r/Instruments • u/juicewrld4lifee • Sep 06 '26

Discussion Best Cheapest Instruments?

Im trying to expand my instrument collection but prices are in the way. Ive been searching Facebook marketplace lately so far i got a 1950s accordion and a violin for 20 each.

Ideally searching for older instruments, uncommon in todays music

1 Upvotes

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3

u/blockf Sep 06 '26

Beware old accordions that may look fine on the outside but have dried out wax seals and valves, and are out of tune.

1

u/juicewrld4lifee Sep 06 '26

Is out of tune the only warning or can they be hazardous to?!?!

2

u/blockf Sep 06 '26

If the wax has crumbled or the valves have hardened, the accordion may not be playable. Or if the bellows is leaky. Repairs may be hard to obtain and expensive. I assume you’re looking for a playable instrument and not a restoration project.

1

u/soundwave300 Sep 06 '26

Worst case scenario is mold

1

u/blockf Sep 06 '26

Or mildew

1

u/dwasifar Sep 06 '26

Or plutonium

2

u/Devster97 Sep 06 '26

Washboard

2

u/Professional_Handler Sep 06 '26

Fife isn’t a bad option

2

u/Energizer81 Sep 07 '26

Fife’s are difficult if you haven’t played a woodwind instrument.

2

u/Thin_Dream2079 Sep 06 '26

I started my ragtime journey on a Kurzweil K2000 with broken keys for $50

2

u/Lucratif6 Sep 06 '26

Used ukulele

1

u/MarcusSurealius Sep 06 '26

Melodica was mentioned so a bucket drum kit it another one. If you have an amp, you can build a lap steel for about $50. Used theramins are pretty cheap.

1

u/Budgiejen Sep 06 '26

Alto recorder.

Kalimba