussionist who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. Indeed, during one of those gigs, he had to play the tambourine for an entire 15-minute song. He felt his arm was tired to the point he couldn't go on anymore.

Thus, it was Richard Taninbaum who created the “crescent moon” shape for tambourines that became lighter, more comfortable, and sounded just as good. Success was granted with that groundbreaking invention as one of the first items in this brand's catalogue.

Nowadays, Rhythm Tech continues to manufacture and sell top-notch tambourines for professional musicians around the world. Try one before buying anything else.

Notable tambourine: Rhythm Tech Pro Tambourine with Brass Jingles (link to check the price at Guitar Center)

Rhythm Tech has innovated non-stop over their best-selling product and, as a result, makes some of the best-sounding, easiest-to-play tambourines in the market. For example, with its comfortable handle and efficient jingle placement, this tambourine helps players produce a bigger, fuller sound with less effort.

As a result, wrist fatigue is drastically reduced. Also, the company includes a Pro-mount so it can be fitted on a drum kit and used by drummers without buying any extras. Finally, the brass jingles give it a warm, funky, traditional, chunky, and full sound.

Remo

It is safe to say that the company Remo Belli founded in the mid-20^th century changed the way we perceive percussion forever. Indeed, Remo pioneered the use of PET film and Mylar as durable, stable, great-sounding replacements for calfskin heads.

Moreover, the company also came up with the world's revolutionary Fiberskyn heads used broadly for Latin percussion instruments around the world.

This company, a restless percussion innovator that has revolutionized the market more than once, manufactures some of the world's best-sounding, most reliable tambourines. If you haven't already, check Remo out before buying anything else.

Notable tambourine: Remo Wild Tambourine

Made with a 10″ Acousticon shell and a pre-tuned Skyndeep drumhead, this is a serious dark-looking tambourine for serious players. The tambourine is made following the traditional design and can be purchased in its single or double-row version, each featuring stainless-steel jingles.

Although this tambourine was created with professionals in mind, the price tag will also accommodate recreational enthusiasts and casual players. Finally, Remo's take on the quintessential tambourine design needs to be on your list if you are looking for great quality at an affordable price.

Black Swamp Percussion

Eric started making tambourine shells in the basement of a rented house in 1994 out of pure pleasure and joy. Soon after, by 1995, the first tambourines and bamboo timpani mallets were out for sale. By the early 2000s, the company was already making SoundArt Snare System snares and selling them around the world to critical acclaim.

This sales push granted the company the chance to grow in production and invest more in its R&D department. As a result, in 2015, the company celebrated 20 years of making some of the most outstanding percussive instruments in the world. Moreover, to celebrate such a memorable date, BSP issued 100 units of a special tambourine made with a solid Bocote shell.

Notable tambourine: Black Swamp Percussion SoundArt Tambourine

This tambourine is a faithful representation of what this company is capable of. To begin with, the shell of this tambourine is made with solid ash and finished utilizing a blend of cutting-edge machinery and traditional techniques. As a result, the shells are not only beautiful pieces of wood but also convey tone and resonance to every inch.

Also, the jingles are hammered to perfection and then positioned in the tambourine in such a way they contact the shell at different times. Thus, this difference in the jingle slots creates a fuller, more robust sound. The choice of translucent calfskin or Remo Renaissance heads gives it the ultimate tambourine tone you would expect from an instrument such as this.

Finally, it comes with a padded gig bag and super turbocharged thumb roll beeswax.

Toca

By the 1990s, the Latin music phenomenon had overtaken the world by storm, exploding in mass media and blasting out of speakers in most clubs around the world. Thus, the market for Latin music instruments became bigger, and several huge brands stepped up to the challenge of creating instruments that could satisfy that growing demand.

Toca was the brand introduced by KMC Music to address the increasing demand. Thus, KMC granted Toca instruments Latin vibes, colourful finishes, and quintessential tones that quickly transformed them into favourites for Latin music artists around the world.

Nowadays, the company belongs to the RBimusic Family of brands and is still delivering 100% Latin flavour to players around the globe.

Notable tambourine: Toca T1010-A

Entirely made with exotic acacia wood, this tambourine can cut through any mix with an uncanny sound. This tambourine is equipped with Nickel jingles, making it perfect for live performance because of its vibrant sound.

Also, because it is an instrument designed for players who take the party to a live stage, the ultra-ergonomic handle helps the player keep the rhythm going for hours without feeling any fatigue. Finally, the 10″ of 8 double-row jingles create a sound lush enough for any musical style.

Grover Pro

Grover's uncanny history begins with triangles. Indeed, Neil Grover's thirst for knowledge took him to join forces with students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Acoustics and Vibrations Lab to find the perfect alloy to recreate the sound of the Boston Symphony's vintage Leedy triangle.

After succeeding at this endeavour, the company started receiving orders to replicate the same triangle for fellow Boston musicians and, later on, for top-notch percussion players around the world.

The passion for a job well done took Neil's company to worldwide shipping status, manufacturing some of the best-sounding percussion instruments in the world today. Try a Grover Pro and feel the difference if you haven't already.

Notable tambourine: Grover Pro T2/PhBr

With a not-so-common alloy of phosphor and bronze, the jingles in this tambourine give it a mellower, darker, deeper sound than any of its competition. For example, when playing any piece resembling romantic European repertoires, the deep character of the phosphor bronze is the perfect tool.

Moreover, the mid-range this instrument is capable of works wonders for singers and singer-songwriters wanting to add a percussive instrument that can take their performance to the next level. Finally, each jingle is hand-hammered to excellence by experts.

Stagg

Why did EMD Music create Stagg in 1995? The answer to that question is very simple: to make good-sounding, great-performing, durable, consistent, and affordable musical instruments for beginners around the world. Indeed, the reason behind Stagg's existence is a gap in the market that doesn't allow students to hone their craft without spending a fortune.

Since Stagg's appearance in the market two-and-a-half decades ago, the brand has seen more musical careers begin than most other manufacturers in the world. The secret is that they stayed true to their original motto, making top-notch instruments that won't break the bank.

Notable tambourine: Stagg TAB-1 YW Cutaway Plastic Tambourine with 20 Jingles

This design by Stagg adds another set of jingles to the instrument located in the center of the piece. Indeed, the plastic frame with an ergonomic handle includes a set of 6 jingles that add to the 20 that surround the tambourine. This way, the ergonomics of the tambourine make it a joy to play, while the full, lush sound makes it perfect for any playing style.

The post Top 9 Best Tambourine Brands On The Market first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

The banjo is a staple string instrument in genres spanning American folk, bluegrass and country to Caribbean biguine, calypso and mento.

Since banjos are such beloved instruments, it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of options to choose from on the market. This isn't only true of individual instruments but also of solo luthiers and larger brands.

Of course, the brand is far from the most important aspect of an instrument, though it's still worth considering for general knowledge and judgment. In this article, I’ll share my take on the top banjo brands.

Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I’ve done my best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):

• Company reputation
• Performance of the banjos
• Longevity of the banjos
• Variety of banjos available
• Accessibility of the banjos (how easy they are to find/buy)
• The company must currently be in operation

With all that being said, let’s list out the brands.

The Top 11 Best Banjo Brands Are:

1. Gold Tone
2. Deering
3. Morgan Monroe
4. Oscar Schmidt
5. Huber
6. Recording King
7. Bishline
8. Ome
9. Ibanez
10. Fender
11. Epiphone

Let’s get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best banjo brands. I’ll share their country of origin, a bit of history, an example of a notable banjo, and a link to their official website.

Related My New Microphone articles:
• Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn How To Play Banjo
• Best Microphones For Miking Banjo

Click here to return to My New Microphone’s articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers.

Gold Tone

During the 1970s, Wayne and Robyn made a living as folk musicians travelling and earning whatever music provided. By 1978, they decided to open their first store, in which they saw the start and development of countless musical careers.

Still, the big opportunity for the couple came when Wayne, hearing the complaints of incoming musicians, designed and built the first commercial travel banjo. Sales soared, and Gold Tone was officially born. Gold Tone’s banjos not only sound amazing, but they are full of innovations only someone with the sensitivity of a musician and the experience of a builder can bring to the design.

Notable banjo: Gold Tone OB-300: Orange Blossom Banjo “The Gold-Plated Beauty”

The name “the gold-plated beauty” is not, by any means, a coincidence. On the contrary, it is a great nickname for a banjo that looks as amazing as it plays. The snap of the ebony fretboard and the curly maple neck are perfect to cut through any band. Also, the tree of life inlay in mother of pearl and abalone is a handmade masterwork. Finally, the engraved golden rim is an elite-level detail for this elite-level banjo that ships with a hardshell case.

Deering

Deering is a company that accumulates, among all the experts working at the Spring Valley facility, over 270 years of combined banjo-building experience. Moreover, the Deering Company has recently surpassed the 100,000 banjos mark, delivering them to happy customers around the world.

Deering is still a family-run company that created a reputation for considering craftsmen, clients, dealers, and suppliers as part of the family. Thus, the customer experience matches the quality of the instruments.

Notable banjo: Deering Golden Era 5-String Banjo

This banjo honours the great tradition of maple-made bluegrass banjos by utilizing the same materials originals were made from in the early 20th century. Indeed, this banjo offers the same features, design, and weight as an original 1930s instrument.

Moreover, the traditional hearts & flowers pattern utilized for the inlay is the quintessential, era-correct adornment for an instrument that plays, feels, and sounds like an original. Finally, the bass notes sound strong, while the higher notes sound crisp and clear, cutting through any mix.

Morgan Monroe

Due to the high demand for bluegrass instruments, the SHS Corporation established Morgan Monroe to offer quality instruments at competitive prices. Indeed, the combination of state-of-the-art laser CNC technology with hand-finished details at an affordable price proved a competitive advantage.

As a result, the company offers a varied catalogue with instruments for players at any playing level, from the affordable student-oriented banjos to the elite-level, lifetime-guaranteed Morgan Monroe models. If you haven’t already, trying a Morgan Monroe before buying is a must.

Notable banjo: Morgan Monroe Duelington Deluxe Banjo

With a South American mahogany neck and resonator, a 3-ply maple rim, and a bell brass tone ring, this banjo exudes classical tones and shines on classy details.

For example, the mother of pearl inlays in a classical bow-tie marker style over the ebonized woods of the fretboard make it an eye-catcher. In the same vein, the flamed resonator is a joy to the eye—finally, the instrument ships out with a lifetime guarantee for the happy owner.

Oscar Schmidt

It took less than 25 years for this company to become one of the largest musical instrument manufacturers in the world. Indeed, by the early 1900s, they had 5 manufacturing facilities in Europe and one in the USA.

By 1978, over a century after it was founded, it was bought by Washburn. The new management decided to use the Oscar Schmidt tradition, heritage, and name in the market to sell affordable, great-sounding instruments for beginners worldwide.

Notable banjo: Oscar Schmidt OB5E

With a 30-caster aluminum tone ring and a mahogany resonator, the only beginner-oriented thing about this banjo is the price tag. Furthermore, this model comes equipped with a passive pickup so that you can plug in and play on any stage. Finally, the Remo head and the geared 5th-string tuner make it a great candidate for any player.

Huber

Steve Huber is not only a sought-after banjo performer, connoisseur, collector, and repairman; he is also a mechanical engineer. His knowledge in that field and his obsessive attention to detail fueled his curiosity about the pre-war banjos and their unique sound.

After doing in-depth research, he could replicate tone ring alloy perfectly and, thus, achieve a similar tone to that of the sought-after pre-war models. Nowadays, 16 years after quitting his job and taking a leap of faith manufacturing banjos under his name, he has sold over 1,600 of them to elite players worldwide. Moreover, for many, Huber is the top of the crop in bluegrass banjos.

Notable banjo: Huber Roanoke Truetone

Walnut is a tonewood that allows instruments to sound sweet while remaining focused and clear throughout the spectrum. In this vein, this Huber model with a walnut resonator and neck oozes sweetness, punch, clarity, and definition.

Moreover, that combination adds to Huber’s own HR-30 tone ring. As a result, you’ll be in bluegrass heaven from the first note. Finally, the simple yet elegant inlays give it a classy look that matches its sounds.

Recording King

Recording King became one of the go-to brands for musicians the size of Elvis Presley during the golden years of instrument manufacturing in the USA. Indeed, what Montgomery Ward had started in his house became a synonym for quality and performance.

Recording King didn’t survive WWII and was discontinued in the 1940s. It was given a new life by The Music Link in 2007, respecting all designs. Furthermore, the new owners even created replicas of pre-WWII parts to make the handmade instruments era-correct.

Notable banjo: Recording King Elite Flying Eagle

Mahogany resonators and necks give banjos a different low-end and depth to every note. This is because the tonewood oozes tone in those frequencies. Still, the ebony fretboard provides the necessary snap for those clear, defined, singing highs, and the 20-hole bell brass tone ring does the rest.

This is a serious banjo for professional players to shine on any stage due to the perfect blend of materials. Finally, it ships inside a deluxe hardshell case, so you can gig non-stop with it and keep it in top shape at all times.

Bishline

Rob Bishline has been a banjo fanatic since he was 13 years old. Indeed, he grew up playing, repairing, teaching, and building banjos. That passion and commitment went on for several decades to become the center of his life. Thus, in 2005, he joined forces with fellow banjo lovers and created a company, a vessel to pour all his talent and passion into and give the world next-level banjos at affordable prices.

Nowadays, it is possible to order custom-made models from the company without breaking the bank. Moreover, Rob’s passion and experience can work wonders in delivering perfectly shaped necks, even for the most demanding players.

Notable banjo: Bishline Midnight Moon Banjo

This banjo is closer to a collector’s piece that could be hanging in an art museum than to an instrument to be played night after night. That being said, this banjo sounds, plays, and delivers like the elite-level instrument it is. Still, the black-stained maple used for the resonance box and the neck has an almost 3-D quality, which resembles the night in all its glory.

Also, the ebony fretboard with constellation inlays plays its part in the same concept. On that, the marquetry headstock and koa binding bring a yellowish colour to the mix that transforms this banjo into a true work of art. This is a superb candidate for those looking for a next-level instrument in every aspect, including the looks.

Ome

Ome is the second company Chuck founded to make the best banjos in the world. That, and no other, was his quest since the beginning. Thus, to fulfill that goal, he got together a team of experts and founded his dream company that builds every instrument from scratch, hand-picking every part.

Nowadays, after over six decades of success, Ome is still a family-owned company, passing the secrets to building a perfect instrument from one generation to the next. As a result, Ome banjos are sought after by elite-level players. Try one today and feel the difference.

Notable banjo: Ome Oracle

This banjo belongs to Ome’s “professional series,” which means it is an instrument created to satisfy the demand of the players who often gig on the most demanding stages. To begin with, the player’s choice of walnut, mahogany, or curly maple changes the tone and visuals drastically. Also, the triple Megatone Flathead tonerings will satisfy even the most demanding player. Finally, it ships with a deluxe hardshell case and a limited lifetime warranty.

