4 eco-friendly tips for musicians and their instrument

In this article, we aimed to give you 4 tips that are both eco-friendly and good for your budget.

1. Rent before you buy

Before you buy an instrument for yourself or a loved one who is starting a new passion, think about renting!

If you are just starting an instrument or starting back, renting is ideal because it's budget friendly (from 15$/month) and flexible and can really test your seriousness before you spend your hard earned money. It's also a very eco-friendly alternative because you are borrowing instead of buying.

We really recommend instrument rentals to parents whose children are starting music. Especially if your children have a lot of hobbies and extra-curricular activities.

Tip - If your child will use the instrument for more than a year (like in a school program) it's often cheaper to buy than to rent.

Rent an instrument

2. Buy a used instrument

You are really serious about wanting your own instrument? Think about buying a used instrument. Used instrument will allow you more flexibility with your budget. You could get an intermediate or pro instrument for the price of a new student model. 

Buying second hand is more eco-friendly than buying new, because you are giving the instrument a second life. 

Did you know? Twigg Musique offers a vast selection of used instruments overhauled, serviced and with a warranty. 

Tip - If you want to buy a used instrument from a platform like Meta's Marketplace or Kijiji, you can meet the seller directly in one of our store to get the external opinion of an expert technician. 

Check out our article on everything you should know before buying a used sax for important tips about used woodwinds. These tips are applicable for all woodwinds.

3. Prioritize quality

If you really want to buy a new instrument for you or a loved one, prioritize quality and don't buy the cheapest option. A quality instrument is way more eco-friendly than a cheap one because it's more durable. It's also more budget friendly on the long run because you will have to repair less a good quality instrument and if you change your mind, you will be able to re-sell it.

If you are serious and want to progress, a good quality student model will be easy to trade or sell once you are ready to get an intermediate or professionnal model. 

Here are a couple of good brands we recommend (for all levels)

And more! You have questions about the various instrument brands? Contact us or come see us in one of our two stores.

4. Book a repair appointment each year

When you take care of your instrument every year, you are prolonging it's life.

At least, you should visit the repair shop once a year for deep cleaning, adjusting and preventing mechanical problems. 

Tip : During the summer (June to September) our repair shops are busy repairing all the instruments from the various schools in Québec. Waiting time can be longer so book an appointment outside of this time period, and don't wait for your instrument to be out of used before booking your appointment.

A couple of eco-friendly products recommended by Twigg Musique

1. Berp Bio Oil and grease

Berp bio oil is: non-toxic, plant Based (biobased), and contains essential oil that cleans as it lubricates. It's also petroleum-free and there are no adverse effect (no calcium build-up) on your valves whether they are nickel-plated, monel-plated, or raw brass.

2.D'Addario Reeds

Did you know that D'Addario reeds are now certified organic? Their canes are cultivated without the use of chemical products.

3. D'Addario rosin

D'Addario rosin is made from natural ingredients.

4. Planet Waves Lemon Oil Cleaner

A natural cleaner and conditioner, Lemon Oil from Planet Waves helps to remove dirt, grease, and wax buildup from your prized guitar or wooden instrument. It's particularly recommended for use on unfinished woods.

5. Tank Drum Earth

Made with repurposed propane bottlesFabriqués avec des bouteilles de propane recyclées.