"They don't make them like that anymore"
is an adage often heard. In most circumstances keeping an older instrument in working condition is a great investment. The musical instrument market in the U.S.A. has been flooded with inferior, inexpensive imported instruments. Consumers, especially parents of beginner students, are often drawn to a bargain. But the truth is, you get what you pay for. Cheap imported instruments, which may appear shiny and new, often don't play well, break easily, and are difficult to find replacement parts for. Musicians, be they novice or experienced, can not learn to play music on instruments that leak or won't hold a tune. Frustration with faulty instruments will inhibit practice and playing ability.