Ibanez

Although most of us associate Ibanez with some of the most technologically advanced guitars to satisfy the demands of some of the most outrageously virtuous players in the world, the brand started making acoustic instruments.

During those years, the company was able to successfully blend state-of-the-art technology and Japanese precision with the quintessential hand-making techniques of the past. As a result, every Ibanez banjo you pick up is the best of both worlds.

Notable banjo: Ibanez B300

With an Okoume neck, walnut back and sides, and a purpleheart fretboard, this banjo sounds and plays like a classic banjo should.

Moreover, the inlays on the fretboard and the body give it a classy look, perfect for a flagship instrument. In the same vein, the flat radius allows for low action and super-comfortable playing. Finally, the purpleheart and maple bridge and purpleheart saddle give it tone for days.

Fender

Fender, we could say, is paramount to the history of music as we know it. Indeed, from supplying the world with the road-worthy, country music favourite telecasters to the world’s best-selling guitar in history, the Stratocaster, to a plethora of acoustic and hybrid instruments, Fender has seen more stages than any other musical instrument brand has.

Banjos couldn’t go missing from such a rich catalogue and are not exempt from the legendary quality that made the brand the go-to choice for generations of elite players in all music styles.

Notable banjo: Fender PB-180E

Open-back banjos like this one are vibrant and sound full and powerful. This model by Fender is built using a Remo Fyberskin drum head over a mahogany-made body and neck. Also, this is an electroacoustic instrument that handles the plugged-in venues with a Fishman pickup. Finally, it comes with a dedicated Fender gig bag that is great for taking it everywhere and keeping it safe.

Epiphone

Although most of us are familiar with post-Gibson Epiphone models, it’s a brand with 150 years of tradition, heritage, and evolving craftsmanship quality. Moreover, by the time Gibson bought Epiphone, it was its main competitor in the archtop guitar and bluegrass instruments business.

The acquisition provided Epiphone access to another century's worth of instrument-making experience and quality. Moreover, that same tradition, commitment to excellence, and obsessive attention to detail make every Epiphone banjo worth checking out.

Notable banjo: Epiphone MB-100

This is the perfect first banjo for someone willing to hone their craft and become a proficient banjo player. The mahogany-made sides and neck make it a great-sounding instrument. Also, the Remo head and the open back make it a vibrant, great-sounding banjo with a wide-open tone.

Finally, the rosewood fingerboard gives just enough sweetness to the tone so it can excel in any scenario.

The post Top 11 Best Banjo Brands On The Market first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

The ukulele is a fairly popular string instrument, particularly in Hawaii. Ukes come in four common sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.

Since the ukulele is so well known and played, it makes sense that there are plenty of options to choose from on the market. With such a wide variety of ukuleles, knowing the top brands is useful.

Of course, the brand is far from the most important aspect of a ukulele, though it's still worth considering for general knowledge and judgment. In this article, I’ll share my take on the top ukulele brands.

Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I’ve done my best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):

• Company reputation
• Performance of the ukuleles
• Longevity of the ukuleles
• Variety of ukuleles available
• Accessibility of the ukuleles (how easy they are to find/buy)
• The company must currently be in operation

With all that being said, let’s list out the brands.

The Top 11 Best Ukulele Brands Are:

1. Kala
2. Mahalo
3. Cordoba
4. Martin
5. Oscar Schmidt
6. Luna
7. Ohana
8. Kamaka
9. Kanile'a
10. Lanikai
11. Fender

Let’s get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best ukulele brands. I’ll share their country of origin, a bit of history, an example of a notable ukulele, and a link to their official website.

Related My New Microphone articles:
• Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn How To Play Ukulele
• Best Microphones For Miking Ukulele

Click here to return to My New Microphone’s articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers.

Kala

Mike Upton was living and working in Hawaii in the nineties when he first came across a ukulele. It was love at first sight with the design, sound, and playability of that new, small instrument.

Back at home, in California, the first Kala ukuleles were born with the mission of spreading the word about this amazing instrument. Soon after, bands like Twenty One Pilots and legends like Vance Joy were hitting the biggest stages in the world to play Kala ukuleles in front of big crowds.

Driven by passion and a history spanning many years in the making, Kala ukuleles are always a great affordable choice for musicians at all levels.

Notable ukulele: Kala 3Koa-TG

As a member of the top-notch Elite USA line by Kala, this ukulele represents the pinnacle of ukulele construction in the world. To begin with, like every other instrument in the Elite line, it is a handmade, all-solid instrument. Also, it is made with hand-picked wood sourced from the best material in the world.

Finally, being made of real Hawaiian Koa, this instrument pays homage to the quintessential ukulele tones that have captivated the island and the world for centuries.

If you want the best money can buy, the Elite USA series might be a great place to look.

Mahalo

The idea behind the creation of Mahalo was to offer a musical instrument that could properly be played at the price of an entry-level ukulele. In that sense, what the market offered until that time to aficionados and avid learners was closer to a toy than a real instrument.

This revolutionary approach took Mahalo to be one of the most popular ukulele brands in the world. Indeed, they ship Mahalo ukuleles in all sizes and tiers to every corner of the world, making the brand the top-selling on the planet today.

Notable ukulele: Mahalo Master Series

It took Mahalo over two decades of hard work to go from making the most affordable models in the world to the master series. Indeed, this is an all-solid instrument made with the best wood for a natural, projected, full sound.

Moreover, guitar players will find the combination of solid mahogany in the back and sides and solid red cedar for the top like being home. Furthermore, the electroacoustic model featuring 2-band EQ and a tuner makes this the perfect instrument to hit any stage with.

Mahalo has come a long way in design and craftsmanship; check the ukuleles in the master series out and hear the difference.

Cordoba

The Gipsy Kings, Gogol Bordello, and José Gonzalez are just three of the many discerning musicians who have chosen Cordoba to play shows for crowds around the world. In this vein, it was Tim’s desire when founding the brand to rescue the sound and playability of nylon strings that had been overshadowed by steel-string guitars.

After succeeding in the classical guitar industry, the company decided to branch out to making another nylon-string instrument; ukuleles. Indeed, applying the leverage that makes nylon-string Cordoba guitars the go-to for artists around the world to ukulele design, the company came up with a line of instruments that is ready to take the world by storm.

Try one today; they might surprise you.

Notable ukulele: Cordoba 35T-CE

With a solid acacia top and back, this tenor-size ukulele can be the perfect companion for any singer-songwriter playing solo shows. Moreover, the distinctive design meets top-notch rosewood for the bridge, fretboard, and binding. As a result, this instrument sounds just as awesome as it looks.

Finally, the polyfoam case and LR Baggs electronics are great additions to a great instrument.

Martin

Martin has been the go-to option for musicians around the world for close to 2 centuries. Moreover, we could talk about Bob Dylan, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, and Neil Young and say they were all Martin players.

But Martin is not just an outstanding guitar manufacturer; it is the oldest existing ukulele maker in the world. Indeed, the first soprano ukuleles made by Martin date back to 1915. With a century in the making, what you can expect from Martin is top-notch quality and the tone that generations of players have chosen for decades.

Notable ukulele: Martin S1

This instrument represents the stripped-down design that was natural to the ukuleles found in Hawaii in the 1880s. Made of solid mahogany, this small instrument can create big sounds with its resonance box. Indeed, this is the perfect instrument for players in all tiers and can be a lifelong companion in the right hands.

Oscar Schmidt

Founded at the end of the 19^th century, by the early 1900s, the company had five factories in Europe and one in the USA. Moreover, by the 1920s, they were already making a plethora of stringed instruments, including ukuleles, guitars, banjos, and more.

It was purchased by Washburn in 1978. It continues to make and sell quality, affordable instruments and sell them in every corner of the planet to beginners, fans, and seasoned players alike. If you haven’t already, you should give them a try.

Notable ukulele: Oscar Schmidt OU55CE

Handcrafted from a combination of rosewood, Hawaiian koa, mahogany, and spruce, this instrument oozes tone as much as it oozes looks. Indeed, the Florentine cutaway and the binding make it an excellent baritone ukulele that can complement any playing style.

Plus, the UK2000 active preamp and EQ work wonders on stage. This ukulele is a great choice for the demanding player on a budget.

Luna

Yvonne de Villiers is not an engineer or world-class musician; instead, she is a glass artist inspired by a bass player mom who decided to make affordable, great-sounding instruments with a visual touch.

Hence, what you can expect from every Luna guitar and ukulele is the perfect blend of impeccable craftsmanship, impressive looks, and great tone.

Try a Luna ukulele before buying; they are a great option, especially if you are hitting the stage.

Notable ukulele: Luna Uke High Tide Concert Koa

This concert-sized ukulele is a perfect example of what Luna can do. Indeed, the entire instrument is crafted from exotic, tropical hardwoods and ornamented with great-looking abalone.

Moreover, the instrument's design represents the full rising of the moon that can be seen on the fretboard. Finally, the included gig bag and electronics make it perfect for the gigging and travelling musician.

Ohana

The three pillars that Ohana bases the entire company on are Quality, Playability, and Value. These three main characteristics describe every Ohana ukulele coming out of the factory. Most models are made in China but inspected and set up in sunny California.

If you are in search of a well-made, good-sounding, affordable ukulele to build your playing skills on, Ohana needs to be on your list.

Notable ukulele: Ohana All-Solid 35G Series

The all-solid line of Ohana ukuleles is the core of the brand and also the perfect representation of the craftsmanship quality the company can achieve. On the one hand, the solid mahogany back, sides, and top make it resonant and rich with round lows and sparkling highs.

Also, the bone nut adds character to the tone as well as the bone saddle. Finally, the cutaway and electronics make it a perfect choice for gigging and advanced players.

Kamaka

Kamaka’s history in ukulele-making has recently turned 100 years old, and the reason behind the brand’s longevity is nothing but a commitment to excellence and relentless innovation. It was Kamaka that created and patented the “pineapple ukulele,” widely played and sold around the world since.

Adding to that fact, George Harrison used to favour Kamaka ukuleles. Also, Kamaka was among the first companies in the world to employ disabled people to make musical instruments in 1955.

Every ukulele Kamaka makes is a piece of history waiting for a lucky player to pick it up. Check one today and feel the difference the true Hawaiian sound legacy can make.

Notable ukulele: Kamaka HP-1

The distinct, mellow sound of the pineapple ukulele sets it apart from all the ukuleles on the market today. Indeed, the model patented by the company in 1928 revolutionized the ukulele world since the bigger body offers more resonance, a “bigger” sound and more volume and definition.

The Kamaka HP-1 is the quintessential pineapple ukulele design made with modern manufacturing techniques. If you haven’t already, try one today and feel the difference.

Kanile'a

The Souza family is involved with the origins of the ukulele in Hawaii. Indeed, five generations ago, they took the “braguinha,” which is the ukulele predecessor, to the shores of Hawaii.

By 1990, Joe Souza was enjoying the leverage of generations of woodworkers and learning to master the instrument when the opportunity arose to start an apprenticeship with Peter Bermudez, a master luthier.

Today, over two decades after starting his shop in the basement of his house, Kanile'a ukuleles are not only well-known and utterly respected on the island but also are the only Hawaiian ukulele brands that process all wood pieces in-house. If you haven’t already, you have to check a Kanile'a ukulele before buying anything else.

Notable ukulele: Kanile'a Oha Concert Premium

Every instrument Kanile'a makes is a one-off. This is because it is handcrafted by master luthiers from the highest-quality wood available in Hawaii. This combination of artisan’s hands with organic, premium-grade tonewoods gives the player the uniqueness of having almost a custom shop instrument at the price level of a factory-made one.

To hear the difference, you need to play one today. That being said, be warned that you might not be able to put it down again.

Lanikai

Hohner is a German company that has grown and branched out of its initial scope to supply the world with elite-level instruments for over a century and a half. That leverage allowed them to create a state-of-the-art company known as Lanikai, capable of manufacturing perfect-sounding Hawaiian-style ukuleles to ship to every corner of the planet.

Hence, what you can expect from a Lanikai ukulele is the perfect mixture of state-of-the-art, world-class manufacturing techniques and the quintessential ukulele tones made in Hawaii.

Notable ukulele: Lanikai Ziricote Concert A/E Ukulele

From the Fishman Kula preamp and tuner to the D’Addario EJ88 strings it ships with to the solid walnut fingerboard and bridge, this is one serious ukulele for serious players.

Moreover, the laminated ziricote it is made with is a very exotic, rich, dark wood that exudes beauty with an unusual grain and fantastic tone. Finally, the NuBone XB nut and saddle allow maximum sustain and tone.

Fender

Apart from making the best-selling guitar of all time, being a visionary with the Precision Bass and giving artists like Jimi Hendrix, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Richards, and so many others the best instrument to serve as a vessel for their art, Fender also makes great-sounding ukuleles.

Indeed, the same passion for design, sound, and innovation that took the company to the top of the world is applied to every ukulele leaving the factory. Fender is a synonym for craftsmanship, endurance, great tones, and beautiful designs; that is exactly what you can expect from every Fender ukulele.

Notable ukulele: Fender Seaside Soprano Ukulele V2

With the quintessential telecaster headstock, golden tuners, a thin “C” shape neck profile, and the depth in the tone that only mahogany can offer, this is the perfect ukulele for players wanting a good instrument to build their skills on.

Furthermore, the no-tie bridge and size make it suitable for gigging musicians who need to change strings in a breeze and continue the performance. Finally, the Fender logo on the headstock is a synonym with the highest quality standards in the world.

Honourable Mentions:

• KoAloha
• Ko’olau
• Yamaha

The post Top 11 Best Ukulele Brands On The Market first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

The English horn (also referred to as the “cor anglais”) is a double-reed woodwind instrument in the oboe family. Though part of the oboe family, the English horn is often differentiated by its larger size (1.5x that of an oboe) and its lower pitch.

English horns, like oboes, are commonly used in orchestra and chamber music ensembles or as solo instruments.

There are plenty of options for the student, intermediate and professional players. This isn't only true of individual instruments but also solo English horn makers and larger brands.

With such a wide variety of choices, knowing the market’s top brands is useful. Of course, the brand is far from the most important aspect of an English horn, though it's still worth considering for general knowledge and judgment. In this article, I’ll share my take on the top English horn brands.

Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I’ve done my best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):

• Company reputation
• Performance of the English horns
• Longevity of the English horns
• Variety of English horns available
• Accessibility of the English horns (how easy they are to find/buy)
• The company must currently be in operation

With all that being said, let’s list out the brands.

The Top 11 Best English Horn Brands Are:

1. Fox
2. Lorée
3. Fossati
4. Bulgheroni
5. Howarth
6. Buffet
7. Laubin
8. Püchner
9. Heckel
10. Marigaux
11. Rigoutat

Let’s get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best English horn brands. I’ll share their country of origin, a bit of history, an example of a notable English horn, and a link to their official website.

Related My New Microphone articles:
• Best Microphones For Miking English Horn

Click here to return to My New Microphone’s articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers.

