Equipping the Next Generation: Brands in Our Band Rental Pool (12/31/2024)

At Ernie Williamson, we understand the importance of providing high-quality instruments to aspiring young musicians. Our rental pool is carefully curated to offer a range of options that cater to different skill levels and budgets, while always prioritizing performance and reliability.

We work closely and communicate openly with each manufacturer we carry to pass along feedback and ensure that every instrument we carry is one we stand behind. Before adding a new brand to our rental pool, instruments are tested and evaluated by our expert repair team, and we routinely seek feedback from area directors.

Every instrument we carry must meet or exceed our standards for playability, durability, tone quality, and appearance. Manufacturers must also be able to provide replacement parts to ensure repairs are possible when needed.

Even after a manufacturer has been added to our approved list, each shipment is inspected and tested for quality to ensure that the instruments we carry are ones that our area band programs would be proud to have in their students' hands.

Let's take a look at some of the brands available for our band rentals

Eastman Winds

This family of brands, which additionally manufacturers Eastman, Haynes, Shires, Willson, Malletech, and Laskey has a widely respected reputation for quality design and craftsmanship. As an extraordinarily diverse company, Eastman is highly regarded for creating some of the finest musical instruments and accessories, and stands at the forefront of the creative development and marketing of instruments heard around the globe. Eastman's growing reputation for excellence lies in the talent and accomplishment of its designers, makers, and company philosophy, an integral part of the long and storied history of one of the most fascinating musical traditions the world has known.

The Backun brand of clarinets is especially well-respected as a top instrument brand. Backun clarinets are known for their excellent intonation, ensuring accurate tuning across the instrument's range, and their responsive action, allowing for precise articulation and control. Like many brands within the Eastman family, Backun constantly innovates, incorporating advanced techniques and technologies into their instruments

Cannonball

Cannonball Musical Instruments are known for their innovative designs and superior quality control.  This brand built its reputation as a world-class manufacturer of hand-made saxophones and has since expanded its offerings to include a variety of high-quality student instruments. Manufactured in Taiwan, finished instruments are shipped to the Cannonball facility in Sandy, Utah where each woodwind is re-regulated and checked for a perfect seal, among other technical duties. Each trumpet and trombone is checked for perfect working order. This attention to detail ensures that Cannonball musical instruments are consistent in playability and workmanship.

 Di Zhao Flutes

Di Zhao flutes are known for their quality, affordability, and smooth key action. Di Zhao Flutes was founded in 2006 with the goal of producing the world’s finest student flutes. After two decades in the music industry, Di Zhao recognized the need for a high quality and affordable instrument that would help young musicians around the world achieve their dreams. To provide a top-quality instrument for young musicians is to secure the future of music; these words have become the company’s guiding principle across all endeavors.

 Carol Brass Trumpets

CarolBrass trumpets are unique because they are handcrafted in Taiwan by skilled artisans using premium materials and are known for their value and quality.  The company also produces their own valve blocks, which are used by other manufacturers around the world - this means that even if you're not familiar with the CarolBrass name, if you've played trumpets from other major manufacturers, you may have already experienced the CarolBrass quality valve blocks without realizing it! 

John Packer

UK-based company, John Packer Musical Instruments are international designers, manufacturers and suppliers of woodwind & brass instruments popular with professional and amateur musicians alike. JP has been making instrumets for over two decades. This brand was founded with the purpose of providing students to quality instruments at an affordable price point.  Their student-level instruments are beginner-friendly and offer quality unrivaled at this entry-level price point. 

Yamaha 

Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, Yamaha instruments are a favorite among educators and students alike. Yamaha is known for its precision in manufacturing and high-quality materials, ensuring that each instrument is built to high standards. Their instruments are built to withstand regular use and maintain their sound quality over time. In essence, Yamaha's dedication to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship, ensures that their instruments are reliable, durable, and produce a great sound, making them a popular choice among musicians worldwide

 Jupiter, CXL, and Mapex 

This family of brand, distributed by KHS America are known for being affordable, durable, and well-suited for students and beginners, while still offering decent quality and features that can cater to more experienced players. Jupiter instruments offer a good balance of quality and affordability, making them a popular choice for students and schools. They are known for being durable and reliable, able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use, especially for beginners. Jupiter instruments often incorporate ergonomic features, making them comfortable and easy to play, especially for young or developing musicians.

Conn-Selmer

The Conn Selmer portfolio includes some of the most respected brands in the industry.  These brands have been a staple in band rooms for decades and can be relied upon to provide quality and durability for students across a wide range of instrument options.