Best
Student
Clarinet
REV-CL200
Student Bb Clarinet Primes students
for Success
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Overall: Bb clarinet with ABS body.
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Best Feature: Blue steel needle springs.
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Violin
Concertos
Master VL906
Professional
Violin Violin for Master Players
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Overall: Handcrafted maple and spruce body.
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Best Feature: Spirit varnish with antiqued aspect.
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Affordable Snare Drum
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Overall: Chrome-plated aluminum shell
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Best Feature: Elegant-looking Imperial lugs
-
TedScore™: 8/10
Are you curious about the instruments that create beautiful music in an orchestra?
I’ve always been amazed by the different sounds in classical music, and today, I’ll take you on an exciting journey through the instruments in an orchestra list.
Let’s take a look at the symphony orchestra and meet the string, brass, and woodwind sections.
Each instrument has a unique role, creating a tapestry of melodies and harmonies that can transport you to another world.
Keep reading, and I’ll guide you through this enchanting orchestra lineup.
Trust me, by the end of this article, you’ll have a new appreciation for these musical wonders and be the most clued-up concertgoer in the audience.
Strings Section
ONE
The string family is truly the backbone of a classical orchestra.
I love how each string instrument contributes its unique sound, from the high-pitched melodies of violins to the deep tones of double basses.
Violins and Violas
Violins are often considered the stars of the string family.
They are the soprano voices, usually leading with their bright, expressive notes, which they achieve through the tension of their strings and the skilled use of a bow.
They rest comfortably under my chin, allowing me to play intricate melodies with finesse.
Eastman Master VL906 Professional Violin
FEATURES: Handcrafted maple and spruce body.
OTHER INFO: Spirit varnish with antiqued aspect.
- Discrete output disguised as the end button for improved ergonomics.
- Availability and access may be limited in certain regions.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Likewise, violas offer a slightly lower pitch and a rich alto voice, complementing violins beautifully. Their strings are thicker, and their bodies are larger.
They nestle between my shoulder and chin as I draw the bow across their strings to create warm, velvety sounds that add depth to the harmony.
Yamaha AVA5-150S 15-inch Student Viola
FEATURES: Spruce top and aged maple back/sides for richer, resonant tones.
OTHER INFO: Hand-applied oil varnish finish.
- 15-inch viola with cloth-covered case, Brazilwood bow, and rosin.
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Cellos and Double Basses
Cellos, the tenors of the string family, have a resonant and lush tone. I sit down to play them, balancing the cello between my knees, feeling the vibrations through the instrument as my bow dances across the strings.
Their versatility is stunning—from mournful, soulful passages to quick, sprightly sections.
Knilling 126F Anton Eminescu Master Model Cello
FEATURES: Crafted from aged Carpathian spruce and maple for superior tone.
OTHER INFO: Equipped with D'Addario Zyex synthetic-core strings.
- Hand-applied oil varnish finish.
- Reliable construction.
- Individual preferences for sound and playability may vary.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Now, let’s talk about double basses. These giants are the bass voices in the orchestra, providing a foundational rumble. I often pluck their thick strings in a pizzicato technique or use a bow for sustained notes.
Howard Core A43 Core Academy Double Bass
FEATURES: Boasts hybrid construction with a carved spruce top and laminated maple back and ribs.
OTHER INFO: Constructed with high-quality tuning machine
- Decorated with durable inlaid purfling for an added touch of elegance.
- It may have limitations in terms of specific preferences and individual requirements.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Harp
The harp is a unique string instrument with a lovely, heavenly sound. It has a triangular shape and many strings that players pluck with their fingers. The strings have different colors to help harpists find notes fast.
Harps bring a magical feel to orchestral music, often used for special effects like gliding between notes. It sits at the side of the string section, and its unique sound blends nicely with the other string instruments.
Salvi-Daphne 47 SE
FEATURES: Available in mahogany, walnut, and natural finishes, with customizable soundboards
OTHER INFO: Made with high quality materials
- Key changes are easier than on lever harps
- Padded covers are not included in the price
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Woodwind Wonders
Two
I find the woodwind section weaves enchanting melodies that genuinely delight the ear.
With each breath, these artists transform air into art, and it’s my joy to introduce you to the instruments that make up this magical ensemble.
Bassoons
The bassoon is the bass voice of the woodwind family. It uses a double reed and produces a deep, reedy tone. Often made of maple wood, it provides depth and warmth to the orchestra’s sound palette.
Fox Renard Model 222 Student Bassoon
FEATURES: Full German key system with silver-plated keys
OTHER INFO: German bell with an attractive synthetic-ivory ring
- Comes with a premium case with shoulder and backpack straps
- Higher compared to some entry-level student models
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Flutes
I often marvel at the silvery sound of the flute, a staple in the wind section known for its versatile range and capability to flirt with the highest melodies.
Azumi AZ2SRBEO Concert Flute
FEATURES: Carefully crafted step-up flute with a silver-plated body.
OTHER INFO: Sterling silver Altus Z-Cut, professional head joint, improves articulation.
- Fluid and responsive open-hole key mechanism with elegant pointed key arms.
- Altus-Bennett scale provides exceptional intonation and an effortless playing experience
- Comfortable offset G key system with split E mechanism.
- The advanced key system and mechanisms may require additional maintenance and care.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Oboes
The oboe, with its distinct, plaintive sound, is a double-reed instrument and a true chameleon, whether conjuring the warmth of the woods or the cry of the ocean.
Fox Model 400 Professional Oboe
FEATURES: Made with Grenadilla wood body.
OTHER INFO: Full conservatory key system with silver-plated keys.
- Includes a professional-quality case, grenadilla tenon caps, reed case, care cloth, silk swab, and cork grease.