Fox

Hugo Fox founded his company in 1949. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in South Whitley, Indiana.

Fox is currently the world’s largest bassoon manufacturer, with over 2,500 instruments sold every year and 130 employees. But bassoons are just one of the products of this brand’s exquisite and extensive catalogue; their English horns are just as sought-after.

Perhaps, to understand why Fox English horns are a great choice, we have to say that Hugo Fox was a member of the Chicago Symphony from 1922 to 1949. During that time, he gathered first-hand experience, which led to a player-centred approach to the design and manufacture of all instruments.

Hence, what you can expect from every Fox English horn is to have a distinctive playing experience and superb tone.

Notable English horn: Fox 508 Tristan Professional

Handmade from selected maple, this English horn by Fox is capable of producing all the depth and resonance Fox’s bassoons are known for worldwide. But that’s not all because the maple retains all the tonal characteristics of classic grenadilla wood, being 25% lighter.

Moreover, the uniqueness and complexity that maple adds to the tonal equation make this a great soloist instrument as well as a great blend in woodwind sections.

It is no surprise that this one-of-a-kind instrument comes from the Fox factory; try one today before buying anything else.

Lorée

Lorée was founded in 1881 by François Loré. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Paris, France.

Frédéric Triébert was the owner of France's biggest, most sought-after oboe shop. François Loré was his chef d'atelier (workshop manager) for several years before moving on to opening his own shop. By that time, he had already learned all the secrets of woodwind instrument-making from his former mentor.

Moreover, François cascaded his knowledge to his family, and it was his son, Lucien, who perfected the oboe system to the one currently being used on both sides of the Atlantic.

If you want the best of the French woodwind tradition blended with modern manufacturing techniques, you’ll find Lorée to be the best brand in the market today.

Notable English horn: Lorée Royal 125

Entirely made with 10+-year-old naturally-dried grenadilla wood and silver, this is the pinnacle of Lorée’s manufacturing excellence.

Moreover, the top-notch materials used in its construction offer the player natural resonance, sustain, and tone.

Also, the instrument is supplied with two gold-plated bocals (mouthpieces), a 3^rd-octave key, a left-hand F key, and a low B resonance key. Finally, the gold-plated reed well and gold-plated rings and posts round up an outstanding instrument ready to take any stage.

Fossati

Fossati was founded in 1986 by Gérard Fossati. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Amilly, France.

After working for the Rigoutat Company for some years, Gérard Fossati felt it was time to chase his dreams and open a shop with his name on it. He was not only successful in that endeavour, but he was also able to blend what he had learned in Rigoutat with his vision and implement state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques.

Innovation and technology took Fossati’s creations to the next level. If you haven’t already, give this brand a try and find out why it is a synonym with impeccable manufacture and great sounds.

Notable English horn: Fossati Model S

Made entirely of grenadilla wood and featuring a fully automatic system, this is a serious English horn for serious players. Indeed, the platinum-plated keys, double tenon ring, and second-octave stop make it as flexible as it is great sounding. In the same vein, the F key for the left hand, 3^rd-octave keys, and forked F, A, and E vents make it as versatile as it gets.

The Fossati S is a great sample of what a body made with a CNC machine and a hand-laid mechanism can do to an instrument.

Bulgheroni

Bulgheroni was founded in 1947 by Luigi Bulgheroni. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Colverde, Italy.

Still a family business, the Bulgheroni family works hard to keep the spirit and passion for excellence Luigi had when he was alive. Moreover, the craftsmanship secrets he learned during the decades dedicated to instrument building cascaded to the next generations. As a result, every English horn by Bulgheroni is the perfect blend of past and present.

Powering their facility with solar energy, the company still makes some of the best English horns in the world, bearing the proud “Made in Italy” label.

Notable English horn: Bulgheroni Artist Model

Made entirely of grenadilla wood, this English horn by Bulgheroni represents the company's flagship model. Indeed, the 3^rd-octave key, silver-plated keys, and full conservatory key system make it easy to play. Finally, the Artist model by Bulgheroni includes a hardshell case for safe transportation and all the products needed for its care in years to come.

Bulgheroni’s best can very well be the world’s best; try it before buying anything else.

Howarth

Tom Howarth founded Howarth of London in 1948. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in London, England.

Howarth is not only a great English horn maker; it is also the meeting point for world-class woodwind instrument players. Moreover, it is the place to find some of the world's most exclusive second-hand, vintage, and exclusive instruments.

This contact with some of the best woodwind instruments ever made gave Howarth the ability to make superior-sounding instruments and sell them at his shop. If they fit your budget, trying them is a must before buying.

Notable English horn: Howarth XL Automatic System

The XL Professional Model by Howarth is available in Grenadilla and Cocobolo. This is not a minor detail since these tonewoods sound very different and can accommodate different players’ needs. Besides the wood type, the semi-automatic silver-plated key system will work flawlessly for years. The Cocobolo wood, with correct care, can bring its unique character to the sound accompanying your performances for decades.

The Howarth XL Professional is the ultimate model made by one of the best brands in the world; if you are after excellence, this instrument needs to be on your list.

Buffet

Buffet-Crampon was founded by Denis Buffet-Auger and his wife, Zoé Crampon, in 1825. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Mantes-la-Ville, France.

Buffet-Crampon is the company responsible for creating the Boehm System clarinets that revolutionized the world for players and manufacturers alike. That same bold, passionate, knowledgeable approach can be traced to today’s instruments in terms of sound, construction, and playability.

Two centuries have gone by since the company was founded. Those 200 years of non-stop innovation, hard work, and music make Buffet-Crampon one of the biggest, most sought-after brands in the world for woodwind instruments.

In case you haven’t already, try one today and feel the difference.

Notable English horn: Buffet-Crampon Prestige 4713

Entirely made of hand-picked top-notch grenadilla wood with a carbon-wired ferrule and metal-capped tenons and tenon caps, this is a great instrument for the demanding professional musician.

Moreover, the 3 semi-automatic octave keys, silver-plated key work, and cork pads (GT for the lower notes) make it reliable. Speaking of reliability, the wooden case comes fully covered in black leather with a white acrylic fleece interior.

Laubin

Laubin was founded by Alfred Laubin in 1931. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Peekskill, New York.

Laubin’s story is that of many professional musicians who start making their own instruments because they can’t find any to match their high demands. Alfred decided to take matters into his own hands, but what he could have never imagined was creating one of the most important woodwind companies in the world.

Furthermore, he abandoned his career as a musician to dedicate himself fully to instrument making.

Today, the company is in the hands of the third generation of Laubin master builders who make each instrument exclusively using hand tools.

Notable English horn: Laubin Rosewood English Horn

Made with one of the most expensive and tonally-rich woods, this English horn represents the pinnacle of Laubin’s long journey in instrument making.

With a wait time of 8 to 9 years and a price that is not for the faint of heart, this English horn is an elite instrument for elite-level players, and after drying the wood for close to ten years, it can withstand any and all concert conditions.

If you are after the best money can buy and have the time to wait for it, Laubin fits that category easily.

Püchner

Vinzenz Püchner founded the company in 1897. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Nauheim, Germany.

Vinzenz Püchner lost his parents at a very young age. He went to live with a family that had started making woodwind instruments in 1840. Therefore, little Vizenz learned how to play and make bassoons, English horns, oboes, and more from a very early age.

That know-how he got as a kid determined much of his life as he became a sought-after musician and a master builder who cascaded his skills and secrets to his family, who still runs the business.

Every Püchner English horn has been over a century in the making. Try one today and hear the difference by yourself.

Notable English horn: Püchner Model 39C

The grenadilla used in this instrument has been naturally dried for 20+ years after being hand-picked for its tonal and visual qualities.

Moreover, the entire key work is done completely by hand, following the century-old German tradition. It is thickly silver-plated to avoid the damage time, and use can inflict on the keys. In the same vein, the instrument ships with several bocals and a leather-covered hardshell case to make for easy transportation.

Finally, a set of premium accessories for the right care of the instrument is added to every shipment.

Püchner is a synonym for playability and amazing sound; try one today and feel the difference.

Heckel

Johann Adam Heckel founded the company in 1831. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Johann Heckel and Carl Almenräder joined forces to create one of the most important and old German woodwind manufacturers. After the retirement of Carl, Wilhelm Heckel (Johann’s son) stepped up to the challenge to continue with the company.

During that time, a close relationship with the legendary composer Richard Wagner helped the brand shape instruments and make innovations on known designs that would revolutionize the market more than once. One of them was the heckelphone, an instrument still made today.

After almost two centuries, Heckel continues to make and sell elite-level instruments for musicians around the world; they are a must-try before you buy.

Notable English horn: Heckel Heckelphone

The heckelphone is not strictly an English horn, but it is an innovation pushed by Richard Wagner over the original design that gave birth to an entirely new instrument. The key to understanding the heckelphone is that it can go 1 octave lower than the oboe and be as soft and powerful as the Alpenhorn at the same time.

Heckel decided to fulfill this strange request by Richard Wagner with an instrument similar to the English horn but with a spherical bell and a different length for the bore. As a result, the heckelphone is capable of a sonorous tone but retains the softness and lovely tone of the woodwind instruments while offering a wonderful low end to the player.

Marigaux

Marigaux was founded in 1935 by Mr. Strasser, Mr. Marigaux and Mr. Lemaire. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Paris, France.

Opening their shop in the busy streets of early 20^th century Paris gave this trio the funds to open a woodwind facility in France’s number-one woodwind instrument region: Normandy. Instruments made in the new facility were received to such critical acclaim that the company stopped making brass instruments to dedicate entirely to the manufacture and retail of woodwind instruments.

After almost a century, Marigaux has outgrown its initial scope and ships state-of-the-art English horns to every corner of the planet with great success. The French tradition of woodwind instrument-making is still winning hearts all over the world. Play one today and hear the difference.

Notable English horn: Marigaux Altuglass English Horn Model 933

Made of an exclusive new material created by Marigaux specifically for this model, the model 933 English horn plays, sounds, and feels just like the real thing with none of the hassles real wood brings to the equation. Moreover, the new bore design and semi-automatic gold-plated key system make it sound sweeter while enhancing the looks of the transparent material.

This is an English horn like no other in the market today, and it sounds just like you would expect a Marigaux instrument to sound: incredible. Try one today and dare to a new world in English horn manufacturing.

Rigoutat

The Rigoutat Company was founded in 1922 by Charles Rigoutat. Currently, the company’s headquarters are in Paris, France.

Lorée and Marigaux worked together with Rigoutat as apprentices for Georges LeBlanc, one of the most famous saxophone makers in history. Working next to each other at the shop, they learned and shared best practices; indeed, the three last names became utterly important for the history of music.

This means that Rigoutat’s skills have been over a century in the making and were forged with a master luthier. Hence, all you’ve heard about the “Rigoutat sound” is completely true and backed by a rich history of making elite-level instruments.

Notable English horn: Rigoutat Professional English Horn

Gildas Prado is the English horn soloist for the Orchestre de Paris, and he chooses Rigoutat to leave the audience in awe night after night. In his own words, the English horn by Rigoutat is a lively instrument capable of a large palette of timbres that can defy the instrument’s natural melancholic sound.

Indeed, with a body made entirely of African grenadilla wood, a silver-plated key system, and cork pads (and leather pads for the low registers), this is a serious instrument that can bring years of joy to the lucky owner.

Whether you need to impress audiences at concert halls or play at the studio or at home, this English horn can be a lifelong companion with great tones to offer.

Honourable Mentions:

1. Mollenhauer
2. Hiniker
3. Patricola

The post Top 11 Best English Horn (Cor Anglais) Brands On The Market first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

The bassoon and contrabassoon are popular double-reed woodwind instruments found in orchestral, concert band, and chamber music, as well as in jazz and pop music (though not as commonly).

Since the bassoon is such a popular instrument, it's no surprise that there are plenty of options for student, intermediate and professional bassoonists. This isn't only true of individual instruments but also solo bassoon makers and larger brands.

With such a wide variety of choices, knowing the market’s top brands is useful. Of course, the brand is far from the most important aspect of a bassoon, though it's still worth considering for general knowledge and judgment. In this article, I’ll share my take on the top bassoon (and contrabassoon) brands.

Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I’ve done my best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):

• Company reputation
• Performance of the bassoons
• Longevity of the bassoons
• Variety of bassoons available
• Accessibility of the bassoons (how easy they are to find/buy)
• The company must currently be in operation

With all that being said, let’s list out the brands.

The Top 11 Best Bassoon Brands Are:

1. Fox
2. Heckel
3. Püchner
4. Walter
5. Yamaha
6. Leitzinger
7. Bell
8. Schreiber
9. Allora
10. Moosmann
11. Jupiter

Let’s get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best bassoon brands. I’ll share their country of origin, a bit of history, an example of a notable bassoon, and a link to their official website.

Related My New Microphone articles:
• Top 8 Best Bassoon Reed Brands On The Market
• Best Microphones For Miking Bassoon
• Best Microphones For Miking Contrabassoon

Click here to return to My New Microphone’s articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers.

Fox

The world’s biggest bassoon manufacturer makes over 2,500 instruments a year, employing 130 experts to do so. Moreover, Fox bassoons sell in every corner of the globe. This can be explained partially by the company’s founder being a member of the Chicago Symphony from 1922 to 1949. During that time, he grew a privileged ear to discern tones.

From day one, this player-centred approach has been the company’s competitive advantage. If you want the most musical, effortless, and great-sounding bassoon, you have to check Fox out before buying anything else.

Notable bassoon: Fox Professional Bassoon Model 685

Made with hand-picked red maple, this unique-sounding instrument is ready to take the world by storm.

Moreover, the walls of the instrument are thicker than the 680 model, offering the player a darker, richer, more concentrated tone and a superior dynamic range. As a result, soloists have virtually unlimited power to cut across any orchestra setting, preserving the tenor register's flexibility and singing quality.

This is the perfect instrument for the most demanding musicians in the world to show their talent.

Heckel

Heckel was the instrument of choice of master composer and legend Richard Wagner. This closeness with the company that developed into a friendship gave Heckel the privilege of receiving advice from one of the most refined ears in history.

As a result, every Heckel instrument is ready to awe audiences night after night and take bold musicians to unknown sonic territories effortlessly.

In case you haven’t already, try Heckel bassoons and play the difference.

Notable bassoon: The Heckel Bassoon

Each Heckel bassoon is unique. Indeed, while the company builds each model utilizing only the best tonewoods dried naturally for over 12 years, players can choose from several customizations that make it unique.

Moreover, the Heckel bassoon results from the perfect combination of centuries-old practices and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. If you are after a unique instrument that has been almost two centuries in the making, you have to check Heckel out before buying.

Püchner

The tragic history of Vizenz Püchner gave him an opportunity unlike any other. Indeed, he was an orphan at an early age and accepted by a family that taught him all the secrets to woodwind instrument playing and construction.

Young Vizenz grew up surrounded by that environment and was able to develop his talent both as a player and as a master builder. Nowadays, the Püchner family still employs the same techniques learned by Vizenz almost 200 years ago to create amazing instruments and sell them to elite-level players around the world.

