If you or your child has played any musical instruments, you know just how expensive they can be. Unfortunately, it’s hard to skimp by on instruments, and you can’t excel at your hobby unless you have something quality-made to work with. In the past, people had no choice but to purchase brand new instruments and risk the fact that their child may not use the instrument a few months later. Yet thanks to the internet, there are many options available for people to buy used instruments for a fraction of the price.

Buying Used Instruments Online

The good thing about used instruments is that they are generally in very good condition. Since they’re expensive, people can see the instruments in person and try them out to make sure everything is in working order. Generally, these instruments are ones that were not used very much, mostly because students decided not to play that particular instrument after all. More specifically, Craigslist has been a great site for people to buy used instruments for less.

Benefits to Shopping on Craigslist

Using the Craigslist platform, you can view photos of the instrument so you have a good idea of what it looks like. People post information about the instrument, and since Craigslist deals locally, you’ll pick up the instrument in person. This is a good thing, considering you don’t have to pay for shipping or handling, and you can view the instrument’s quality and performance. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to buy it.

What if You’re Not Comfortable Shopping for “As Is” Instruments?

There are some worries about Craigslist, however, and they mostly lie in the fact that anything you purchase is “as is”. You can’t return the item once you purchase it, so if there is an issue, you’re out the money. Although Craigslist can be dependable, you may find it better to buy a used or consigned instrument from a company like Catfish Music. Our established business has both used and consigned instruments, as well as rentals that you can try out before committing to buy. If there is a problem, you have a company you can count on, and we do all our repairs in-house for added peace of mind.

No matter where you choose to get your instrument from, sites like Craigslist has made it possible to purchase good quality instruments for less so that people aren’t stuck paying full price. 

Between the hype of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s easy to forget about the small businesses that can easily fall through the cracks. In the past, Black Friday – and now the Internet-driven Cyber Monday – has been dominated by the big names. But that’s all changing as more attention is given toward small businesses, supporting local townships and giving back to your community. And there’s a special holiday to celebrate it all: Small Business Saturday.

The 3rd Annual Small Business Saturday will be held this Saturday, November 24. It’s a day dedicated to supporting small businesses across the country and right here in Virginia. Catfish Music will be celebrating this special day and encouraging people to stop in and support small businesses such as our own. We have extended hours where you can save 20% off accessories and 10% off instruments.

What makes Catfish Music unique is not just our small business mentality but also our rapport with the community. Located in Stafford, we are deeply invested in Stafford County schools and the music and art programs they provide for students. Since a large base of our supporters is band students and their families, we have a lot of neat perks for our customers.

When you sign up for music lessons from now until December 31, you get one free music lesson. We also have great consignment programs where you can buy a used instrument for a fraction of the price. We support local bands, we repair instruments and we have discounts for loyal customers. The bottom line is this: Catfish Music is here for the Stafford community, and our small business will always go that extra mile to make sure we’re the best place for affordable instruments, high-quality repairs and engaging music lessons.

Be sure to come out and support us on Small Business Saturday and show your love for small businesses! We will also be open for Black Friday.

Extended Weekend Hours:

Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 5 pm

20% off all accessories

10% off all instruments

Gift certificates and lay-a-way available

The most common musical instruments that are made from brass include trumpets, French horns, trombones and tubas. These instruments are made entirely from brass; although their earlier versions were made from things like animal horns, tusks, wood or shells. Not only are brass instruments known for their golden beauty but also for their powerful sound. These instruments are the loudest in the orchestra and can be heard from far away.

If you or your child has a brass instrument, it’s important that you know how to care for it properly. Musical instruments are an investment, and if you want to get the most out of them, you need to maintain them properly. Brass instruments are like other expensive items; if you wait to have them professionally cleaned and checked, you could end up with bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

First, make sure you take your brass instrument into a professional repair technician at least once a year, such as our friendly team at Catfish Music. We will clean the instrument and provide general maintenance in order to keep the piece in excellent condition. If there are any issues, we can spot them early on. Furthermore, regular checkups can prevent “red rot” from forming, which is a type of corrosion that eats away at brass.

