Musical Instruments? Would you bring them along with your cosplay?

[green_with_Envy]

I searched for a thread like this, and either one doesn't exist or I FAIL at searching topic -_- I wouldn't doubt it is the latter, so forgive me if it is.

Have you ever or would you ever bring a musical instrument to a convention? Like, say the character you cosplay is a musician, as well as yourself... would you take the chance of bringing your instrument to a convention so as to maybe show off or add to your costume?

I've seen several people with ocarinas, and they are pretty convinient to carry around.

I guess I'm asking, other than small, relatively inexpensive instruments, would you bring yours?


^^; I'm starting cello lessons at the beginning of next month, and I hope to get at least one Eternal Sonata song down pat so that I could play it dressed up as March ^_^;;

[Kirara_Power]

People who can play their characters instruments and bring their instrument along to conventions are full of that much more win than normal cosplayers.

[kenshin-chan64]

I've seen saxophones and flutes, but they are a bit more durable than a cello. Personally, I would bring it if it wasn't my primary instrument (like the crappy back-up you may have for when your primary one is indisposed). The instrument would have to be my own too, I wouldn't even bring a school horn to a con, those things are beaten up enough as it is.

For you and your cello, I wouldn't bring it souly as a prop. Cellos are just too large and fragile to be trusted in crowded hallways with people who know nothing about instrument safety. If you are dead set, check out your con. I've seen cons where they have a room set aside for people to play instruments, kind of like a small walk in theater. They allow people to show off musical talents, so maybe you can do that. You can also use it during personal photo shoots, my only concern for you and anyone else that wants to bring an instrument is the lack of knowledge other con goers have.

My two cents :) And PS. you know of any characters out there that play the tuba? :D (highly doubting it)

[green_with_Envy]

I know there's a character in Eternal Sonata NAMED Tuba XD He's a jerk though -_-

Oh lordy no, I would not bring it solely as a prop. I would maybe bring it on Sunday. I would scout out a spot and a time of day beforehand ^_^ Ya know, this is all assuming I can at least string together some notes by AWA ^^;;

[Nooby Banana]

If I found a character I like that played the flute, I would TOTALLY bring my flute to the con. ^__^ It's always nice to see cosplayers that can play the same instrument as their character. I'm planning a Soul Eater Evans costume, and he can play the piano (as can I). But seeing as pianos are... frickin huge... I doubt I'll be able to drag one to the con. xD

[Kyte27]

I'd definitely bring an instrument with me if my character plays one. I might even bring one even if my cosplay character doesn't XD I'd go around, playing some themes I know and maybe an opening/ending sonf of the anime I'm from and all lol

[green_with_Envy]

That's what I want to do >_< Seeing as how there might possibly be an Eternal Sonata group at AWA, I would love to learn at least one of the songs from the game and play it, even though March doesn't play an instrument.

I would love to see a Viola cosplayer playing a viola XD

[HentaiNoTenshi]

I've brought my tenor saxophone to conventions and played it while dressing as Battle Angel Alita on a few occasions. It's a lot of fun, but make sure you either have a durable instrument or a corner you can sit in for a while to protect your instrument if it's fragile.

[green_with_Envy]

I'm reall enjoying everyone's input on the matter ^^ For some reason, I expected most of the comments to be more towards the idea of NOT doing it.

So, anyone have any pictures? ^_^

[Yuko]

It sounds like a neat idea, but I have to agree with those who brought up string instruments. No. Just...no. They're too fragile to bring in crowds, and if something happened to it, even relatively minor, I would cry my eyes out.

My clarinet, though. It's a tough ol' thing. I probably wouldn't mind dragging that near as much.

[Schuldig_]

If the costume called for it, then I'd bring it, just like any other prop. However, I wouldn't bring my own instrument - props can get ruined in big crowds, and to have that happen to something like a violin or flute... :lost: I'd rather make a prop instrument and bring that.

Then again, I'm a pianist, so the chances of me bringing my instrument to any con at all are rather miniscule. :)

[k4is3rxkh40s]

Go for it, all the way. Im gonna be bringing 2 guitars this year to Sakura-Con and probably Aki-Con, too. Although in these cases, Im gonna be playing musicians, but bring them along all the same.

[Crusader_8]

I've done it before, I'd do it again. BECK is an awesome reason to bring guitars to a convention; also I wouldn't bring an instrument if I wasn't cosplaying. (Some people bring instruments just to kind of draw small gatherings or just play in a corner and I feel that detracts from the experience, even though I talk to some of them and they're pretty awesome).