Notable bassoon: Püchner Model Superior

Over 20 years of seasoning after being harvested, the curly red mountain maple of this bassoon sings with complex, defined, and rich tones.

Moreover, the 13 sterling silver keys are handmade and hand-assembled to perform flawlessly for decades. In the same vein, the 15 mother-of-pearl-style rollers and the gliding roller are made with the highest-quality material to ensure this elite-level instrument sounds and looks awesome for decades and plays effortlessly.

The Model Superior represents Püchner’s pinnacle, which might make it one of the best bassoons on the planet today.

Walter

Although he founded the company in 1992, Rudolf’s history with musical instruments goes back to 1964, when he started making tools to make instruments. From that moment on, he moved from one apprenticeship to another, improving his skills and learning the craft every step of the way.

Finally, by 1991, he was awarded the Master Craftsman Certificate in Munich, graduating with honours. His lifelong dream was finally fulfilled, so he decided to pour his talent and experience into the shape of stellar bassoons under his own brand.

The rest, as they say, is musical history in the making.

Notable bassoon: The Walter Bassoon

Entirely made of 12-year-old, hand-picked sycamore maple, this is the type of instrument that improves its sound through the years. Indeed, it is made by employing the traditional, centuries-old technique of old masters and the best cutting-edge technology available today.

As a result, this bassoon offers the player uncanny playability, organic sound, and a bond that can only grow with time. In this sense, the specially developed wood impregnation process prevents cracks or warping in years to come.

This is the perfect bassoon to grow old with; try one today and be part of Walter’s uncanny musical history.

Yamaha

Although most people don’t know it, for Yamaha, everything started with pianos. If you look at the company’s logo, you’ll find intertwined tuning keys that represent the musical beginnings.

With time, though, the company branched out, excelling in every niche they manufacture products for. This is not a random fact; on the opposite, it is the outcome of Yamaha’s commitment to excellence and relentless innovation.

Yamaha is a synonym for quality, sound, and performance; try a Yamaha bassoon today and hear the difference.

Notable bassoon: Yamaha YFG-821

Yamaha utilizes long, seasoned maple and a Heckel key system for their pre-war model. The larger bore and thinner walls give it extended flexibility that can be perfect for soloists and musicians who need an extended tonal range.

Furthermore, Yamaha’s engineers have worked hard on this design to solve some of the common tone quality and intonation issues bassoons have had historically. As a result, the lucky artists playing through this bassoon can be in control of even the most subtle tone shadings in every passage.

If you want to try the next level in bassoons, Yamaha needs to be on your list.

Leitzinger

Stephan Leitzinger is a passionate man with one aim: to create the best, most musical handmade bassoons for elite musicians. To fulfill this goal, he makes each bassoon bearing his name with his hands combining the traditional German craftsmanship traditions with modern technology. As a result, every Leitzinger bassoon is a state-of-the-art instrument ready to shine on any stage.

If you are after an instrument made with the attention to detail only the human eye can have and craftsmanship that can last for decades, Leitzinger needs to be on your list.

Notable bassoon: Leitzinger Antique Finish Professional I

Utilizing Leitzinger’s Exclusive mechanical design, this bassoon is made of the highest-grade hand-picked curly mountain maple and sounds and plays as good as it looks. Moreover, the addition of finger holes lined with sterling silver tubes signifies that you’re holding a top-tier instrument.

In the same vein, the plastic-lined pivot screw keys, extra-low C key plate, handrest, and the Eb trill key can give seasoned players everything they need to play their hearts out night after night. Finally, the instrument is finished with a matte antique colour and comes with original Leitzinger bocals and a hardshell case with all the accessories.

This great-sounding bassoon offers the player rich overtones, a flexible, radiant, and focused sound with elite-level craftsmanship that can last for a lifetime in the right hands.

Bell

Although he started his company in 1994, Ben started his journey with this instrument in the 1970s as a repairman for Marcus Bassoon Repair in Toronto.

During those years as a repairman, he was able to work on some of the best instruments in the world. Thus, he learned what made each of them an outstanding instrument, as well as the design flaws that had brought them to his hands.

As a result, some consider Ben Bell to be the single best bassoon maker in the world today. If your budget allows it and you can wait for him to create your dream instrument, a Bell bassoon can be the best instrument you’ve ever played.

Notable bassoon: The Bell Bassoon

By selecting the four pieces of each bassoon from the same tree, Bell takes the resonance level of every bassoon to be unlike anything you’ve heard before. Moreover, each piece of wood is specifically selected by its weight, hardness, and specific gravity.

Furthermore, the vast majority of Bell bassoons are made of highly-figured European maple hand-picked for the occasion. Adding to the elite-level woods, the keys in every model are silver-plated and based on the conventional modern key design.

That being said, custom key work is available at an extra cost. Finally, every Bell bassoon ships in a Marcus Bonna case that fits in most airlines' overhead compartments, so you can take it with you always.

Schreiber

The first five years in the life of Schreiber Musical Instruments were spent repairing state-of-the-art instruments. During those years, experts working with Wenzel Schreiber gathered enough know-how to build the best bassoons in the market.

After 5 years of finding the secrets in the world’s best woodwind instruments, the experts at Schreiber poured their talent into the first handmade instruments. They were received with critical acclaim by connoisseurs and musicians in the vibrant music scene of the time.

Schreiber was acquired by Buffet-Crampon in 2010, adding the best manufacturing practices to the German hand-building secrets and tradition Schreiber accumulated for 60 years.

As a result, Schreiber bassoons are among the best in the world.

Notable bassoon: Schreiber S91 Professional Bassoon

With a body made of Alpine maple that was stationed and naturally aged for years and handmade key work featuring 28 silver-plated keys, this is a great-sounding bassoon in the key of C., but that’s not all; the Ab/Bb trill, 9 rollers, finger holes lined with sterling silver, and balance holder make it an effortless instrument to play.

Finally, the instrument ships with 3 bocals with a silver-plated outfit.

This is a great bassoon for the demanding player looking for a next-level instrument.

Buffet-Crampon

Most people know about Buffet-Crampon because the company invented the Boehm System for clarinets, the most widely used to this date. But that’s not the only thing Buffet has done for musicians since the company has been manufacturing state-of-the-art woodwind instruments for elite-level players for almost two centuries.

As you would expect, after that time spent manufacturing countless bassoons, innovation and quality are synonyms for the company name in Europe and the rest of the world. In case you haven’t tried one already, it is about time you give Buffet-Crampon bassoons a chance.

Notable bassoon: Buffet-Crampon Prestige 5613

Although this instrument carries almost two centuries of tradition in every note, the design has been improved to obtain optimum results. To begin with, the company reworked the tone hole layout as well as the bore completely.

In the same vein, the butt joint plug was redesigned, and the key work has been optimized. As a result of these innovations, this bassoon offers the player a larger, more homogeneous sound. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how the bottom notes respond easily.

Finally, this bassoon is made completely in Amazon rosewood with silver-plated or lacquered copper keys and bocal.

Moosmann

Bernd started his career in his dad’s workshop when he could walk but officially made it to the apprenticeship position in 1972. By 1975, because of his talent, he won the national champion award at the “Leistungswettbewerb der Deutschen Handwerksjugend”. By 1981, he already had his certificate as a master craftsman.

The opportunity to pour all his talent into the shape of amazing instruments came in 1983 when he took over the old company “Kohlert”.

Today, Moosmann bassoons are shipped to every corner of the globe with critical acclaim. If you want to hear the difference Bernd’s expert hands can give to an instrument, try a Moosmann bassoon before buying anything else.

Notable bassoon: Moosmann Bassoon No. 222

Made from astonishing curly maple coming straight from the mountains of Bosnia, this bassoon gets a stained mahogany treatment and a thin layer of French polish lacquer.

Moreover, the 28 keys silver-plated in German silver ensure the player decades of beautiful tones and effortless playing. In the same vein, the player can choose between nickel-silver, sterling-silver, or standard hard rubber tubes for the fingerholes. Finally, the pivot screws feature a lock nut and high-tensile, hardened steel ball bearings.

The instrument ships with two elite-level bocals and a dedicated hardshell case.

Jupiter

Entire generations of players took their first steps in the music world, holding a Jupiter instrument in their hands. The company aims to offer great-sounding, in-tune, problem-free instruments for beginners to hone their craft at affordable prices.

This revolution that started in Asia has since spread to the whole world, and Jupiter has been the go-to option for beginners and students in every corner of the planet for decades. If that sounds like the kind of bassoon you’re looking for, Jupiter can’t go missing from your list.

Notable bassoon: Jupiter 1000 Series JBN1000 Bassoon

This is a great choice for beginners and students with a full German key system (also known as the Heckel system) that you would expect from a much more expensive instrument. In the same vein, the ABS resin body gives the instrument a level of endurance that adds to the odds of surviving life on campus.

Still, even having no wood on the body, this bassoon generates sounds so warm that you will have to look at the price tag twice.

Finally, it ships inside a wooden case that can protect it even from the roughest bus rides and bumps.

Honourable Mentions:

• Wolf
• Kohlert
• Selmer
• Amati

The post Top 11 Best Bassoon Brands On The Market first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

The bongo drums are a fairly popular Afro-Cuban percussion instrument, mainly used in son cubano and salsa ensembles, though also present in jazz, pop, and Latin musical genres.

When it comes to choosing the best bongos, there are plenty of options. In this article, we’ll consider the top 9 best bongo drum brands in the world today.

Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I’ve done my best to list these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):

• Company reputation
• Variety of bongos
• Performance of the bongos
• Longevity of the bongos
• The company/brand must currently be in operation

With all that being said, let’s list out the brands.

The Top 9 Best Bongo Drum Brands Are:

1. Toca
2. Meinl
3. Latin Percussion
4. Pearl
5. Tycoon
6. Gon Bops
7. Moperc
8. Manito Percussion
9. Remo

Let’s get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 9 best bongo drum brands. I’ll share their country of origin, a bit of history, an example of notable bongos, and a link to their official website.

Be sure to check out the other top percussion brands at My New Microphone:
• Top 9 Best Tambourine Brands On The Market
• Top 9 Best Conga Drum Brands On The Market
• Top 9 Best Cajón Brands On The Market
• Top 11 Best Timpani Brands On The Market

Click here to return to My New Microphone’s articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers.

Toca

In the 1990s, Latin music exploded in mass media, and the market echoed this trend. Thus, an increasing number of people decided to take on hand percussion as a hobby and be part of some of the trendiest bands.

To address that demand, KMC founded Toca, giving the instruments the Latin flavour, vibrant colours, and outstanding sound that transformed Toca into the go-to option for players at all levels. Currently, the company is owned by the RBimusic Family and is available in every corner of the planet.

Notable bongos: Toca Custom Deluxe Wood Bongos

Made entirely of Asian Oak, finished in mesmerizing Sahara Gold, and hand-polished to glisten, these are some of the best bongos on the market today. Moreover, the wider tuning ranges will allow you to push your playing style to the next level while delivering your audience the kind of sound they expect from a top-of-the-line instrument like this.

Meinl

Meinl is not only one of the biggest names in cymbals in the world; it has been producing state-of-the-art percussion instruments for the past 70 years to critical acclaim. Furthermore, during those years, they appeared in the world's biggest, most demanding stages.

This was not a random occurrence but the outcome of decades of hard work and relentless innovation. Moreover, the Meinl catalogue is constantly expanding, adding new categories to an already outstanding offer. Meinl is a brand you can trust; try their bongos today and feel the difference with your fingertips.

Notable bongos: Meinl Headliner Vintage Wine Barrels

This is Meinl’s creation to solve one of the most recurrent problems in percussion students worldwide: finding a good-sounding, well-made, in-tune instrument to learn the craft.

Indeed, this is a serious instrument for any player to enjoy with the hand-picked buffalo heads, 2mm rounded rims, 8mm reinforced tuning lugs and solid woodblock connection. Finally, the tuning key is included.

Latin Percussion

Most people know Latin Percussion as simply “LP”. With this logo, you can find them on the most demanding stages of the world in the hands of percussion stars. Because of this unparalleled success, in 2001, Martin Cohen was awarded special recognition from the International Latin Music Hall of Fame because of his contributions to Latin Music history.

After being bought and improved by Kaman Music and Fender, it is now owned by DW, one of the biggest drum companies in the world. If you are after a great-sounding bongo with a long history of creating legends, LP needs to be on your list.

Notable bongos: Latin Percussion Karl Perazzo Signature Bongo

In case you don’t know who Karl Perazzo is, he has been fueling Santana’s groovy guitar and outstanding songs for decades by playing with his hands. This bongo is the result of the long-time relationship between the brand and the artist. Moreover, with a fibreglass body (with a Sugar Skull graphic designed by Perazzo himself) and LP’s comfort curve II rims, this is the bongo to play in every moment of your life.

Pearl

Pearl is one of the biggest percussion companies in the world, with a presence on virtually every stage around the world. Moreover, it is the preferred company of legends like Dennis Chambers, Ray Luzier, Eric Singer (Kiss), and Mike Mangini (Dream Theater), among many others.

This commitment to excellence took the company to branch out into other territories, creating some of the best percussion instruments in the world. Pearl is an elite-level brand; try their bongos before buying anything else.

Notable bongos: Pearl Elite Series Bongos

The Elite Series, created by Pearl, is the pinnacle of a long journey by one of the world’s most important percussion brands in history. As such, it is the go-to choice of professionals and legendary percussionists to shine on stages around the world.

But that’s not all; the 100% Thai Oak construction, gold-plated hardware, and Pearl’s unique Self-Aligning Washer System make this bongo a beautiful piece that sounds as amazing as it looks and can be tuned in a breeze.

Tycoon

Only a passionate man like Stephen Yu would have given up a profitable, growing career in commodities trading to pursue his lifelong dream of making musical instruments. It is the same passion that made him turn the wheel in his life drastically without looking back that drives the company forward, innovating relentlessly to come up with the best percussion instruments in the market.

Today, Tycoon percussion is synonymous with world-class quality at an affordable price. Try one today and test the difference with your hands if you haven't already.

Notable bongos: Tycoon 30th Anniversary Celebration Series Bongos

Companies don’t turn 30 years old every day. The 30th-anniversary bongos by Tycoon are a special addition to the line. They are made of top-grade, hand-picked American Ash wood with a special treatment to accentuate natural wood grain patterns. The Classic Pro hoops in brushed chrome are the best technology Tycoon offers.

Finally, the water buffalo-skin heads have been specially treated to be black and match the colour of this unique instrument.

Gon Bops

Being the go-to repairman for the best bongo and conga players of the Los Angeles scene for years gave Mariano the unique possibility to put apart some of the best percussion instruments in the world. Moreover, he was there to hear what elite-level musicians had to say about them.

Therefore, by the time he made his first bongos and congas, they went straight to the hands of the world's most gifted and famous percussionists. For example, his first models could be seen in the mythical Woodstock ’69 concert.

