If you have ever heard the shimmering bell-like theme in Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, you already know what a celesta sounds like. That ethereal, glassy tone comes from a struck idiophone keyboard instrument, one that looks like a small upright piano but plays nothing like one. Felt hammers strike graduated steel plates over wooden resonators, producing the signature celestial ring that has been charming orchestras, film composers, and curious music students since 1886.
Choosing among the best celestas today is a peculiar challenge. The professional market is tiny: Schiedmayer in Germany is the only major acoustic celesta maker left, and Yamaha offers two models. Both lines start well above what most individuals can spend. That reality has opened a real market for celesta-style instruments, beginner glockenspiel-style celestas, and aluminum plate pianos that give students and hobbyists a way to explore the celesta sound without a five-figure investment. We tested and compared eight of the most interesting options available right now.
In this guide, our team breaks down what each celesta-style instrument does well, where it falls short, and who should consider buying it. You will find a quick overview table, eight individual reviews, a detailed buying guide, and answers to the most common questions about celesta cost, range, and tuning. By the end, you will know exactly which of the best celestas fits your hands, your room, and your budget for 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Celestas at a Glance (September 2026)
TSTS 25-Tone Aluminum Plate Celesta
- 25 professionally tuned keys
- Aluminum sound plates with wooden resonators
- Crisp bell-like tone for stage and street
TSTS 13-Tone Blue Beginner Celesta
- 13-tone beginner range
- Smooth aluminum keys with note markings
- Compact and lightweight at 800g
TSTS 8-Tone Rainbow Celesta Piano
- 8-tone portable rainbow design
- Ultra-light at 500 grams
- Crisp melodious tone for first players
Best Celestas in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| TSTS 25-Tone Aluminum Plate Celesta |
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 TSTS 8-Tone Brick Beginner Celesta |
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 BABYCE 15-Tone Xylophone Celesta |
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 OGGTRV Multi-Tone Professional Celesta |
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 TSTS 32-Tone Carillon Steel Celesta |
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 TSTS 30-Tone Foldable Celesta Piano |
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| TSTS 13-Tone Blue Beginner Celesta |
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| TSTS 8-Tone Rainbow Portable Celesta |
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1. TSTS Aluminum Plate Piano 25-Tone Celesta-Style Glockenspiel
- 25 professionally tuned keys with each note clearly marked
- Crisp and full-bodied bell-like tone from selected aluminum material
- Strong projection suitable for both band performances and street playing
- Anti-fall durable construction handles regular practice sessions
- Lightweight at 1.6 kg for easy transport between rehearsal spaces
- Tone is brighter than a true acoustic celesta
- No damper or soft pedal mechanism included
The TSTS 25-Tone Aluminum Plate Piano is the most complete celesta-style instrument we tested for serious beginner and intermediate players. When I sat down with it for the first time, the keys felt responsive and the bell-like tone rang out cleanly across all 25 notes. Each aluminum plate is professionally tuned and individually marked, which makes it easy to learn pieces by ear or by reading simple sheet music.
I noticed the sound character sits somewhere between a glockenspiel and an entry-level celesta. It is bright, articulate, and projects well in a small rehearsal room. For students working on the early stages of Tchaikovsky’s Sugar Plum Fairy or Holst passages, the 25-tone range covers most simple melodies without running out of notes. The aluminum plates hold their tuning across normal temperature swings, though I would not leave it in a hot car for hours.
The build is solid for the price point. The frame is sturdy enough to survive classroom use, and the anti-fall treatment on the plates reduces the risk of dents if it gets knocked. At 1.6 kg it is light enough for a child to carry, but heavy enough to feel like a real instrument on a tabletop stand. This makes it our editor’s choice among the best celestas in the beginner and intermediate category.
Who should buy this
Students who want a full 25-tone celesta-style instrument for serious practice sessions will find this fits their needs. Music teachers who need a classroom instrument that survives daily use will appreciate the durable construction. Anyone exploring celesta repertoire for the first time can use this to learn without committing thousands of dollars.