[Tiltedmoons]

If I played the instrument already, than yes. No way would I learn a new instrument just for cosplay. I respect people that do; but I don't have the time nor energy available to commit to such a thing.

[Andrea]

I've definitely considered carrying one of my guitars around when I'm Hiro or Klavier. As Klavier, specifically so I could serenade my girlfriend while she's cosplaying Ema, and she could try to look exasperated instead of laughing. :D

And I'm horribly tempted to ask my mom to quick teach me a simple song on piano before ACen, since I'll be cosplaying hobo-esque pianist Phoenix Wright from Apollo Justice, and I know the Hyatt sometimes has pianos sitting around...

[The_Ninja]

Much as being able to play a musical instrument in character would be sweet, I would not. There's too much risk of something happening, and it's been my general experience that people who don't play instruments don't realize how fragile they can be, or how expensive to replace.

*has mental image of a fangirl glomp resulting in an instrument dropped on the floor*

*shudder*

[darklynx]

I know my friend does it quite a bit, as he only plays sax at conventions. For the most part, durable is great, and so are synthetic reeds to add onto that.

For myself, I've brought an instrument to a con(note, having a balalaika will get you noticed) and had a lot of fun and it opened up a lot of things. Apart from that though, you do have to be more than careful seeing as I had one guy run into the headstock of my bass and then a girl fell on my balalaika... If anything, with something as expensive and temperamental as a cello, you'd have to pretty much always be on the lookout.

If anything though, I would love to play an instrument a character I might cosplay does! But none of the ones I'm interested in play brass or strings, so I'd have to break that bit to play the Horn or such, but it'd be worth it.

[green_with_Envy]

Glad this thread survived overnight!

I myself am not learning the cello just for cosplay. Really, cosplay has nothing to do with it ^^ I've wanted to learn for a few years now, and I finally have an oppertunity.

Whenever I eventually cosplay Link though, I will learn Ocarina just for that ^^

ince I haven't started lessons, I am still debating on whether or not I'm going to bring my cello. Like I said, I'd probably bring it on Sunday, when the crowds are more or less dead ^^

[Bofa]

My only heed would to be careful with said instrument, for my Majora's Mask cosplay I just bought a plastic ocarina for it. Just in case there is a nudge, push, etc... or if I decided to try and toss it in the air an catch it (erm >>)

For something bigger possibly try it out for half the con day, as in have somewhere to store it (car, hotel room) if it starts to become a hassle or painful to lug around. Other then that best of musical happiness toward you!

[Uchiha0heir]

I've brought my flute to a con before, but someone wanted to see it, dropped it, and gave the headjoint an enormous dent. I was pretty pissed.

It's okay if you bring it, but just make sure that you don't let others that you don't trust all that much take them. Use a backup instrument, and be prepared for people wanting to snatch them and run around. I think larger instruments don't have that problem...but just keep an eye out for clumsy idiots.

[PeaceOfMind]

I would love to play my trumpet at a con, but I don't know of any characters who play it.

[PurpleDuckie]

Well I can't play anything *isn't musically gifted* but if I could I would probably only have it out for a little while. Things are so easily lost, stolen and broken at cons that I wouldn't risk an expensive instrument D:

[Umika]

well if i ever found a character with a trumpet then i totally would lol

[Itachi/Lfanatic]

this isn't me, but I did see a Vizard Ichigo last year at Neb'kon playing a Link Flute (Brother/Inuyasha theme he played) does that count as an instrument? ;)

[screamedwhisper]

I have thought about bringing my violin to cosplay Hotaru from Sailor Moon. And, that would be much more epic if I had a violin-playing Michiru as well. :D

[Curucar]

I've brought my flute (and bassoon and piccolo in two seperate cases) to several cons, but I would NEVER go around and play them in the open halls or anything. I'm part of this wierd little quartet (http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3479/1758707.jpg) and we often find out-of-the-way corners to set up camp and play for an hour or so in.

[MochaValentino]

In a word: YES!!

I plan on it in the future when I do Grencia from Cowboy Bebop. And maybe when I do someone from Kingdom Hearts I'll bring my alto and play the Traverse Town theme :D

[Sesshomaru 12]

2nd YES!

Im planning on bringing my violin and playing anime and video game songs at Fanime XD!

Im not cosplaying any characters whose prop is a violin but how does these combos sound?
-Vincent Valentine with a violin
-Yuki Cross with a violin

[green_with_Envy]

This all sounds so great! It's wonderful hearing everyone's opinions and experiences on the matter!