Notable bongos: Gon Bops Mariano Series

This bongo is made following the legendary design that owner and founder Mariano Bobadilla created to satisfy his playing desires and is among the best bongos in the market.

To begin with, it is made entirely of Durian wood to give it the vintage flavour that made it so famous. Also, the cowhide heads play their role in achieving the quintessential tone. Finally, the welded bottom ring designs eradicate the need for cup washers, extending the instrument’s tuning range.

Moperc

Starting a company and making state-of-the-art African and Afro-Cuban drums in Canada in the 1990s was a recipe for disaster; there was no market. Still, a bold and confident man, Michael utilized his ears, hands, and tools to create some of the world's best-sounding, best-looking bongos and congas.

As a result of his commitment to excellence and relentless innovation, Moperc is now a worldwide best-kept secret among elite-level percussion players. If you haven’t already, try one and feel the difference.

Notable bongos: Moperc Bongos

Moperc manufactures bongos with different tonewoods to help players customize their sound and get the most out of their personal style. In this vein, it is possible to get dark-sounding Brazilian mahogany tones, soft Spanish cedar tones, or super crispy maple sounds at your request.

Also, the center block is embedded in the bongo body. Thus, you can forget about bolt hole splitting. Finally, all hardware is hand-forged stainless steel, providing a durability level you won’t find anywhere else.

Manito Percussion

Ryan has been around the world following his passion: percussion instruments. He has studied with the best-known percussionists in countries like Cuba, among many others. He is also a Berklee graduate, sought-after session musician, and director of several percussion ensembles.

When he founded Manito Percussion, he did it to create the kind of instruments he would have liked to study and learn the art of rhythm with. Hence, each bongo coming out of the factory is the result of decades of playing and bears the sensitivity only a seasoned player like himself can imprint on every design.

Notable bongos: Manito Percussion Solid Walnut Bongos

The solid walnut used to make these bongos was sourced locally in Athens, Georgia. Also, the stainless steel hardware was handmade in the local facilities exclusively for this model.

Finally, the 1mm horse skin on the macho and 1.6mm steer skin on the hembra make these bongos sound just as amazing as they look. As an extra, the curly walnut bridge with malachite and magnesite inlays gives it the perfect finishing touch.

Remo

A natural-born innovator, the arrival of Remo Belli to the percussion world caused a big sensation among players. Indeed, it was he who introduced PET film and the Mylar to replace calfskin and make more durable, less fluctuating, yet great-sounding drum heads. As you might know, Remo took the world like a storm and can now be seen in virtually every corner of the planet.

In the case of bongos, the great-sounding, utterly revolutionary Fiberskyn heads created by Remo are still the go-to option for most bongo professionals in the world due to their texture, consistency, and reliability. Remo is one of the biggest percussion companies in the world.

Notable bongos: Remo Rhythm Club Bongo

With its pre-tuned Suede drumheads over vibrant, colourful graphics and a pair of Acousticon shells, this is the perfect choice for beginners who want to start on a great-sounding instrument. In the same vein, the moulded rubber base and robust design make it perfect for teaching children (ages 3+) the art of rhythm with a great-sounding, sturdy, and reliable instrument.

The post Top 9 Best Bongo Drum Brands On The Market first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

The viola is a member of the violin family of string instruments commonly used in orchestras, string quartets, and solo performances and can be heard in numerous genres of music.

There are plenty of options for the student, intermediate and professional violists. This isn't only true of individual instruments but also solo viola makers and larger viola brands.

Of course, the brand is far from the most important aspect of an instrument, though it's still worth considering for general knowledge and judgment. In this article, I’ll share my take on the top viola brands.

Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I’ve done my best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):

• Company reputation
• Performance of the violas
• Longevity of the violas
• Variety of violas available
• Accessibility of the violas (how easy they are to find/buy)
• The company must currently be in operation

With all that being said, let’s list out the brands.

The Top 11 Best Viola Brands Are:

1. Eastman
2. Maple Leaf Strings
3. Gliga
4. Knilling
5. Yamaha
6. Jay Haide
7. StringWorks
8. Cremona
9. D Z Strad
10. Shen
11. Stentor

Let’s get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best viola brands. I’ll share their country of origin, a bit of history, an example of a notable viola, and a link to their official website.

Click here to return to My New Microphone’s articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers.

Eastman

Eastman is a company that has branched out into building a plethora of instruments, achieving amazing results at every step of the journey. Nowadays, the combined effort of this family of brands has enhanced the production techniques of each particular instrument and achieved collective success, being present in every corner of the world.

This company takes inspiration from the 17^th-century German tradition and creates some of the finest student-model violas on the market. Eastman instruments can be a great ally on your journey to stardom without breaking the bank.

Notable viola: Andreas Eastman Series+ VA405+

This is not just another viola; it is an electric-acoustic model featuring a fully integrated and preinstalled pickup system. But that’s not all because this viola is made with the finest ebony for the fingerboard, European or Chinese Spruce for the top, and heavily figured maple for the back and ribs. Furthermore, the antiqued spirit varnish gives it the look you need to shine on any stage.

This is a great choice if you are a gigging musician needing a great-sounding, perfectly made, electric-acoustic viola.

Maple Leaf Strings

The lack of consistent, well-made student-grade classical instruments made two music lovers who received orchestral training from an early age take matters into their own hands. They wanted to manufacture the kind of instrument they would have loved to play when they were students.

Thus, their refined ears, musician sensitivity, and passion for music gave birth to one of the best options in the market for beginners and advanced students. Moreover, they have expanded their line to accommodate professional players as well.

If you haven’t already, play a Maple Leaf Strings viola today and feel the difference.

Notable viola: Maple Leaf Strings Master Lucienne Viola

Available in 15” and 16.5”, this is a luxurious instrument ready to take any stage. It is made by Master Lucienne, one of the biggest names in the viola-making world today.

Also, the materials used for its construction are elite-level tonewoods such as the grade AAA seasoned spruce top and highly-figured maple back and sides. These are not only premium woods but have also been dried in-house for 5+ years. In the same vein, the top is completely hand-carved, and the oil varnished is 100% hand-applied.

If you are after an elite instrument that comfortably sits among the best modern violas in the world, you have to try this one before buying.

Gliga

Although Vasile Gliga was elected to Parliament in his home country of Romania in 2008, his career as a master luthier and player was outstanding. Furthermore, his nuances and sensibility as a musician blend seamlessly with his talent as a woodworker. As a result, every Gliga viola not only sounds musical but also plays effortlessly.

If you want to try the best of the European musical instrument tradition, you have to try a Gliga viola before buying anything else.

Notable viola: Gliga C8145V Gama Elite Viola

With a solid Carpathian spruce top and solid Carpathian highly-flamed maple sides and back, this instrument is capable of some serious resonance and projection.

Moreover, the ebony and maple manually inlaid purfling and hand-applied oil make it a beautiful-looking musical. But that’s not all because, besides the top-notch materials, Gliga employs its finest luthiers to hand-make each of these violas to the highest standards in the world.

Finally, each of them comes with a certificate of authenticity, so your instrument will never lose its value.

Knilling

Material sourcing is, perhaps, the main reason why Knilling instruments are sought-after by pro players around the world. Indeed, starting every project from the best-quality materials allows Knilling to achieve uncanny consistency throughout its catalogue.

Furthermore, for those after a special instrument they can’t find in the market, the Custom Shop division turns every player’s dream into a tangible reality that can propel their playing forward.

Whether you want the one-of-a-kind viola you’ve always dreamt of or a factory-made model, you have to try a Knilling viola before buying anything else.

Notable viola: Knilling 3182 Nicolo Gabrieli Concert Model Viola

Germany, Bosnia, and Romania are the sources of the premium tonewoods used in the making of this outstanding instrument. This is not just about picking the wood from the harvested trees, but also the drying and testing are done in-house.

This exhaustive work is combined with the craftsmanship skills of the master luthiers at Knilling, who hand-carve the spruce top, apply the spirit varnish by hand, and finish each instrument to the highest standards.

Finally, every 3182 viola by Knilling is made 100% in the USA and ships with D’Addario Kaplan Amo Synthetic Core strings.

Yamaha

The tradition of Yamaha musical instruments has been in the making for over 100 years, being pushed by revolutionary innovations every step of the way. Moreover, the quintessential craftsmanship techniques blend seamlessly with some of the most audacious models by Yamaha to create a different plateau for instrument-making worldwide.

Yamaha is synonymous with the highest quality standards, flawless performance, and reliable instruments. If that sounds like the kind of instrument you’re after, try a Yamaha before buying anything else.

Notable viola: Yamaha Silent Viola SVV200

Only Yamaha could come up with such an amazing instrument capable of defying the very principles of what we believe is possible. Indeed, the silent viola is a solid instrument that is easy to carry, can withstand the weather, and delivers impeccable sounds and playability. In other words, viola players on the move or who need to do much studio work will find this instrument from Yamaha’s critically acclaimed Silent line a goldmine.

Jay Haide

Being a vintage string instrument collector as well as an accomplished player and a master builder gave Jay Ifshin a competitive advantage when he started manufacturing violas under his brand. Yet, he started making string instruments because he couldn’t find any reliable, consistent, student-level violin or viola to offer students coming to his Berklee shop.

Joining forces with another master builder trained in Guangzhou, China, his shop foreman Haide Lin closed the gap with quality, affordable instruments that soon started being shipped to every corner of the planet.

For those trying to balance price, quality, and performance, Jay Haide is a great option.

Notable viola: Jay Haide 104 Model

This model was designed by Jay Haide for the advanced student and is made of quality, seasoned spruce and maple. It offers playability and sound normally found in instruments with a much bulkier price tag. Also, in terms of looks, the hand-applied shaded golden-orange varnish gives it the looks you would expect from pricier instruments.

If you are after a second viola to protect your main instrument or a great-sounding, stage-ready viola at an affordable price, Jay Haide needs to be on your list.

StringWorks

The story of StringWorks is common to other brands. The company was founded by a musician who played cello for the Los Angeles Opera for over 17 years, played Hollywood productions with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and occasionally with the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

With his trained ear, Todd French couldn’t find any good student-level instruments to sell at his shop. Therefore, he decided to pour all his know-how into a line of instruments that could fulfill that goal. That is how StringWorks became a manufacturer.

Nowadays, and to critical acclaim, the company has expanded the line to include professional-oriented instruments as well.

Notable viola: StringWorks Soloist III

This viola, made with Himalayan maple and spruce, offers the player substantial resonance that allows for a wide-open tone and evenness across the instrument’s register.

Moreover, these hand-picked tonewoods are naturally aged, and then the spirit varnish is hand-applied on top, giving the viola a reddish finish that makes it even more appealing to the eyes. Furthermore, all fittings are made of ebony.

Finally, don’t let the 13” size fool you since this is a state-of-the-art design capable of delivering full viola tones in a smaller format.

Cremona

Cremona pays homage to the city where some of the world’s most sought-after string instruments were made in Italy. This includes the worldwide famous Stradivarius violins. But Cremona’s homage doesn’t end with the name; the company manufactures quality instruments at affordable prices so music students can become proficient players without having to spend a fortune.

The brand’s catalogue covers a vast sonic ground, and it is safe to say that unless you’re looking for an elite-level instrument, you can always find a Cremona option to choose from.

Notable viola: Cremona SVA-500 Premier Artist Viola

The hand-carved spruce top and figured maple sides make this a great-sounding instrument, oozing the kind of tone you would expect from a much pricier unit. In the same vein, the hand-applied golden red and brown varnish and French-made Aubert bridge give it a sound and a look that can make you shine on any stage. Finally, every unit ships with USA-made Prelude strings.

Advanced students will find this viola a great vessel to arrive at instrument proficiency.

D Z Strad

D Z Strad is a relatively young company that has already grown in people’s minds as the go-to option for quality, affordable instruments. Moreover, D Z Strad can offer you a great-sounding viola regardless of the step of your musical journey you are.

This is because the finely curated catalogue of the brand features instruments with impeccable craftsmanship at every price point. That being said, buying a viola in any tier from D Z Strad is a great choice.

Notable viola: D Z Strad Professional Model 1000

This instrument is entirely made by Silver Award-winning luthiers of the Violin Society of America. That alone makes it an outstanding instrument made with obsessive attention to detail by expert luthiers. But that’s not all, since the Model 1000 is also handmade from hand-picked tonewoods.

Finally, the same experts apply the premium oil varnish by hand before putting the instrument through an aging process to give it the looks and feel of a vintage, timeless, classic piece.

Shen

Samuel Shen arrived in Canada full of hopes and dreams. He opened a small shop where he repaired violins and sold second-hand instruments alongside his own creations.

Although he crossed the ocean to triumph in Canada, never in his wildest dreams did he think his reputation would take him so far. Indeed, by 1993 he was able to hire the best luthiers in his homeland to create one of the most important viola brands in the world today.

Try one today and hear the difference; the only warning is that once you pick a Shen viola up, you might not be able to put it down.

Notable viola: Shen 16 1/2″ Viola

Made of fully carved spruce and maple, this viola is a serious instrument aimed at serious players. When you compare performance and price tag, this is a viola that outperforms most of the competition in its price range.

Moreover, the hand-applied oil varnish, ebony fingerboard, chinrest, and tuners also add to the quality of this viola.

If you are an advanced player on a budget or a pro looking for a quality, affordable backup, this viola might be a perfect choice.

Stentor

Michael Chapman Doughty founded a world-class company, but this wasn’t a coincidence; his family’s tradition in musical instrument-making can be traced for over a century to Edward Champan Doughty, who started making elite-level strings in 1895.

That leverage of trying every string model in countless prototypes gave Stentor the know-how needed to create some of the best violas on the market today. Therefore, what you can expect from a brand like Stentor is state-of-the-art craftsmanship, modern manufacturing techniques, and great-sounding instruments.

Notable viola: Stentor Messina Viola

This handcrafted instrument features top-notch European tonewoods, inlaid purfling, ebony fingerboard and pegs, and professional-quality strings. Moreover, this line is not manufactured in the same facility as all the student models, but the hand-picked spruce top is hand-carved in a separate, hands-on custom shop within the Stentor factory. In this same spot, every instrument gets a hand-applied coat of classic Shellac varnish and is individually fitted and set up by experts before shipping.

Honourable Mentions:

• Primavera
• Merano
• Cremona
• D'Luca

The post Top 11 Best Viola Brands On The Market first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

The cajón is a fairly popular Peruvian percussion instrument, mainly used in música criolla and flamenco ensembles but also many other Latin and pop musical genres.

When it comes to choosing the best cajón, there are plenty of options. In this article, we’ll consider the top 9 best cajón brands in the world today.

Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I’ve done my best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):

• Company reputation
• Variety of cajóns
• Performance of the cajóns
• Longevity of the cajóns
• The company/brand must currently be in operation

With all that being said, let’s list out the brands.