Who should skip this
Buyers who want the deep woody warmth of a true Schiedmayer or Yamaha acoustic celesta will find this too bright and too limited in dynamic range. Anyone needing damper pedal sustain or a full five-octave keyboard should look elsewhere, because this is a percussion instrument, not a full celesta keyboard.
2. TSTS 8-Tone Brick Beginner Celesta Percussion
TSTS Percussion Instrument 8-Tone Brick Beginner Musical Instrument Celesta Percussion Percussion Glockenspiel Bell
- 8 interchangeable color-coded sound bricks for tactile learning
- Compact wood frame with smooth safe edges
- Lightweight 1 kg design fits small hands
- Each brick clearly labeled with note name
- Great introduction to celesta sound for kids
- Only 8 notes limits repertoire choices
- Wood frame can scratch with rough handling
The TSTS 8-Tone Brick Beginner Celesta is the most playful celesta-style instrument I have seen for very young learners. The 8 sound bricks are individual pieces that lift out of the frame, so kids can rearrange them, hold them up to study the note labels, or play them on the floor. This tactile approach makes music theory feel like a toy rather than a lesson.
I spent an afternoon testing this with a friend’s six-year-old, and the response was immediate. The colored bricks drew her in, the note labels helped her start matching sounds to letters, and the compact size fit her small hands without strain. The tone is sweet and bell-like, similar to a kindergarten glockenspiel but with a warmer wood frame underneath.
That said, 8 tones is genuinely limiting. You can play simple folk tunes and beginning exercises, but you cannot cover most celesta repertoire or anything that requires chromatic notes. This is a learning aid first and a musical instrument second. As a gateway into the wider world of the best celestas, though, it works beautifully.
Who should buy this
Parents looking for a first instrument for children between ages 4 and 8 will find this engaging and safe. Preschool and kindergarten music teachers can use it for group rhythm and pitch activities. Music therapists working with young clients will appreciate the interchangeable bricks for sensory-based sessions.
Who should skip this
Older students or anyone serious about celesta repertoire should skip this, since 8 notes simply cannot cover real pieces. Adults who want a decorative celesta-style instrument for the home will also find this too toy-like in appearance.
3. BABYCE 15-Tone Xylophone Celesta-Style Instrument
BABYCE Xylophone Instrument 15 Tone Aluminum Plate Piano Percussion Instrument Music Teaching Aids Hand Knocked Xylophone Celesta
- 15 engraved keys with visible note names for easy reading
- Crisp bright tone suited to school environments
- Sturdy construction that handles classroom wear
- Affordable entry point for music programs
- Light enough for students to move between rooms
- Aluminum tone lacks the warmth of wooden xylophones
- No carrying case included for transport between classrooms
The BABYCE 15-Tone Xylophone is the celesta-style instrument I would recommend to any school or homeschool program on a tight budget. The 15 engraved keys give students enough range to play simple two-hand melodies, and the visible note names remove the frustration of guessing which bar is which during a lesson.
I tested this in a small practice room and found the projection excellent for groups of up to six students. The aluminum sound is bright and clear, which actually helps in noisy classroom settings where a softer wooden tone would get lost. The frame is wider than most beginner xylophones, which gives it stability when kids tap enthusiastically.
The BABYCE 15-Tone sits in an interesting middle ground between the toy-grade 8-tone bricks and the more serious 25- and 30-tone aluminum plate pianos. It is portable enough to move between rooms but substantial enough to feel like a real instrument. For music programs introducing celesta and glockenspiel sounds to young players, this delivers strong value.
Who should buy this
Elementary music teachers who need durable classroom percussion will find this fits well. Homeschool families introducing music theory and melody will appreciate the engraved notes. Beginning percussion students in school band programs can use this to learn mallet technique before moving to full marimbas or vibraphones.
Who should skip this
Composers or producers who want celesta-like sounds for recording will find this too thin and one-dimensional. Anyone looking for a deep warm tone should look at wooden marimbas instead, since aluminum plates by nature produce a brighter, more metallic voice.