- Higher price point compared to student or intermediate-level oboes.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Clarinets and Saxophones
Meet the clarinet, the chameleon of the orchestra with its remarkable range from dusky depths to sparkling highs, indeed an instrument for all moods.
Revelle REV-CL200 Student Bb Clarinet
FEATURES: Bb clarinet with ABS body.
OTHER INFO: Blue steel needle springs.
- Included mouthpiece kit and case.
- Potential limitations in tonal depth and richness.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
However, the saxophone is more commonly found jazzing up bands than in classic orchestral settings, with the bass clarinet often taking its seat, providing rich, woodsy overtones.
Selmer Paris 54 Axos Professional Tenor Saxophone
FEATURES: Quality crafted in the Henri Selmer Paris factory.
OTHER INFO: Henri Selmer Paris S80 C mouthpiece.
- Leather pads with metal resonators.
- Includes case and accessories.
- Some players may find it to be relatively heavy.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Brilliant Brass
Three
The brass section truly shines with its powerful dynamics and tonal grandeur.
Trumpets and French Horns
My symphonic adventures would be complete with the trumpet, the highest-pitched brass instrument in the orchestra.
It commands a bold, piercing sound, perfect for heroic fanfare and intricate melodies.
Yamaha YTR2330 Student Trumpet
FEATURES: Designed by The Most Famous Manufacturer
OTHER INFO: Premium price range
- Produces a vibrant, consistent tone
- A yellow brass crafted bell made by the world renown Yamaha company
- Possibly too pricey for the average beginning trumpet player valves
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
In contrast, the French horn is known for its mellow, rich tones that weave through the orchestra like golden threads.
I adore its unique shape and how horn players use their hands inside the bell to fine-tune the pitch.
Hans Hoyer 6801 Double French Horn
- Intermediate-level F/Bb French horn for top-level chamber, solo, and orchestral applications.
- High-quality nickel-silver valve section and tuning slides.
- The adjustable finger hook added playing comfort.
- Relatively expensive.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Trombone
When it comes to the trombone, it’s all about sliding into the action.
The trombone adds weight and might to the brass family, from the silky-smooth tenor trombone to the thunderous bass trombone, which is brilliant for adding oomph in dramatic passages.
S.E. Shires Q30YA Q Series Professional Tenor Trombone
FEATURES: Handcrafted tenor trombone made with an outstanding dedication to detail.
OTHER INFO: Wide nickel silver slide crook.
- Three interchangeable yellow brass lead pipes allow the player to customize the trombone’s response.
- May require more maintenance and care to preserve its optimal performance.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Tubas
Tubas provide the deep, foundational bass. A tuba’s large bell and brass body produce powerful low notes that underpin the orchestra. Despite its size, the tuba can be surprisingly elegant and expressive.
JUPITER JTU1020 Eb TUBA, CLEAR LACQUER
DESIGNED FOR: advancing tuba players
FEATURES: With steel pistons for smooth, fast action
OTHER INFO: Designed to be maintenance-friendly
- Has a professional-looking silver-plated brass body
- Built using state-of-the-art technology
- Suitable for a wide range of musical styles and settings
- Includes hard shell case and mouthpiece
- Relatively heavy and may be difficult to manoeuvre for some players
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Percussion and Rhythm
Four
The percussion section is the backbone of rhythm and energy. It’s the symphony’s spice cabinet, offering various sounds and textures.
Piano
The piano is versatile with a wide range and dynamic capacity. Its ability to play multiple notes simultaneously makes it valuable for both melody and harmony.
Yamaha YDP 145 Digital Piano
PERFECT FOR: beginners to intermediate players
FEATURES: a Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard with matte keytops
OTHER INFO: Built-in Yamaha CFX concert grand piano sound
Yamaha YDP 145 Digital Piano
- The 88 weighted keys allow for expressive playing
- Offers an authentic sound and playing experience
- With a user-friendly interface for ease of use
- Without Bluetooth connection
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Drums
Drums are pivotal for maintaining the rhythm in my symphony orchestras. Snare drums swagger with a crisp and martial snap.
Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 Snare Drum
FEATURES: Chrome-plated aluminum shell.
OTHER INFO: Featuring a smooth shell and elegant-looking Imperial lugs
- Timeless design and construction.
- Some users may find that it produces more overtones than desired.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Instruments in an Orchestra List:
Finale
A modern symphony orchestra truly showcases human creativity. It features over 100 skilled musicians playing instruments across strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion sections.
From the proud, velvety hum of cellos to the bright chatter of violins, each string instruments add a distinct layer of warmth. The woodwind section brings a splash of color with each toot and trill.
With their commanding presence, brass instruments lend robust, golden tones that can both resonate powerfully and whisper tenderly.
The percussion instruments ensemble, ever diverse, is the rhythmic backbone, punctuating bass clef compositions with everything from the rattle of snare drums to the noble boom of timpani.
Orchestral instruments collectively form a breathtaking tapestry of sound. It’s a joy to share this musical jigsaw puzzle, where every piece is crucial.
I hope you’ve enjoyed our exploration of orchestral instruments.
Remember, each one plays a starring role in the magnificent orchestra we’ve come to cherish.
Hold on! There’s more…
Check out this comprehensive review of the Best Metronome Apps to help you find the most suitable option for your musical needs.
Really appreciated the in-depth details about violins and violas. It’s fascinating to see how these instruments contribute uniquely to an orchestra. Always been a fan of the string section, and this just reignited my passion!
Totally agree, Sara! The violin’s versatility always amazes me. Can’t wait to learn more.
Any advice for someone starting with the viola?
Harp? Sounds like my grandma’s music taste. No offense to harp lovers, just playing around haha.