The Top 9 Best Cajón Drum Brands Are:

1. Meinl Percussion
2. Latin Percussion
3. A Tempo Percussion
4. Roland
5. Pearl
6. Kopf Percussion
7. Schlagwerk
8. Tycoon Percussion
9. Gon Bops

Let’s get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 9 best cajón brands. I’ll share their country of origin, a bit of history, an example of a notable cajón, and a link to their official website.

Be sure to check out the other top percussion brands at My New Microphone:
• Top 9 Best Tambourine Brands On The Market
• Top 9 Best Conga Drum Brands On The Market
• Top 9 Best Bongo Drum Brands On The Market
• Top 11 Best Timpani Brands On The Market

Click here to return to My New Microphone’s articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers.

Meinl Percussion

Although most people associate Meinl with some of the best cymbals in the world, the company does much more than that. Indeed, they have been fully dedicated to producing all things percussion for the past 70 years. Moreover, much of that time was spent serving musicians at elite-level stages around the world.

Despite Ronald Meinl, the company’s main driving force, passing away in 2007, Meinl has steadily extended its catalogue with amazing products. In other words, the legacy of its maker lives on in every Meinl cajón, cymbal, drumstick, or any other percussion instrument leaving the factory.

Meinl excels in every category and is one of the biggest names in percussion today. Give them a try before buying anything else.

Notable cajón: Meinl Pickup Vertical Series Subwoofer Cajón

This is the perfect cajón for those moments when you need to fill the room with percussive sounds. How so? Well, to the precise intonation of this Baltic birch cajón, Meinl has added a vertical subwoofer and a piezo pickup so you can create massive sounds just with your hands. Moreover, you have handy volume and tone control to make on-the-fly modifications on the outside.

Nevertheless, you can play it like a normal cajón with the dual internal fixed snare wires when you don't need it.

Latin Percussion

Latin Percussion is also known by most people as simply LP and is a company that has been making some of the best percussion instruments for the most demanding stages around the world for the past decades. Moreover, in 2001, Martin Cohen received a Special Recognition Award from the International Latin Music Hall of Fame because of his contributions to Latin music.

LP is today, after being purchased by Kaman Music (2002) and Fender (2008), owned by DW. This series of purchases and sales enhanced the manufacturing process of LP instruments. Thus, if you are after a cajón that sounds amazing and is made to last, you have to check LP before buying anything else.

Notable cajón: Latin Percussion LP1449 Carbon Fiber Cajón

Made of space-grade carbon fibre, this is another bold attempt by LP to dare the limits of the collective imagination. This rich-sounding cajón offers great projection, focused tone, and snap while being among the most durable in the market.

This combination of great tones and durability can be explained by the combination of a Baltic birch soundboard and a carbon-fibre body. Furthermore, the phosphor bronze strings make it a favourite for flamenco players, too.

If you’re looking for the evolution in cajón, this LP model is a must-try before you buy.

A Tempo Percussion

Alex Castaneda is an economist, a master luthier for cajón, and the third generation of woodworkers in the Castaneda family. But that’s not all, because when he started making Peruvian cajóns in 1997, he got training from the best cajón builder in Peru: Eusebio Sirio “Pititi”.

Nowadays, after successfully making and selling over 26,000 percussion instruments worldwide, A Tempo Percussion is one of the most important names for Peruvian cajón in the world. Therefore, if a Peruvian cajón is what you’re after, you can’t overlook A Tempo Percussion.

Notable cajón: A Tempo Tocador Cajón

Handmade in Peru, this great-looking cajón sounds just as good as it looks. Moreover, the bright sound this cajón is capable of is the result of the perfect blend of Spanish cedar and Lupuna plywood. Furthermore, the snare wires' traditional “W” disposition gives it the perfect flamenco touch. Finally, it comes with a dedicated gig bag to take its sound wherever you go.

A Tempo is a cajón specialist that manufactures next-level instruments for the most demanding musicians. If that is the quality level you’re after, you have to give it a try.

Roland

Roland is not a company that’s usually related to percussion instruments in the minds of most musicians, but it is responsible for the sounds that shaped a generation. For example, the TR-808 and V-Drums by Roland are among the best-sounding non-acoustic percussion instruments in the world.

Because Roland is an expert in creating hybrid, electroacoustic, and electronic versions of the most sought-after percussive instruments, buying your cajón from them is a one-way ticket to the future. Furthermore, it is backed by 50+ years of successful innovation.

If you want impeccable craftsmanship, bold designs, and great sounds, Roland is a brand you need to check out.

Notable cajón: Roland ELCajón EC-10

What if you could blend seamlessly the modern sounds of a TR-808, djembe, backbeats, or whatever instrument you dial in with quintessential cajón sounds? Well, that was the challenge Roland faced when creating this cajón model.

Needless to say, it was a challenge Roland succeeded at. Moreover, with a very simple user interface located on top of your instrument, you can get different sounds on the spot with the push of a button.

Finally, to enjoy the same freedom you would with a normal cajón, this unit comes equipped with a speaker and can work on batteries.

Roland created the cajón for the 21^st century; you should try it before buying anything else.

Pearl

Perhaps the best way to explain why Pearl grew so much is to speak about the need for drum kits that the Rock n' Roll revolution demanded from manufacturers in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Katsumi, at the time, was making microphone stands, and it was only after the huge acclaim the first “Stencil series” drums got around the world that the legend was born, and he started making drums for a living.

Nowadays, after being on the biggest stages in the world, Pearl holds a reputation for being one of the big 3 percussion brands in the world (along with Tama and Mapex). The same commitment to excellence that propelled the company decades ago is present in every cajón leaving the factory today.

Notable cajón: Pearl Boom Box Cajón

This fibreglass cajón is capable of unheard-of low-end frequencies. Indeed, this is a very powerful-sounding instrument that blends seamlessly Asian hardwood for the faceplate with three sets of fixed snares and fibreglass for the body.

Moreover, the low end can be heard through the built-in bass port on the rear side, filling the room with the low end you need to push an ensemble forward. Finally, it is also available in luxurious sparkle red so you can shine on every stage.

If you often play with other people, this cajón can be the instrument you need to get that extra oomph and make people dance.

Kopf Percussion

Steve handcrafts each cajón for his brand in a 5-acre property that has been in his family for four generations. Moreover, he creates instruments that can satisfy the needs of modern players utilizing old, traditional methods he learned in-house by watching woodworkers of the Head family create.

Nowadays, Kopf Percussion is one of those strange cases where the entire production process is made in-house. Every product is 100% handmade on a family property with traditional methods and top-notch materials.

If you want to hear the difference “handmade” does to a cajón, you have to try a Kopf one today.

Notable cajón: Kopf S-Series Doubleshot Snare Cajón

The first thing to say about all S-Series cajón models by Kopf is that the shell is not made of plywood but instead of solid poplar. This feature enhances the tonewood's overall resonance, creating musical, focused sounds with every touch. Furthermore, being 3/4”, the shell is a tad thicker than what you’ll find in most cajón models, adding to the instrument's overall sound.

Also, the Baltic birch dual-playing surfaces offer enough tones to keep the party going regardless of the style you play. Finally, and perhaps a unique feature of this cajón model is the upholstered seat on top of it to play comfortably night after night.

This cajón is perfect for players who gig very often because it plays effortlessly and is very comfortable to sit on.

Schlagwerk

The first time Gerhard Priel and co-worker Bengt Schumacher came across a half-dead cajón a friend had brought from Brazil, their life was forever changed. Indeed, they worked on it until it was back in shape but didn’t stop there; they took ideas from it to start making their own prototypes.

Nowadays, the same passion that took them to the first prototypes fuels every decision the company makes, and every cajón bears the “Made in Germany” label proudly. Also, every physical instrument is tested by Martin, the drummer in charge of quality assurance, before it leaves the factory.

Schlagwerk is the best of German precision with the right amount of passion and a unique sound.

Notable cajón: Schlagwerk Cajón Fineline Comfort

The slightly larger contoured body offers the player fatigue-free playing for hours. Also, the wood used for the playing surface is real, fine wood hand-selected and hand-shaped in-house.

Besides looking great on the outside, it also features Velcro dampening elements and dual tension bars for tension adjustment with an integrated tuning key. Finally, the European beech body offers defined tones to the natural resonance frequencies.

Tycoon Percussion

Stephen Yu was pursuing a lucrative career in commodities trading when he realized he wanted to chase his lifelong dream of founding his musical instrument company. At first, he manufactured OEM equipment for other brands, but soon after, he came up with the name Tycoon and shaped his dream.

Nowadays, Stephen’s brand serves the entire world with affordable, high-quality percussion instruments, and his dream continues to grow beyond his expectations. Play a Tycoon Percussion cajón today; they might surprise you.

Notable cajón: Tycoon Percussion Legacy Series Ziricote Cajón

Made of mesmerizing, unique-looking ziricote wood, a tree that grows mostly in Central America, this is a one-of-a-kind instrument for demanding players.

But that’s not all. The 7-ply body delivers improved tonal qualities, while the snare wires can be adjusted using an (included) Allen wrench. Finally, the carrying bag and stand can be acquired separately to take better care of your investment.

Gon Bops

Mariano was a professional trumpet player and the go-to repairman for bongos and congas of the most prominent players in Los Angeles before starting his own brand. Soon after manufacturing the first units, he provided percussive musical instruments for the biggest stages in the world, including the worldwide famous Woodstock ’69 concert.

Nowadays, Gon Bops is the favourite brand of Latin legends like Alex Acuna, among many others. Moreover, Gon Bops cajón products are some of the most innovative and best-sounding in the world. Check one out before buying anything else.

Notable cajón: Gon Bops Alex Acuna Special Edition Cajón

Besides being one of the best-looking cajóns in the market, it is also one of the best-sounding ones. This is because the low end in this cajón is deep and resonates with rich, awe-inspiring harmonics.

Moreover, playing to the sides engages the diagonally set guitar string wires, creating minimalistic sounds. Finally, this cajón is completely handmade and tested thoroughly in Peru and ships, including a free gig bag to take everywhere.

A legend like Alex Acuna wouldn’t set for anything less than excellence; neither should you.

The post Top 9 Best Cajón Brands On The Market first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

Accordions are fascinating box-shaped free-reed aerophone musical instruments. These instruments are used around the world in folk and pop music genres.

When choosing the best accordion, there are plenty of options for beginner, intermediate and professional accordionists. In this article, we’ll consider the top 11 best accordion brands in the world today.

Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I’ve done my best to list these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):

• Company reputation
• Variety of accordions
• Performance of the accordions
• Longevity of the accordions
• Accessibility of the accordions (how easy they are to find/buy)
• The company/brand must currently be in operation

With all that being said, let’s list out the brands.

The Top 11 Best Accordion Brands Are:

1. Hohner
2. Borsini
3. Roland
4. Weltmeister
5. Pigini
6. Rossetti
7. Brandoni
8. Paolo Soprani
9. Bugari
10. Victoria
11. Petosa

Let’s get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best accordion brands for music and audio production. I’ll share their country of origin, a bit of history, a notable accordion example, and a link to their official website.

Related My New Microphone articles:
• Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn How To Play Accordion
• Best Microphones For Miking Accordion

Click here to return to My New Microphone’s articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers.

Hohner

Matthias was originally a clockmaker. This is not a minor detail by any means; it is the competitive advantage that took him to build the world’s largest harmonica factory during his lifetime. Moreover, after conquering the market on both sides of the ocean, Hohner is still considered a synonym for affordability, amazing sounds, and uncanny durability today.

As a result, you can spot Hohner accordions and harmonicas on the biggest stages in the world being played by legends. If you want an accordion made with the precision of a clock, oozing tone, and playability, Hohner is a must-try before you buy.

Notable accordion: Hohner Bravo III 120

This student-oriented accordion offers all the specs of higher-end models and features the Hohner sound in an affordable and durable combo. Moreover, the design includes 120 standard basses, which means you can play any style of your choice, including jazz, polka, rock, or classic.

This makes it even more suitable for beginners because you don’t have to narrow the scope of your lessons to the capabilities of your instrument. Finally, it comes with a dedicated gig bag and straps so you can take it everywhere with you and protect it every time it leaves your house.

Borsini

The Borsini family has been making some of the best accordions in the world for over a century. This has given the company leverage and a level of know-how that few other brands can speak of.

Moreover, the entire manufacturing process is taken care of in-house, including the internal and external structure of each accordion. In this vein, the company’s experts handcraft every unit with the same tools their ancestors did.

Every Borsini accordion invites the player to take a trip to the past with every note. Handmade in Italy with passion, Borsini accordions can take your playing to a higher plateau sound-wise.

Notable accordion: Borsini Superstar 2000 V RS

The Borsini Superstar 2000 V RS is what the company calls an “Opera d’arte”, which means “work of art”. Indeed, this beautiful piano accordion is entirely handmade to the highest international standards and oozes tone across the entire register. Moreover, because of its 120 basses, there’s nothing you can’t play on it with outstanding results.

Finished in glossy black with silver ornaments, this Borsini accordion plays and sounds just as good as it looks.

Roland

Roland represents the best of Japanese technology applied to musical instruments. Therefore, the company builds on classical designs to create hybrid, electronic, or electroacoustic versions of them. They have done so with pianos, cajon, drums, keyboards, and many other instruments, achieving outstanding results every time.

The leverage of being a sound innovator transformed the word Roland into a synonym for cutting-edge technology, reliability, performance, and great sounds. If you want the most advanced accordion on the market, you have to try Roland.

Notable accordion: Roland FR-8X

This is Roland’s flagship keyboard V-Accordion, and is the result of having heard what pro accordionists look for in their instruments. For example, the dynamics of the bellows mimic exactly the behaviour of acoustic accordions, but you can trigger a plethora of accordion, percussion, and world-class orchestra sounds.

Moreover, you can save your custom creations in one of the 1,400 user-programmable memories. Finally, the four dedicated multi-effect engines and the easy-to-use, chin-operated user interface make it a dynamic and powerful instrument.

Weltmeister

The tradition behind Weltmeister can be traced back to the first accordions that entered Germany in 1852. The presence of that instrument changed the landscape of musical instrument production in the country, and many companies were formed to satisfy the demand for good accordions in the region.

Between 1948 and 1992, all the factories spawned during that period were joined under the same government administration, sharing best practices and secrets while searching for a way to build the best accordion ever built.

Weltmeister is one of the heir brands of that fruitful exchange. In other words, every instrument leaving the factory bears over 150 years of history in every note.

Notable accordion: Weltmeister Saphir

Forty-one keys, 11 tones, and 120 basses make this a great instrument to play any music style because it covers a vast sonic ground.

Moreover, it is the ideal instrument for those in need of a soloist-friendly accordion not only because this instrument can shine visually on the stage but also because its playability is sky-high, and so is its definition. Finally, it comes fully equipped with a hard case and straps to make carrying and playing live a breeze.

Pigini

The Pigini experience is more than just the pleasure of playing one of the best-made accordions on the planet; it is the pinnacle of the tradition of one of Italy’s most prestigious music regions. Indeed, every accordion leaves the factory bears the DNA of generations contributing to taking the instrument to the next level.