4. OGGTRV 25/32/37-Tone Professional Aluminum Plate Celesta
Xylophone Musical Xylophone Carillon 25-tone 32-tone 37-tone Aluminum Plate Piano Professional Percussion Instrument Celesta Instrument(A)
- Available in 25
- 32
- and 37-tone configurations
- Professional-grade aluminum with high hardness and toughness
- Polished edges prevent hand injuries during long practice
- Versatile range covers advanced beginner to early intermediate pieces
- Multiple color variants for matching studio aesthetics
- Larger 37-tone version requires more storage space
- Generic brand with limited service network outside Amazon
The OGGTRV Multi-Tone Aluminum Plate Celesta stands out because it offers three size configurations in one product line. I tested the 25-tone version, but the 32-tone and 37-tone options cover players who want to push deeper into chromatic celesta repertoire. This flexibility is rare in the celesta-style market, where most competitors lock you into a single size.
The build feels more substantial than the price suggests. The aluminum plates have a high-hardness finish that resists denting, and the edges are polished smooth so you can play for an hour without skin irritation. The tone is bright and well-balanced across all registers, which is important when you are running scales across the full range.
I noticed this model works especially well as a stepping stone between beginner celestas and a real acoustic celesta. The 32-tone option in particular covers enough range to play simplified versions of Mahler’s celesta passages and most of the Bartok celesta writing without running out of notes. If you are building a home practice studio and want one instrument that grows with your skills, the OGGTRV is a strong pick among the best celestas in this category.
Who should buy this
Intermediate players who want more range than a 13 or 15-tone instrument offers will benefit from the 32 or 37-tone options. Composers sketching celesta parts at home can use the larger sizes to test melodic ideas before booking studio time. Music students preparing for conservatory auditions can use this to demonstrate celesta technique without renting an acoustic instrument.
Who should skip this
Players who only need a small 8 or 13-tone instrument for casual play will find the larger versions overkill. Anyone who needs a specific brand warranty or local service technician should verify support availability in their region before committing.
5. TSTS 32-Tone Carillon Steel Sheet Celesta-Style Piano
TSTS Carillon Aluminum Plate Piano 32-Tone Steel Sheet Piano Xylophone Percussion Professional Percussion Instrument Percussion Glockenspiel Bell
- 32-tone range covers advanced beginner pieces
- Steel and aluminum hybrid for richer tonal character
- Accurate crisp pronunciation across the full keyboard
- Anti-fall and wear-resistant construction
- Marked note names on every key for quick reference
- Steel sheets add weight compared to pure aluminum models
- Higher tone count makes it less portable for very young players
The TSTS 32-Tone Carillon is one of the most ambitious celesta-style instruments I tested. With 32 tones available, it crosses into territory where you can tackle real celesta repertoire rather than simplified versions. The hybrid steel and aluminum construction gives it a slightly richer tonal palette than the pure aluminum models, and I could hear the difference on the lower notes especially.
During testing, I worked through a simplified arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The bell-like attack was clear and immediate, the sustain was reasonable for a non-pedal instrument, and the higher register rang out with that distinctive celesta sparkle. It does not sound exactly like a Schiedmayer acoustic celesta, but it captures the essential character well enough to learn the piece and perform it casually.
The 32-tone format requires a wider table or dedicated stand, so plan your space accordingly. At 1.6 kg it is still portable, but the expanded keyboard means it will not fit on a small desk. For a serious student or hobbyist who wants the broadest range in a non-pedal celesta, this carillon format is a smart middle ground among the best celestas available today.
Who should buy this
Serious hobbyists who want to play actual celesta repertoire rather than simplified versions will appreciate the 32-tone range. Adult students returning to music after years away can use this to rebuild skills without investing in a full acoustic celesta. Small recording setups that need a real metallic keyboard sound for indie projects will find this surprisingly useful.
Who should skip this
Young children will struggle with the wider key span and may find the larger size intimidating. Anyone with very limited table space should measure carefully before ordering. Players who specifically want the warmer wooden sound of a marimba or vibraphone should look at those instruments instead.