Next, you should clean out your brass instrument once a month to remove dirt buildup and prevent corrosion. To do so, fill a bathtub with warm water and mild soap. Remove all the tuning slides and valves. Place the instrument in the tub and flush the inside with the water solution. You can use a snake brush to scrub both the interior and exterior of the instrument.

Once everything has been cleaned, dry the instrument with a soft cloth and reassemble the valves and tuning slides. You should use a valve oil and lanolin slide oil, respectively. In between cleanings, you can wash the mouthpiece with warm, soapy water and wipe the exterior down with a soft cotton cloth. 

At Catfish Music, we love music! We believe that people should celebrate music every day, and one of the first ways you can do this is by honoring the local talent that comes directly from Stafford Virginia. Below are two great bands from our local area that have shared their love for music with fans from around the globe. If you’re not familiar with them, be sure to visit their Facebook pages and personal websites where you can listen to their music. Don’t forget to share your support online!

Anthony James Band

The Anthony James Band plays a mix of Southern Rock, Classic Rock and Blues songs, as well as original songs from the band itself. Because the band plays a balance of classic hits and original tunes, they’re easy to listen to and perfect for festivals and other events where Rock, Country and Blues are played live.  

The members in the band include Anthony Gerogosian on lead guitar and vocals, Steve Ontiveros on drums and vocals, Marc Guillaume on bass, guitar and vocals and finally, Joe Kelly on lead guitar and vocals. The manager is Anthony Gerogosian, and the band has played over 100 gigs. Their inspiration comes from bands like CCR, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, the Eagles and Jimi Hendrix.

Whiskey Bent  

Whiskey Bent is a new, modern country band that loves to rock out. They play modern upbeat country songs and bring a unique edge by incorporating original songs into the mix. This gives each song the individuality it deserves, while keeping the tunes light and fun.

The members of the band include Keith Berry on lead vocals, Dave Ploger on bass and vocals, Stephen Yoder on guitar, Scott Vogel on guitar and Jeff Brooks on drums. The members in the band are laidback and enjoy rocking out to Country Rock and Modern Country. Because of their cool and collected nature, Whiskey Bent is perfect for live gigs where modern and upbeat entertainment is a must. 

For Stafford County high schools, music programs are an integral part of the academic program. All schools believe in creating diverse programs that foster a variety of learning environments so that students can excel in the settings that work best for them. If your student is interested in joining a music program at one of the high schools, be sure to contact Catfish Music for the best prices on music lessons and new and consigned instruments.

Brooke Point High School

Home of the Black-Hawks, Brooke Point fosters a diverse learning environment that allows students to reach their full potential. Students interested in music can participate in choral group, band or orchestra. These music activities are a great way to accomplish the vision of being one as a school and community.

Colonial Forge High School

In a school that fosters long-term success, Colonial Forge creates a setting that fosters all types of learning environments for its students. Those who enjoy creative subjects like music and art are at an advantage since they can use these creative outlets to learn new information. There are a variety of ways to enjoy music at the high school, such as by joining the school chorus, band or orchestra. Go Soaring Eagles!

Mountain View High School

Home of the Wildcats, Mountain View places a lot of importance on their respected orchestra, band and chorus programs. They received superior ratings on their Concert Performance Assessment last year, and 47 students from the school were selected for the VBODA District 15 All-District Band. Visit the school’s website to learn more about their achievements in music.

North Stafford High School

A school that is home to the Wolverines has to be fierce, and North Stafford certainly fits the bill. The school fosters academic success and places great importance on clubs and activities that allow students to learn in various ways. With the numerous musical activities that include orchestra, band and chorus, the school also celebrates Music in Our Schools Month in March.

Stafford Senior High School

Voted the Best High School in 2002 and voted the Best Public School in 2003 and 2004, this school truly deserves recognition. They continue to work hard to be the best and offer a variety of inspirational programs for its students, including music programs to enhance creative freedom. Go Indians!