But that’s not all, since every Pigini accordion is the result of restless innovation over the quintessential design by passionate experts. For example, the “Convertor Series” represents the evolution of accordions coming from Italy.

If you haven’t already, check one out today and hear the difference.

Notable accordion: Pigini Convertor 55/P 45 De Luxe

The Convertor models feature extensions from 16 to 58 left notes and 20 to 64 right notes. This means it is the most complete free basses accordion range on the market.

Moreover, the De Luxe version is a visually attractive, superior performance accordion that is ready to take over any stage, regardless of the music you love playing. Finally, the glossy black finish with the handmade ornaments gives it a look to match the sound.

Rossetti

Rossetti father and son decided to leave their prosperous careers in the aerospace industry to pursue the lifelong dream of making accordions. Moreover, both are accomplished musicians who play several instruments that can add the sensitivity only players have with their instruments to their technical engineering knowledge.

Rossetti is the missing link between modern construction techniques and classic tones.

Notable accordion: Rossetti 3460

Sixty bass buttons divided into 5 rows, a bellow with 18 folds for bigger sound, and premium Italian decoration make this a great-looking, great-sounding, versatile accordion ready to take any stage.

Moreover, the pearlescent finish available in many colours gives it the quintessential accordion look, while the 20 white and 14 black keys make it perfect for any musical style. Finally, it comes equipped with a case and straps for easy carrying and onstage use.

Brandoni

Every Brandoni accordion is a masterpiece handmade to the last bolt. This is because the Brandoni family keeps alive the tradition that started it all, one instrument at a time. Moreover, they proudly tell customers that no single piece of industrial equipment is used in the making of any of their accordions.

As a result, Brandoni is a brand that offers the quintessential Italian accordion tones in masterpieces that can endure the passing of time and the hardships of a musician’s life. Besides, every Brandoni proudly bears the “Made in Italy” label.

Notable accordion: Brandoni 149C Infinity

The perfect mix of jet black and gold with a pearlescent keyboard and a 100% handmade mechanism makes this accordion a masterpiece in terms of sounds and looks. Moreover, the 120 basses allow the player to use it in any music style they choose.

Finally, the addition of a dedicated strap and case makes it easy to carry it safely to every gig and play live comfortably.

If you’re after the best accordion money can buy, Brandoni can be a good candidate for the title.

Paolo Soprani

An Austrian pilgrim lost on his way back from the Loreto Sanctuary passed by the Soprani house to get refreshed.

He sat by the fireplace and started playing with his extensible box, which surprised young Paolo. Such was his interest that he started studying the strange piece until he found a way to create one.

By 1872, he had a big manufacturing facility in the centre of Castelfidardo and was exporting his creations to all the provinces in Italy. Although he’s gone, the spirit of his endless curiosity and quest for excellence is still present in every accordion bearing his name.

If you are after the quintessential Italian accordion tone and playability, this brand needs to be on your list.

Notable accordion: Paolo Soprani Super Paolo 41/120 (2+2)

The man is gone, but this is his family’s homage to his relentless spirit and passion. Indeed, this keyboard accordion with 120 basses is available in black or white and represents the pinnacle of Paolo Soprani’s craftsmanship and expertise.

Moreover, this is a great instrument to play every kind of music since it covers a vast sonic territory. Finally, it comes equipped with a hard case, so you can use it on every stage while keeping its glory in mint condition.

Bugari

Although Bugari started in 1961, Armando inherited his father’s business and a long legacy of accordion makers in Italy’s accordion epicentre, Castelfidardo.

Through hard work and commitment to excellence, Bugari reached a privileged place in the market as synonymous with craftsmanship and sound quality.

Nowadays, and since 2012, they operate from a green plant mostly powered by solar power, helping the environment and musicians at the same time. If you’re after “that” Italian accordion sound, Bugari needs to be on your list as well.

Notable accordion: Bugari Xoana 288

With 41 notes, 120 basses, and a visually striking body, this is a great example of the Castelfidardo legacy and its reputation for being the epicentre of the Italian accordion tradition.

Moreover, the black keyboard with orange sharps and body details creates a unique combo that looks as good as it sounds. Finally, with 7 registers on the left hand and 13 on the right hand, there’s nothing you can’t play with this outstanding instrument.

Victoria

The foundational idea behind Victoria, or “La Victoria” as it started, was to create next-level accordions. Indeed, neither Dario nor Adriano tried to make the same instruments everybody else in Castelfidardo was making. Hence, the company's name represents the critical acclaim with which their first creations were received.

Nowadays, the same legendary sound is ensured in every accordion leaving the factory. Moreover, the company has been shipping the quintessential Italian accordion sound to every corner of the planet for decades.

The name of the company keeps growing as a synonym for impeccable craftsmanship and amazing sound, one Victory at a time.

Notable accordion: Victoria Príncipe Poeta (link to check the price at Accordion Lounge)

Each accordion in this line is a unique piece that can’t be repeated because it is made of specific tonewoods that are hand-picked to work together in a particular way.

Therefore, the tone of each piece changes drastically, creating a connection between the player and the instrument that can only grow with time.

Besides, the naturally-stationed wood for over 7 years is then handmade into an accordion. In other words, every master luthier at the Victoria facility will also leave his mark on the instrument, taking the accordion's uniqueness to the next level.

Petosa

Carlo Petosa emigrated from Italy to the USA at age 16 and shortly after began an apprenticeship to start making Italian-style accordions at the Guerrini Accordion Factory. With time, he was able to open his shop and make handmade accordions, following what he had learned in his hometown.

His great-grandson currently runs the company, utilizing the same centuries-old tradition his ancestors did. This dedication to tradition has maintained Petosa's reputation as the go-to option for pro players in the USA, one accordion at a time.

Notable accordion: Petosa AM-1000 Leggera MF

This is the most lightweight accordion offered by Petosa, oozing all the tone and playability of its heavier siblings. Moreover, the solid mahogany double tone chamber (also known as Cassotto) is handmade and offers uncanny resonance to every note. Likewise, the brilliance this instrument is capable of is the result of impeccable craftsmanship but also hand-picked, top-notch materials.

If you are a gigging musician who will spend hours with the instrument hanging from your back, this is a great choice to try before buying.

Honourable Mentions:

• Sofiamari
• Excalibur
• D’Luca
• Beltuna
• Ottavianelli
• Scandalli
• Giustozzi
• Castagnari
• Ballone Burini
• Titano
• Pancordion
• Excelsior
• Italo-American
• Sonola
• Rizatti
• Bompezzo
• Galanti Musette
• Marinucci
• Fantini
• Dallape
• Supermaestro
• Cavagnolo
• Zero Sette
• Bell
• Mastercraft
• Dallape
• Fratelii Crosio
• Cooperativa

The post Top 11 Best Accordion Brands On The Market first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

The marimba is a popular tuned percussion instrument commonly used in solo performances, orchestras, marching bands, jazz bands and more.

Being such a beloved and accepted instrument, there are now a variety of marimba makers and brands to choose from. With such a wide variety of marimbas on the market, knowing the top brands is useful.

Of course, the brand is far from the most important aspect of an instrument, though it's still worth considering for general knowledge and judgment. In this article, I'll share my take on the top marimba brands.

Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I've done my best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):

• Company reputation
• Performance of the marimbas
• Longevity of the marimbas
• Variety of marimbas available
• Accessibility of the marimbas (how easy they are to find/buy)
• The company must currently be in operation

With all that being said, let's list out the brands.

The Top 11 Best Marimba Brands Are:

1. Majestic Percussion
2. Adams
3. Yamaha
4. Musser
5. Demorrow Marimbas
6. Marimba One
7. Malletech
8. Bergerault
9. Korogi
10. Coe Percussion
11. Trixon

Let's get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best marimba brands. I'll share their country of origin, a bit of history, an example of a notable marimba, and a link to their official website.

Related My New Microphone article:
• Best Microphones For Miking Marimba

Click here to return to My New Microphone's articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers.

Majestic Percussion

By the time the Rock N' Roll revolution hit Europe in the 1960s, Van der Glas was already the go-to option for percussion instruments in the continent. Thus, they were among the top providers of much-needed drum kits at the time.

In 2003, it captured the attention of musical instrument giants KHS. After the acquisition, the status of Majestic Percussion grew by nurturing its best practices with world-class advice from experts.

Marimbas made by Majestic are among the best in the world; if you haven't already, give them a try.

Notable marimba: Majestic Percussion M850HB

This full-fled, 5-octave marimba is the next step for marimba design in the world. Indeed, the modular frame featuring a central truss system and the Uni-Lift single-side height adjustment makes this a very modern instrument that, at the same time, evokes the quintessential timeless marimba sounds.

Also, the floating, optimized geometry, pure rosewood bars produce the perfect blend of rumbling lows and detailed highs. The evolution of marimbas has a name: Majestic Percussion. If you haven't already, give it a try before you buy.

Adams

André Adams was an engineer who spent as many hours working as he did with his hobby: making percussion instruments. Thus, he started in the business like many others do, fixing instruments for fun and as a research process to understand what makes a great marimba.

With time, dedication, passion, and a lot of hard work, André was able to dedicate 100% of his effort to making the best instruments he possibly could. Nowadays, Adams has grown to become one of Europe's best-regarded brands for percussive instruments.

If you are after an instrument built with the level of detail only passion can give, you have to try an Adams marimba before buying anything else.

Notable marimba: Adams Alpha Series Marimba

The Alpha Series by Adams is the pinnacle of years of hard work and innovation. Indeed, this 5-octave beauty features a keyboard made with precious Honduras Rosewood tuned to A=442.

Speaking of which, the Alpha tuning system is the most revolutionary addition to a marimba in the past decades. It can allow the player to get spot-on sounds regardless of the weather conditions, the size of the venue, or the playing style.

Finally, this engineering wonder comes in an assortment of colours and styles to choose from. For those after excellence, this is the perfect instrument to buy.

Yamaha

Yamaha has a strong presence in concert halls and stages around the world. Indeed, the elite-level pianos, brass, percussion, and mallet instruments are among the best in the world. Every Yamaha instrument results from over 100 years of non-stop innovation and a strong commitment to excellence.

If that sounds like the kind of instrument you're after, trying a Yamaha before buying is a must.

Notable marimba: Yamaha YM-6100

Keiko Abe is not only an accomplished marimba player; he is a legend. Thus, when such a player joins forces with one of the most revered brands in the world, the results are nothing short of magical. That is exactly the word to describe the top-of-the-line marimba by Yamaha.

To begin with, Yamaha redesigned the tuning system exclusively to please Keiko's ears; therefore, you'll play in tune in every venue.

Also, the rosewood bars produce the quintessential marimba sound. Finally, the plethora of pitch control and height adjustment pieces makes it easy to achieve exactly the sound you want every time you play it.

Musser

Besides being a creative instrument maker, Clair Omar Musser was also an accomplished musician and bandleader. The experience he gathered first-hand by playing countless marimbas and hearing them as a bandleader proved critical to designing an instrument that can outdo all competition.

With this clear goal in mind, Musser and Ludwig (two restless innovators) joined forces under the motto: “Total Percussion”. As a result, the marimbas from Musser-Ludwig are among the best in the world. If you haven't already, try one today; they will surprise you.

Notable marimba: Musser M500 Concert Grand Soloist

The Musser M500 is the most technically advanced marimba the company has ever made. This 5-octave soloist-oriented marimba features hand-tuned Honduras rosewood bars that provide the quintessential marimba tone with a dark and rich tone.

Moreover, the turntable aluminum resonators allow players to tune the instrument to adapt to temperature, acoustics, and humidity. Finally, the entire instrument can be disassembled for easy transportation.

If your budget allows it, you have to try one of these before buying anything else.

Demorrow Marimbas

Doug's history with marimbas goes back to his college years. He was a percussion student at Henderson University, working as a woodworker to pay for his education. Although his main focus was to become an outstanding player, he honed his skills, achieving a level of detail in his creations he never thought possible.

The leverage from the academic side and the experience working with wood make DeMorrow marimbas some of the best in the market right now. Furthermore, they are not only professional-grade instruments, but they look outstanding, too.

Trying a DeMorrow marimba is an absolute must if you aim at excellence.

Notable marimba: DeMorrow M5 Concert Marimba

DeMorrow's take on a concert marimba is one of the finest instruments on this list. The hand-picked, graded Honduras rosewood bars give the sound an extra touch of depth you'll recognize instantly.

Adding to that, the solid oak bar rails and head plates, along with the brass resonators, make this a loud and proud instrument while retaining the ethereal quality of the mallet action. Finally, the entire structure is 100% rattle-free.

Marimba One

Ron Samuels was a Psychology student at Humboldt State University when he took his first marimba lessons. Soon after, he learned they were out of his budget; therefore, he dropped out of college to pursue a career as a woodworker and build his own marimbas.

The commitment he made when he was 25 years old is still holding strong, and Ron Samuels has become one of the strongest names in the marimba world today. Moreover, all Marimba One instruments are proudly designed and built in sunny California.

Give them a try before you buy; you'll recognize the passion behind every note.

Notable marimba: Marimba One Izzy

The Izzy is the company's flagship instrument. Indeed, this height-adjustable marimba is so light and yet so sturdy that it can easily be transported while remaining durable and reliable.

Furthermore, the gas springs in the end frames make height adjustment completely effortless. Finally, the option of black aluminum and wood or all-wood rails makes it a flexible, adaptable, and great-sounding instrument.

Try a Marimba One today; they are among the best in the market.

Malletech

Leigh Howard Stevens is one of the most important names in the marimba world; firstly, as an accomplished player. Following his world-class reputation as a player came the learning years as a consultant for Musser-Ludwig, improving their tuning system. Finally, as an educator with one of the most broadly used marimba learning books in the market.

This long journey in the marimba world makes Leigh Howard Stevens a legend and makes Malletech one of the best sounding, best made, most innovative marimbas in the world. Try one today if you haven't already; you'll feel the difference instantly.

Notable marimba: Malletech MJB Black

The MJB is Malletech's flagship model, making it one of the best marimbas in the world. This particular iteration of their famous design comes in a sleek black finish that is perfect for stages and settings that require stealth appearances by the mallet player.

In other words, if you want the music to make all the talking while playing effortlessly over the hand-picked Honduran rosewood bars and the near-silent frame, you can't overlook the Malletech MJB Black.

It took years for Leigh Howard Stevens to make this impeccable design; it will take you seconds to realize it is among the best you've ever played.

Bergerault

To say that Bergerault is the lifetime achievement of a natural-born innovator is to fall short of the description. Indeed, Albert Bergerault was, at his time, the only xylophone maker in France. This passion for mallet instruments led him to break all the moulds is the same passion that fuels every design and construction decision made by the company.

If you want a marimba made with passion, know-how, and excellence, trying a Bergerault model before buying is a must.

Notable marimba: Bergerault Signature Solo Marimba

This five-octave instrument's keyboard is made of AAA-quality Honduran rosewood, sitting on top of an all-mahogany resonator. This combination of tonewoods gives this marimba a dark, rich, and full tone that is just as musical as it is ethereal.