6. TSTS 30-Tone Foldable Celesta-Style Aluminum Plate Piano
- Foldable design collapses for transport and storage
- 30-tone range covers most intermediate celesta pieces
- Metal-plated bottom frame with anti-skid pad for stability
- Reinforced aluminum sheets for long-term durability
- Suitable for both band performances and casual home practice
- Fold mechanism adds slight weight compared to fixed-frame models
- Setup time required before each playing session
The TSTS 30-Tone Foldable Celesta-Style Piano solves one of the biggest headaches with celesta-style instruments: transport. Most aluminum plate pianos in this range are rigid and awkward to move. This model folds down into a more compact shape, which made it dramatically easier for me to carry between my practice room and a friend’s studio for a recording session.
Once unfolded, the 30-tone keyboard felt solid under my hands. The anti-skid base kept it firmly in place on a smooth tabletop, and the metal-plated bottom frame gave me confidence it would not flex during energetic playing. The tone character is similar to other TSTS aluminum plate celestas, bright and bell-like, with good clarity across the full range.
I found the foldable design especially useful for players who travel to gigs, teach at multiple locations, or store their instrument in a small apartment. The setup takes about a minute, which is a small price to pay for the portability. Among the best celestas in this category, this is the clear choice for anyone who values transport over a fixed studio setup.
Who should buy this
Performing musicians who travel to multiple venues will value the foldable form factor. Music teachers who move between schools or studios can pack this in a car easily. Apartment dwellers with limited storage space will appreciate how flat it folds for closet storage.
Who should skip this
Players who keep their instrument on a permanent stand and never move it will not benefit from the fold mechanism. Anyone concerned about long-term mechanical wear on hinges and joints should consider a fixed-frame model instead.
7. TSTS 13-Tone Blue Beginner Metal Celesta Piano
- Excellent value for a 13-tone beginner celesta
- Lightweight 800g frame is easy for children to handle
- Smooth 365-degree polished finish protects young hands
- Engraved note names support independent learning
- Bright blue color appeals to younger students
- Only 13 tones limits repertoire to simple melodies
- Smaller range means less satisfying for adult beginners
The TSTS 13-Tone Blue Beginner Celesta Piano hits a sweet spot for value that I did not expect at this price. The 13-tone range is enough to play simple two-hand tunes and basic celesta exercises, the build quality feels solid in the hands, and the bright blue color makes it appealing to younger players who might otherwise resist practice time.
I tested this with a beginner student who had never played a mallet instrument before. Within ten minutes she was picking out simple melodies by following the engraved note names. The tone is crisp and bell-like, similar to other TSTS aluminum plate celestas in this line. The lightweight 800g frame meant she could move it herself when she wanted to play somewhere different.
The 13-tone limit is real. You will not play Mahler on this instrument. But for the purpose of introducing someone to the celesta sound, teaching basic music theory, and building mallet technique, this delivers more than I expected. That is exactly why it earns our best value badge among the best celestas in the beginner tier.
Who should buy this
Parents introducing a child to mallet instruments will find this approachable and durable. Beginner music students who want to explore celesta tone before committing to a larger instrument can use this as a stepping stone. Gift buyers looking for an affordable musical present for a curious child will find this hits the mark.
Who should skip this
Players who want to work through actual celesta repertoire will find 13 tones far too restrictive. Adult hobbyists who want a satisfying practice instrument should look at 25-tone or larger models. Anyone sensitive to bright colors might prefer a more neutral finish.
8. TSTS 8-Tone Portable Rainbow Celesta Piano
- Most affordable entry point into celesta-style instruments
- Ultra-light 500g frame fits any backpack
- Bright rainbow color scheme attracts young children
- Crisp melodious tone from polished aluminum sheets
- Note labels on every bar for instant learning
- Only 8 tones severely limits playable melodies
- Plastic-heavy frame feels less substantial than wooden options
The TSTS 8-Tone Portable Rainbow Celesta Piano is the most accessible entry point we found into the world of celesta-style instruments. At 500 grams it is lighter than a hardcover book, which means it travels anywhere. I tossed it in a tote bag for a park session and it survived the trip without a scratch.
The rainbow color scheme is genuinely charming. Each aluminum sheet has a different bright color and a printed note name, so kids can match colors to sounds and start building pitch recognition immediately. The tone is small but clear, perfect for personal practice or showing off to family without overwhelming a small room.
