Start your music journey!
The world of music is like a journey, but for newcomers setting out on their own, the path is often filled with unknowns and risks. Tom Lee Music supports beginners with practical guides on avoiding fakes, choosing instruments, and smart purchasing, helping you take your first steady steps on your musical path!
The instrument market is complex, making it risky for beginners to choose their first purchase. Recently, Tom Lee Music has found unauthorized sellers posing as our brand on e-commerce platforms, and some customers have reported losses from buying through unofficial channels.
Avoid "Fake Goods" Traps: Three Tricks to Spot Fakes!
Read MoreTrick 1: Check the Appearance and Markings
Brand Labels
Examine the printing or engraving of the brand logo and trademarks. Genuine products feature clear, neat, and uniform materials, while counterfeits often appear blurred, misaligned, or made of cheap materials.
Serial Number
Locate the serial number on the instrument body or label. Authentic serial numbers follow a standard format, are clearly engraved, and can be verified on the brand’s official website. Counterfeits often lack a serial number or have invalid codes.
Craftsmanship Details
Carefully inspect seams, finish, buttons, knobs, and other details. Genuine products exhibit fine workmanship with no residue or obvious flaws. Counterfeits are often poorly made, with rough edges, and may even involve harmful chemicals during production, posing significant health risks.
Packaging and Accessories
Confirm whether included accessories (such as cases, picks, tuners, straps, cables, manuals, etc.) are original. Counterfeit accessories are typically low-quality or generic substitutes. Genuine packaging is sturdy with clear printing and includes complete official documents such as warranty cards and user manuals. Missing or poorly made documents are a major red flag.
Trick 2: Evaluate Sound Quality and Feel
Basic Tuning and Resonance
Even entry-level genuine instruments should maintain stable tuning, produce even tones, and have good resonance. Be highly cautious if the sound feels dry, scattered, or has noticeable noise when playing.
Playability and Handling
Components such as keys, tuning pegs, and slides should operate smoothly and evenly. Sticking, looseness, or unusual resistance may indicate substandard craftsmanship.
Trick 3: Be Wary of Unreasonable Pricing
Pricing Traps
Instrument manufacturing has a baseline cost. If the price is significantly lower than the general market rate, it may indicate a counterfeit, refurbished, or defective product—often accompanied by risks.
Reliable Channels
Prioritize purchasing from the brand’s official stores or authorized dealers. Exercise caution with individual sellers or unauthorized shops that cannot provide proper proof of purchase or clear after-sales policies.
Starting your musical journey requires a trusted partner. Tom Lee Music, as a musical instrument retailer rooted in Asia for over half a century, is not just a supplier of instruments—we are dedicated to promoting music culture.
Read MoreWe provide unparalleled, comprehensive protection for every music enthusiast, especially for you who are picking up an instrument for the first time!
Trusted Reputation
- Founded in 1953, we have grown to become one of the largest full-line music retailers in all of South East Asia., trusted by music lovers, educational institutions, and professional musicians alike.
100% Authentic Products
- As an authorized dealer of world-renowned brands, all products are imported directly through the official brand factory, ensuring full traceability from factory to storefront and carrying official brand quality certification.
Comprehensive After-Sales Care
- We offer instrument tuning, repair, maintenance, and warranty services, eliminating any post-purchase worries for our customers. All our technicians undergo rigorous training by major manufacturers, guaranteeing high-quality maintenance and repair services.
Wide Selection, One-Stop Shop
- We offer a complete range of products, from pianos, digital keyboards, and orchestral instruments to percussion, guitars, amplifiers, and audio equipment. You'll also find all necessary supporting items—including sheet music, accessories, production gear, and teaching materials—for a true one-stop shopping experience.
Here we provide recommendations for beginner musical instrument models that have been carefully selected based on sound quality, playability, value for money, and long-term practice suitability. These models are ideal choices for those starting their musical journey.
If you have any questions, feel free to visit any Tom Lee Music branch, where our friendly staff will be happy to provide professional advice.