Also, the hydropneumatic cylinders make height adjustment a breeze. Finally, every unit ships out with a protective cover to ensure long years of flawless playing.

Korogi

Korogi is a company based on a simple concept: superior timber can create a superior tone. This is not just a statement for the company; it results from more than half a century of making top-notch instruments.

Indeed, the drying, aging, and hand-picking of the rosewood for the keyboard is done in-house. This allows the company to have complete control over humidity, density, and resonance.

As a result, every Korogi marimba made with that level of detail is ready to take over any stage.

Notable marimba: Korogi Perfection Marimba PF3000CC

With a keyboard entirely made of AAA extra-high grade Honduras rosewood bars, this marimba is the flagship model of Korogi and a rare case of “it looks as good as it sounds”. Indeed, the hardwood frame is not only virtually noiseless but also adds warmth and depth to the sound while remaining sturdy and dependable.

Furthermore, the fully-insulated bar support posts help achieve maximum sustain, eliminating wood-to-metal contact while you're playing.

The flagship model by Korogi is one of the best instruments you'll play in the mallet percussion field.

Coe Percussion

Matt Coe holds a Bachelor's degree in music education, which means he has an insight into the nuances of the instrument that allow a different level of precision and an uncanny approach.

Moreover, as a long-standing member of the Percussive Arts Society and the NAPBIRT (National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians), Coe Percussion has worked on more marimbas than most other brands on the list.

That being said, what sets Coe Percussion apart from all competition is that all the building process happens in-house, working closely with the design department. As a result, every marimba coming from Coe Percussion is a team effort ensuring top-notch quality standards.

Furthermore, Matt Coe finishes and checks every instrument himself before it can get to your hands.

Notable marimba: Coe Percussion Five Octave Concert Marimba

Although every Coe Percussion instrument is made to the exact needs of its lucky owner, all the options offered can help you fine-tune the original design offered by the company to make it closer to your dream instrument.

Indeed, you can choose metal or solid maple frames for the Honduras rosewood hand-finished keyboard. Also, as a stock part of the model, resonators are made of mirror-like polished brass.

Finally, the buyer can choose the diameter of the resonator, the height of the instrument, and the colours of the frame.

This five-octave concert marimba is a great choice if you are after a tailor-made instrument with the finest materials and superior craftsmanship.

Trixon

Trixon drums became popular among jazz players in the USA during the fifties jazz, bebop, and rock and roll revolution that shook the world. Indeed, the company gained a reputation for being among the top innovators of its time with designs that defied the very basics of the drum kit.

Nowadays, the same innovational, bold spirit has taken the company to broaden the spectrum of its production line and include premium-quality concert percussion instruments, among which marimbas are the absolute highlight.

More than half a century backs up every Trixon design; if you haven't already, it's high time you give them a chance.

Notable marimba: Trixon Karl-Heinz Weimer Series Concert Marimba

The often revered sustain, resonance, and dark, sweet tone of this 5-octave marimba results from the highest-grade rosewood bars going through a natural aging process sitting over a butcher block frame and full-size aluminum pipe resonators.

Moreover, the metal stand is not only triple-reinforced but also fully adjustable. Finally, the entire structure is built over 4″ rubber casters with a brake.

If you are after state-of-the-art construction, flawless craftsmanship, superior sound, and sturdiness, this is a must-try before you buy.

The post Top 11 Best Marimba Brands On The Market first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.

The double bass (often referred to as “upright bass,” “standup bass,” or simply as “bass”) is the largest and lowest-pitched practical string instrument in the modern orchestra. The instrument is commonplace in orchestras, chamber music groups such as string quartets and solo performances. Bass is also popular in many other musical genres, including, but not limited to, jazz, blues, rock, bluegrass, country, tango and folk.

Because the double bass is such a popular instrument, it makes perfect sense that there are plenty of options to choose from on the market. With such a wide variety of basses, knowing the top brands is useful.

Of course, the brand is far from the most important aspect of an instrument, though it's still worth considering for general knowledge and judgment. In this article, I'll share my take on the top double bass brands.

Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, I've done my best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):

• Company reputation
• Performance of the basses
• Longevity of the basses
• Variety of basses available
• Accessibility of the basses (how easy they are to find/buy)
• The company must currently be in operation

With all that being said, let's list out the brands.

The Top 11 Best Double/Upright Bass Brands Are:

• Upton Bass
• Maple Leaf Strings
• Eastman
• Shen
• Gewa Music
• Yamaha
• Strobel
• Knilling
• Merano
• Antonio Strad
• Cremona

Let's get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best double/upright bass brands. I'll share their country of origin, a bit of history, an example of a notable bass, and a link to their official website.

Related My New Microphone articles:
• Top 11 Best Online Resources To Learn Double/Upright Bass
• Best Microphones For Miking Double/Upright Bass

Click here to return to My New Microphone's articles on musical equipment brands/manufacturers.

Upton Bass

Gary Upton started his relationship with the double bass as an exceptional player. From that status, he quickly moved to hot-rodding double basses for fellow players.

The next step was importing the shells to overhaul them. Finally, in 2006, the time came for the company to make the big leap of selecting the tonewoods and building double basses from scratch in-house in the USA.

The knowledge gathered over the critical aspects of double basses from playing and hot rodding makes every Upton Bass a familiar instrument, even if it is brand new. Indeed, Gary knows so well what players need that all Upton double basses feel effortless to play.

Notable bass: Upton Double Bass Concord Model

Abraham Prescott is the Antonio Stradivarius of the double basses. Gary had the privilege of working as a repairman on several originals. Thus, he decided to build his own line of Prescott double bass, following the tradition of the 19^th-century master.

This dark-sounding, punchy double bass can deliver organ tube-like lows when played with a bow. Moreover, the premium spruce top and all-maple construction add the bright top to a huge bottom end. This instrument is all you need to sound amazing in any context.

Maple Leaf Strings

Maple Leaf Strings is a company created by a duo of music lovers who received orchestral training from a very early age. What sparked the need to create the company was the lack of consistent student-grade classical instruments for students.

Thus, they took their experience and knowledge and put it to work to create the instrument they would have liked to play when they were growing up. As a result, every Maple Leaf Strings double bass leaving the factory is an affordable, great-sounding, reliable, and consistent instrument to hone your craft with.

Notable bass: Maple Leaf Strings Model 130

This instrument represents the highest-grade student-level double bass made by Maple Leaf Strings and can easily become the only bass you'll play until graduation.

Indeed, the hand-carved seasoned spruce top and hand-picked maple back, along with the ebony fingerboard, make it a professional instrument. Moreover, the factory-included D'addario Kaplan strings, graphite composite bow, and padded bag make it the perfect companion for studying and gigging.

If you want a professional instrument without the bulky price tag, this is a must-try before you buy.

Eastman

It only took Eastman three decades to become the go-to option for double bass players of any skill level. Indeed, borrowing from the tradition of 17^th-century German luthiers, Eastman manufactures reliable, great-sounding instruments for the discerning professional as well as the student and the beginner.

Perhaps the company's biggest asset is the thorough attention to detail and quality assurance process. In other words, every time you choose Eastman, you're buying an instrument that sounds great, is trustworthy, and will last for a lifetime without breaking the bank.

Notable bass: Eastman Rudoulf Doetsch VB701

This double bass belongs to Eastman's Professional Bass category and is made of hand-picked, naturally-aged European tonewoods. Indeed, the resonant spruce top and highly-figured maple for the sides and back, along with the hand-applied Antiqued Spirit Varnish, make this a great-sounding, superb-looking instrument.

Finally, the ebony fingerboard and tailpiece, along with the French-style brass tuning machines, round up an amazing instrument that is ready to take your playing to the next level.

Shen

The beginnings for Samuel Shen were full of high hopes and thin air. Indeed, upon opening his small shop in Windsor, Canada, his reputation as a master builder, repairman, and knowledgeable string instrument guru did nothing but grow.

By 1993, he recruited the best in the craft from his homeland to build the best classical string instruments in the world. As a result, every handmade Shen double bass is ready to conquer every stage and recording session.

A warning should accompany every Shen instrument: it is very difficult to put it down once you pick it up.

Notable bass: Shen Rogeri 3/4

Although the huge body of the Shen Rogeri moves a lot of air, delivering punchy lows with a rich, deep, complex tone, this instrument achieves something sought-after by every company: it sounds even in every frequency.

This quality of the Rogeri might respond to the hand-picked spruce top and maple back and sides. Moreover, the rich harmonics in the higher frequencies come from the ebony fingerboard and tailpiece.

If this double bass fits your budget, you have to give it a try.

Gewa Music

Gewa Music is a rare example of a brand that mutated to stay afloat during Europe's most turbulent times and yet feels and sounds like an old instrument built in an early 20^th-century facility. Indeed, the heritage and leverage that almost a hundred years of hard work and innovation are present in every note coming from a Gewa Music instrument.

In the same vein, the thorough attention to detail and restless innovation helped Gewa Music products become the go-to choice for students all around Europe and the world. If you want an instrument that's been 100 years in the making and sounds amazing, you have to try Gewa Music today.

Notable bass: Gewa Double Bass Rockabilly

Classical music isn't the only style you can play on double bass; others like tango, jazz, and especially rockabilly need the presence of these 4-string low-rumble monsters.

Such is the case of this matte black instrument made using laminated maple on the back and sides and laminated spruce for the top. Also, the wider ebony fingerboard provides enough surface to play the style and the right snap for the traditional rockabilly slapping technique.

Finally, for a small extra fee, you can add electronics and rockabilly-oriented strings as a factory feature.

Yamaha

Yamaha is a brand that can be thought of as the very essence of Japanese precision and philosophy. Indeed, every product bearing the logo with the three intertwined tuning forks represents reliability, superior craftsmanship, and obsessive attention to detail.

Moreover, Yamaha, a brand with over a century of experience and leverage, blends technology perfectly with the legacy of over a century of making top-notch instruments to give the world new creations that can revolutionize how we approach and play music.

Yamaha is a brand you can trust.

Notable bass: Yamaha SLB300PRO Silent Bass

The release of the SLB100, 200, and 300 revolutionized the music world drastically. That being said, the release of an instrument like the SLB300PRO, designed exclusively with the professional player in mind and a tone so close to that of the original acoustic instrument that could pass a blindfolded test, is nothing short of a milestone for classical instruments.

The previous silent double bass set the industry's standard; the PRO version goes beyond the standard to create the ultimate silent double bass to take over any stage.

Strobel

Strobel is a brand created to close the gap between student-level instruments and professional instruments. In other words, it commissions the building of classical instruments to some of the most prestigious companies in the market, such as Eastman, Knilling, and Howard Core, and retails them at affordable prices.

As a result, you can pick up a perfectly set up, great-sounding, well-made instrument that will stay in tune and take a beating without breaking the bank. If that sounds like the kind of double bass you're after, trying a Strobel out before buying is a must.

Notable bass: Strobel MB-500

With a solid, hand-carved spruce top and a solid maple back, this double bass is capable of some serious low-end glory. Moreover, the addition of the ebony fingerboard to the maple neck adds subtle musical harmonics that round up the quintessential double bass sound.

Finally, it ships with Helicore strings, featuring a bag and a Pernambuco French bow. For the perfect balance between features and price, this double bass by Strobel should be on your to-try list.

Knilling

Bernard Kornblum set out to make the best instruments he possibly could. As a master builder, he knew he had to start from the beginning: material sourcing. In this vein, the company goes the extra mile to build every unit using only the best materials, thus maintaining excellence across the entire catalogue.

Moreover, the Custom Shop division of the brand turns dreams into tangible musical instruments made under specific requests by expert hands in the Knilling facility. If you are after excellence in the shape of a double bass, Knilling has to be on your list.

Notable bass: Knilling 1202 Sebastian Bass

This double bass is an instrument made for the advanced student; this double bass features a laminated maple back and sides, a solid maple neck, and a solid hand-carved spruce top. Also, the ebony fingerboard, nut saddle, and tuning pegs make it a bright-sounding, super-comfortable instrument to play.

Finally, the nitrocellulose lacquer doesn't affect the sound while keeping the instrument in shape for years to come. If you are an advanced student and your budget allows it, you'll never go wrong with this double bass.

Merano

To begin speaking of Merano, it is important to note the company's motto: we would never sell an instrument we wouldn't use ourselves. This affirmation means that Merano is a company run by musicians making the kind of instruments they would like to play.

In the same vein, the competitive pricing of instruments that could have a bulkier price tag makes Merano the best affordable choice for the student who performs. Furthermore, the attention to detail matches the customer service, which is among the best in the market.

Notable bass: Merano BA100-WT

This white Merano double bass features everything you need to master the instrument if you are an advanced student. To begin with, the selected spruce top and maple back and sides provide the quintessential double bass sound.

Also, the ebonized fingerboard adds bright harmonic overtones to the overall audio. Finally, the arched back construction allows for a bigger bottom end and a more focused bass sound.

With the addition of the padded gig bag and the genuine horsehair bow, this is a serious choice.

Antonio Strad

As a member of the Violin Society of America for more than 20 years, Guolian and Mary have seen, played, and held more high-end classical instruments than most people alive. This accumulated knowledge, added to the educated ear of every employee makes Antonio Strad the perfect choice for players with all budgets and skill levels.

For those in search of a double bass that is well-built, sounds great, and is 100% dependable, made by musicians for musicians, Antonio Strad is a must-try before you buy.

Notable bass: Antonio Strad Augusto Bass

This is a perfect choice for the double bass student looking for the next step. Indeed, this instrument is 100% handmade, utilizing naturally aged, hand-picked solid spruce for the top and plywood for the back and sides. This combination offers the player a big oomph with excellent lows and defined mids.

On top of that, the ebony fingerboard and tailpiece add complex harmonics to the overall sound.

Finally, every Antonio Strad is professionally set up with Zyex or Helicore strings before shipping.

Cremona

In case you didn't know, Cremona is the city where some of the most famous stringed classical instruments in the world were made. This includes, for example, the utterly famous Stradivarius violins back in the 16^th century.

Cremona not only borrows its name from this tradition but also its commitment to excellence, world-class craftsmanship, and passion for detail. Moreover, the company's catalogue covers a vast ground offering the same quality every step of the way.

You can grow your ear and skills on a Cremona double bass from your first note to your first full auditorium.

Notable bass: Cremona SB-4

This model by Cremona was designed for the advanced student or professional player. The solid spruce top sits on curly maple for the back and sides, delivering the quintessential double bass tone.

Moreover, the neck profile is player-contoured to deliver maximum comfort and ease of access. Speaking of which, the ebony fingerboard rounds up the sound of a double bass, ready to walk all the way to the top in your hands.

Try an SB-4 before buying anything else.

Honourable Mentions:

• Thompson
• Palatino
• Bellafina
• Otto

The post Top 11 Best Double/Upright Bass Brands On The Market first appeared on My New Microphone and is written by Arthur Fox.