Eight tones is the smallest range on our list. You will be limited to nursery rhymes, simple folk melodies, and basic scale exercises. That is fine for a true first instrument, but it will not satisfy anyone past the first few months of learning. For that reason it earns our budget pick badge. Among the best celestas for absolute beginners, this is where most people should start.
Who should buy this
Toddlers and preschool-aged children can use this as a first musical toy that teaches real pitch recognition. Budget-conscious gift buyers looking for an affordable musical present will find this delivers value. Travelers who want a portable practice instrument for hotel rooms or camping trips can slip this into a bag easily.
Who should skip this
Anyone past the absolute beginner stage will quickly outgrow the 8-tone range. Serious students preparing for band or orchestra should start with at least a 13 or 15-tone model. Buyers looking for a display-worthy instrument will find this too small and toy-like in appearance.
How to Choose the Best Celesta for Your Needs?
Buying the best celesta comes down to matching the instrument to your playing context. A first grader needs something very different from an adult hobbyist, and a composer sketching film scores has yet another set of priorities. Here is how our team thinks through the decision.
Range and number of tones
The first thing to decide is how many notes you actually need. Beginner celesta-style instruments range from 8 tones to 37 tones in this category. If you want to play real celesta repertoire, even simplified versions, you need at least 25 tones. If you only want to introduce a child to pitch and melody, 8 to 15 tones is plenty.
Professional acoustic celestas like the Schiedmayer 5.5 octave Studio and the Yamaha CEL-56 cover five full octaves. None of the celesta-style instruments in our roundup reach that range, but the OGGTRV 37-tone option comes closer than the rest for players who want as much range as possible in this category.
Sound character and projection
Aluminum plate celestas produce a bright, bell-like tone with strong projection. This works well in noisy environments like classrooms and street performances, where a softer wooden voice would get lost. For home practice and quiet recording sessions, the brighter tone can feel thin compared to a true acoustic celesta.
If you plan to record, consider how the tone sits in a mix. Aluminum celestas cut through dense arrangements easily, but they can sound harsh if not EQ’d properly. Wooden resonator frames, like the TSTS Brick series, add a touch of warmth that softens the attack slightly.
Build quality and durability
For classroom and child use, prioritize instruments with anti-fall treatment, smooth polished edges, and reinforced frames. All eight celestas in our roundup meet basic durability standards, but the TSTS 25-Tone and 30-Tone Foldable models stood out for their heavier frame construction.
For home practice, durability matters less than tone. Choose based on how the instrument sounds in your specific room. Hard surfaces amplify the bright celesta tone, while carpets and curtains absorb some of the high-frequency sparkle.
Portability and storage
Celestas range from 500 grams to over 2 kilograms in this category. If you travel frequently, the TSTS 30-Tone Foldable is the clear winner because it collapses flat. For permanent home setups, weight is less important than tone and range.
Storage space matters more than most buyers realize. A 37-tone celesta needs a wide table or dedicated stand. Measure your space before ordering, especially if you plan to keep the instrument set up between sessions.
Budget and value
The celesta-style instruments in this roundup all sit in the affordable range. Our budget pick is the TSTS 8-Tone Rainbow for true beginners, our best value pick is the TSTS 13-Tone Blue for slightly more serious students, and our editor’s choice is the TSTS 25-Tone Aluminum Plate for the most complete beginner experience.
Remember that none of these celesta-style instruments replace a true acoustic celesta like the Schiedmayer or Yamaha lines. Those start in the five-figure range and require professional transport. If your budget allows for that level of investment, contact Schiedmayer or Yamaha directly. If you want to explore the celesta sound without that commitment, the instruments we reviewed are excellent starting points.
What Is a Celesta and How Does It Work?
A celesta is a struck idiophone keyboard instrument that looks like a small upright piano. Pressing a key lifts a felt hammer that strikes a tuned steel plate, with a damper pedal controlling sustain. The plates sit above wooden resonators that shape the volume and decay of each note. The result is a bell-like tone that rings longer than a glockenspiel but with less sustain than a piano.
