At Music Makers our mission has always been to support music education and serve the local music community. Whether it’s through private lessons, quality musical instruments, or expert repairs, we’re here to help musicians thrive. But over the past few years, a major challenge has quietly taken center stage: tariffs on musical instruments.
These tariffs, though not always visible to customers, have a real and lasting effect on small businesses like ours. From increased costs to supply chain delays, the impact ripples through every part of what we do.
What Are Tariffs on Musical Instruments?
10% Tariffs have been placed on goods imported from other countries. 145% total tariffs on Chinese goods (as of 4/17/25). For the music industry, that means extra fees on items like violins from China, brass instruments from Europe, or even reeds and strings. These costs hit before the instrument ever reaches our store.
“For example, while the share of all U.S. imports from China is 13.4%, the music products industry’s China imports are 43%. Vietnam is 4.2% overall, while the music products industry is 26%.” – Music Inc Magazine
While larger retailers might absorb these costs or shift production, small businesses like ours don’t have that luxury. We rely on a carefully selected lineup of trusted brands. When tariffs hit those products, it directly affects our prices, margins, and ability to serve our customers affordably.
Higher Prices, Tougher Decisions
One immediate result of these tariffs is higher prices. Instruments, accessories, and repair parts all cost more. We’ve worked hard to keep our prices fair, but the rising import fees add pressure.
We don’t want families to have to choose between affordability and quality. That’s why we’re being transparent about the changes and continue to look for the best solutions. Unfortunately, some customers feel the pinch, especially those just starting out. A student trumpet that once cost $650 may now be closer to $900. Another painful example is that pads for woodwind instrument keys have tripled in cost. That’s a big jump for families on a budget.
Supply Chain Disruptions
Tariffs also complicate the supply chain. In many cases, manufacturers slow down production or shift facilities to avoid extra costs. That creates delays and shortages. We’ve already seen this when it comes to ordering an instrument. Instruments we could once restock in a few weeks might now take months or more to arrive.
This isn’t just inconvenient. It affects music teachers, school programs, and students preparing for performances or just starting out in music. If we don’t have what someone needs, they lose valuable time and momentum or they take their business to bigger retailers like Amazon. As a small business, we pride ourselves on being responsive and reliable. Tariffs make that harder.
Impact on Our Repair Services
It’s not just new instruments that are affected. Tariffs on musical instruments also impact our repair shop. Many repair parts—like pads, springs, and screws, instrument specific replacement parts—come from overseas. When their costs go up, so does the cost of repairs.
We never cut corners. But we do have to evaluate whether we can continue offering certain services at the same rates. Our three professional technicians work hard to keep instruments in top shape. But when parts cost more and delivery times increase, their job becomes more complicated. We want to make sure that even as prices rise, our quality remains unmatched.
Supporting Local Matters More Than Ever
During times like this, local support makes a huge difference. Buying from Music Makers helps us weather these challenges. We reinvest in our community. We hire local technicians. We support school music programs. Every instrument we sell and every lesson we teach builds a stronger music scene and economy in Castle Rock.
Big box stores and online retailers may offer slightly lower prices, but they don’t provide local service, personalized advice, or long-term support. And unlike us, they often adjust quickly by offloading lower quality gear or mass-produced items that don’t last.
What We’re Doing About It
We’ve taken several steps to adapt:
- We’re looking for alternative suppliers to source parts and instruments not affected by high tariffs.
- We’re working more closely with domestic manufacturers when possible.
- We’re adjusting our inventory to offer more affordable used options. (see our Marketplace!)
- If prices are higher or something is out of stock, we’ll do our best to find a solution and work with you on cost.
What you can do:
- Allow us more time to get parts and do your repairs.
- Bring in your instrument repairs now to ensure the best price.
- Consider renting an instrument before buying one. (Our Rental Program has so many benefits!)
- Purchase that upgraded instrument you’ve been debating.
- Donate your old musical instruments to be added to the Institute for learning.
The CIOMIT Connection
Our sister organization, the Colorado Institute of Musical Instrument Technology, also feels the impact. As a training ground for future repair techs, CIOMIT uses real parts and tools for education. Rising costs make it harder to stock what students need and increase the cost of education. Our mission to train the next generation of repair technicians depends on access to quality materials. So tariffs don’t just affect what we sell today—they shape the future of music repair.
Music Shouldn’t Be a Casualty
Music brings people together. It inspires creativity, builds confidence, and offers joy. But it also relies on access. Access to affordable instruments, repairs, and education. Tariffs on musical instruments threaten that access.
We’re doing everything we can to keep music in reach for our community. We’ll continue to fight rising costs with creativity and commitment. But we also need your support. When you shop with us, take lessons, or bring in your instrument for repair, you’re helping a local business thrive despite the obstacles.
And next time you hear about tariffs, you’ll know—they’re not just headlines. They’re real challenges that affect real people who care deeply about music.