Music Website Review

Musicians constantly need new equipment, another instrument, to replace a mouthpiece, and other things to stay on top of their game, but where do they go to buy all these items? Large music stores are not as common as the local Wal-Mart so musicians usually go to the internet to find what they are looking for. Woodwind and Brasswind and Musician’s Friend are two popular websites online that sell all types of music equipment from instruments to accessories. Both are impressive websites that meet any musician’s needs, but both also have some distinct differences.

             Woodwind and Brasswind is an extremely useful site to find exactly what you are looking for. The website has a great design that makes it very easy for the user to find what they need. The homepage gives the user an excellent overview at the different selections and products the site has to offer. There is a toolbar near the top of the page that has all of the products categorized under a set of tabs that make it simple to find a certain type of instrument or different accessories for that instrument. You can also narrow the search for the product you need selecting the brand or by using a price range. If you are on a tight budget then the website has options for products that are used or are on sale. In addition there are a few ads near the top of the page but it is at least relevant to the content of the website. The website also has a Facebook page where you can keep up with the latest offers from the site and comment on the products.

            Musician’s Friend offers the same products as the previous site, but it falls short due to some key factors. The website is not as easy to navigate as with Woodwind and Brasswind; instead of all the types of products being displayed on a toolbar you have to find a tab and search for whatever it is that you need. Contrary to its name, Musician’s Friend is unfriendly to wind players. To find woodwind or brass instruments you have to search for the “brass and woodwinds” option under the search tab, and even then the user is given a small selection. The homepage itself only displays guitar and percussion instruments. In fact, under the search tab it mostly lists different types of guitars and percussion instruments.

            In conclusion, I strongly recommend Woodwind and Brasswind for its convenience and wide range selections. Musician’s Friend may be a good place to check out if you play guitar, keyboard, or percussion, but it is very inconvenient for wind players such as myself. For wind players looking for the things that they need, Woodwind and Brasswind is definitely the best place to go.