The celesta is also a transposing instrument. It sounds one octave higher than written, which is why celesta parts in orchestral scores look like they sit in the middle of the keyboard but produce sounds much higher than expected. This transposing behavior is something pianists need to adjust to when they first play a celesta.
The instrument was invented by Auguste Mustel in Paris in 1886 and quickly adopted by composers like Tchaikovsky, who featured it prominently in The Nutcracker just five years later. Today only Schiedmayer in Germany manufactures acoustic celestas at scale, with Yamaha in Japan offering two models for the educational and orchestral market. The celesta-style instruments in our roundup are beginner-friendly alternatives that capture the essential tone character at a fraction of the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a celesta cost?
Professional acoustic celestas from Schiedmayer and Yamaha start around $20,000 and can reach $80,000 or more for flagship 5.5-octave Studio models. Used Schiedmayer and Yamaha celestas occasionally appear on the secondary market at lower prices, though condition and tuning history matter heavily. Beginner celesta-style instruments and aluminum plate pianos cost a small fraction of that, making them accessible for students and hobbyists.
What is the playing range of a celesta?
Most professional celestas cover 5 or 5.5 octaves. The Yamaha CEL-53 has 53 keys (4.5 octaves starting at C), while the Yamaha CEL-56 and Schiedmayer 5.5 Octave Studio models have 56 keys (5 full octaves starting at C). The celesta is a transposing instrument, sounding one octave higher than written. Beginner celesta-style instruments cover anywhere from 8 to 37 tones, which is enough for simplified repertoire and learning exercises.
Are celestas still made today?
Yes, celestas are still manufactured today, though by very few makers. Schiedmayer Celesta GmbH in Germany is the only major acoustic celesta manufacturer worldwide and has been making celestas since 1890. Yamaha produces two celesta models, the CEL-53 and CEL-56, primarily for educational and orchestral use. The original French maker Mustel ceased celesta production in 1975, though vintage Mustel instruments still appear on the used market.
Can a pianist play the celeste?
Yes, any pianist can play the celeste with minimal adjustment. The keyboard action is similar to a piano, though celestas often have a slightly lighter touch. The main adjustment is remembering that the celesta is a transposing instrument, sounding one octave higher than written. Pianists should also get used to the different pedal technique, since the celesta damper pedal behaves differently than a piano sustain pedal.
Does the celesta need to be tuned often?
Acoustic celestas with steel plates hold their tuning well compared to stringed instruments like pianos. Most professional celestas need tuning once or twice per year under normal playing conditions, though humidity and temperature swings can require more frequent attention. Schiedmayer and Yamaha both offer tuning services through their dealer networks. Beginner celesta-style instruments with aluminum plates rarely need professional tuning, though they can drift if exposed to extreme temperatures.
What are some famous celesta pieces?
Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker is the most famous celesta piece and essentially introduced the instrument to the orchestral repertoire. Other notable works include Mahler’s Sixth and Seventh Symphonies, Bartok’s Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, Holst’s The Planets, and Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. In film and popular music, celesta appears in countless soundtracks including John Williams’ scores for Harry Potter and Home Alone.
Final Verdict on the Best Celestas for 2026
After testing eight celesta-style instruments across a range of sizes and use cases, our team is confident that the best celestas in the beginner and intermediate category are no longer hard to find. The TSTS 25-Tone Aluminum Plate Celesta earns our editor’s choice for the most complete playing experience, the TSTS 13-Tone Blue delivers the best value for new students, and the TSTS 8-Tone Rainbow is the clear budget pick for anyone just starting out.
Whichever celesta-style instrument you choose, remember that these are stepping stones into the wider world of the celesta. If your playing grows beyond what aluminum plate pianos can offer, the Schiedmayer and Yamaha acoustic lines remain the gold standard for serious performers. For now, any of the eight best celestas we reviewed will give you a genuine taste of that signature bell-like sound without requiring a five-figure investment.
Ready to bring the celestial sound of the celesta into your home or studio? Start with the instrument that matches your current skill level and budget, and let your playing guide your next upgrade. Our recommendations above will serve you well as you explore one of the most distinctive voices in all of music.