I would like to take up a new instrument. What's a good way to decide?

Question

I'm 26 and have been playing piano professionally for about 10 years. I also play guitar, electric bass, and a little bit of banjo. I've played music in pretty much every style and was thinking of adding another instrument to my arsenal, primarily for orchestral pit work or just for fun. I've narrowed it down to the trombone, cello, and the string bass. I'm not terribly interested in any of the woodwinds or the viola. Trumpet and violin are in the 'maybe' pile. Should I stick to what I know (strings) or try for something different (brass)?

Answer 1

One way to decide is by comparing your personality to the personality of the average person playing the instrument. I don't know much about the strings, but I know that T-bones are a lot of fun. Very easy-going and funny. Great kissers, too.

Whatever you decide, have fun!

Answer 2

If you narrowed it down to trombone, cello, and string bass, I'd say you should pick cello.

The cello has a deep, warm voice that sounds gentle every time it is played professionally or with experience. It'd be easier to you since you're used to playing on frets from guitars.

With the cello, you could pretty much play in a mellow tone, and with more practice, you'd be great at shifting all the way to play as high as a violin can.

It would be a good decision to start playing from the cello and work your way up (or down), because you'd be used to spacing your fingers when playing an instrument.

I wouldn't recommend any brass instruments for a while, unless you HAVE to learn things like French horn, oboe, or flute. If you're going to play a brass instrument, take out the brass and put in woodwind. They sound much more smooth and light, and usually they play a lot faster and take melody in bands and orchestras.

So overall, choose a flute or cello if you're looking for good sound and easy playing. Good luck on finding an instrument!

Answer 3

You already play electric bass. If you don't have a whole lot of time, I'd suggest going for the upright (heck, you're half-way there!). It'd probably be easier than making the jump right away to something foreign. What you learn from it can later transfer to other bowed instruments, including cello, and it won't be quite so "out there," plus you will have saved yourself some time.

If, on the other hand, you've got all the time in the world, why _not_ try brass? What could it hurt? And if you decide it's just for fun, well, heck, what's wrong with that?

And if all else fails--you're already a musician--flip a coin. You're going to use no matter what you decide on.

Answer 4

If you want to play in pit orchestras play something that everyone isn't already playing. There are tons of flutes, violins, cellos, clarinets, and trumpets.

EASY>
String bass is always fun and if you like bluegrass music they could really use you. It is similar to the electric bass, except no frets and you would have to learn about proper bow holds.

INTERMEDIATE>
Cello is good to learn too as it is close to electric bass too. The strings are different though. Lowest to highest - C, G, D and A
You would definately was a few lessons to work on bowing techniques.

DIFFICULT>
Brass instruments take a long time to work on your tone and actually sound good. Note reading and technical stuff will come fast but getting a beautiful, full sound will take a long time and many hours of longtones and a good teacher.

Hope that helps.

String bass is always fun and if you like bluegrass music they could really use you. It is similar to the electric bass, except no frets and you would have to learn about proper bow holds.

Answer 5

Perhaps what helped me will help you - I decided on my latest addition by a) my interest in where I want to go with my musical career style-wise and performance-wise, b) sound of the instrument.

You said pit orchestra, but are you more of a soloist, an accompanist, or a bit of both? Cello will be mostly accompanying the violins and bass even moreso. It would be nice to learn upright since you know electric (I think upright has a nicer sound, totally biased). But, if you want to try something new or play a style you know through a completely different sound, think about your options again and where you see yourself going with each instrument.

As for trumpet and violins, both are in the higher range and definitely more flashy. If that's your thing or if you want to make it your thing, then go for it. Trumpet may be more versatile if you want to switch genres of music, but who knows, there are some creative fiddlers out there.

Answer 6

Out of the three choices you've listed, cello and string bass are the more obvios choices since they are string and it seems that's pretty much ur forte. However, if you are looking for a change of pace all together, then try the trombone! I don't personally play any of them, but it seems to me you enjoy the stringed instruments...the more accoustic style. :-) I'd stick with strings if it were me, but like I say, if what ur wanting is an actual change of pace, then the trombone is, obviously, the most different from what you've been doing out of those three.

Answer 7

It depends on what kind of fields you want to play
brass and strings are totally different but personally, i've been playing the cello for about 5 years and i have to say, it's the most beautiful instrument ever, it's also a great challenge b/c you can't just start hitting notes on it like you learn the piano
i also play guitar and bass, and have played the piano for about 5 years when i was younger, but with your background, it looks like you're more of a string player like me

ps theres an amazing musician by the name of dana leong who is a professional cellist and trombonist... he makes his own alternative fusion music which is awesome... i just thought it was kinda ironic

Answer 8

WHen I waas 10 years ld iplayed the violin, piano and guitar. you should play the cello becuase it has awarm sound. I tried flute but I could becuase I was always out of breath. Good luck

Answer 9

Whatever you choose, if you're looking for more work, don't pick the trombone. There's a joke about that.

What's the difference between a snake that's been run over on the road, and a trombonist that's been run over on the road?

Snake was on it's way to a gig.

Answer 10

Yes ... is a good way to decide try them all and the ones you like you keep. Easy.

I'm a musician too, and my daughter plays the viola with the Cincinnati Symphony ... cause I showed her the love of music

Keep playing whatever, I'll like it.

Yours Truly;
Jonnie