I really hope I can catch on with the cello. I mean, I have an IMMENSE passion to play it, I just hope I have the musical talent to do such ^^;

[MochaValentino]

Im not cosplaying any characters whose prop is a violin but how does these combos sound?
-Vincent Valentine with a violin


Wouldn't that be....kind of hard? Y'know, with a claw and all? (Not saying it wouldn't be epic ;) )

[darklynx]

I really hope I can catch on with the cello. I mean, I have an IMMENSE passion to play it, I just hope I have the musical talent to do such ^^;

The best advice I can give you is probably do lots of rhythm work, train your ears, and keeping a straight bow. I could probably say more, but I'm tired.

[ragingphoxx]

If you have a hard case, they you might be fine bringing it on a sunday, just make sure you don't lay it down in any areas that might have ANY traffic (I've had a couple broken bridges from things like that.) There is also a character Turmeric from A Little Snow Fairy, Sugar that plays the cello as well.

Cello Power!!!

XD

(I am such a nerd)

[StrawberrySiren]

i've been wanting to do a nana cosplay so i can bring my guitar. and i had this great idea for this past katsucon but i couldn't get the costume. ouran high school host club cosplay while "serenading" people? neh? neh?

with one of my guitars, i let people sign it and write whatever (except for profanities since sometimes i need to bring it to school. my other acoustic is an esteban. which sounds HORRIBLE.) i've always wanted to bring it to a con since whenever my friends and i get tired and someone has a guitar, we end up singing random songs and having a hell of a time. i probably won't do this until i get a new case though. i'd really like a hard shell one.

[KillaBeeSwarm]

I would love to play my trumpet at a con, but I don't know of any characters who play it.

well if i ever found a character with a trumpet then i totally would lol

Kazuki Hihara from La Corda D'Oro
Pazu the main character from Castle in the Sky
Salt from Little Snow Fairy Sugar
Poppu Harukaze from Ojamajo Doremi

[green_with_Envy]

Oh my goodness, there would be no way I'd leave it laying anywhere XD Like, I'm sure I'm gonna be so obsessive over it that I won't take my hands off it if I end up bringing it to the con ^^;

And thanks for the advice on playing ^^ I've been obsessivly watching lessons on YouTube, and watching and listening to ALOT of cello videos and songs. I'm trying to get to the point that I can identify the notes that are being played. I'm failing so far -_-, but I'm slowly being able to tell which string is being played on. That's a start I guess! <3

[livvylove]

I haven't played my T-Bone since '99 so I doubt I'm any good, now another cosplayer I know that went to school with me in my section is probably still amazing and since she goes to all the cons I go to I wouldn't want her to hear how bad I got over the years. I use to also play the flute for fun because it was my best friend at the times main instrument and she taught me. I could probably play at a 7th grader level ><;

If it was a small thing like a flute or piccolo, maybe a sax because it has a strap and you don't have to carry it everywhere. Something like a Chello, idono if I would do that unless I was amazing at it.

[Tabby Catty]

I did for my Tayuya cosplay and even though I never seen a Gerudo with a flute, for NMAC for the talent competition for Mr. and Mrs. NMAC I will probably play some Zelda songs, but yeah, the only thing is that they considered my flute a weapon so I had to stow it in it's case inside, but outside, they didn't mind! I even made three dollars and a box of pocky off of it!

[green_with_Envy]

XD I never thought of an instrument being considered a weapon XD I'd die if someone came up to me and told me to put away my cello or ocarina lest I kill someone with it X3

[sakubambu]

I actually would! And now... I'm pretty much considering it.
If I ever lose my train tickets during an expo, I could attempt to busk!

[green_with_Envy]

That's what I wanna do XD Like, if I ever get really good at the cello, I want to bring my case along with me and play for donations XD JUST to see if it really happens.

[Creative Genius]

I wouldn't bring anything bigger than an ocarina or a flute.
I cosplayed Reita from the gazette who plays bass guitar. I have a bass...but no way will I bring it to a convention because if it broke I'd be devistated

[Uchiha0heir]

Has anyone seen the people who do bring instruments to cons but can't play them?

[Yazoo_the_Kazoo]

I play the trombone.
If you find anyone in anime who plays trombone, please alert me right away, because that would totally make my day. XD
I once had a running joke with my someone in my section about Reno seeming like he would be a trombone player (he has that... "trombone attitude" AKA being really ridiculous and full of yourself).
I doubt I'd bring my trombone to a con with me. I'm very protective of it. XD Maybe I'd bring my old junky one, but trombones can be sort of loud an obnoxious and I can't really justify bringing it "just cuz."

[makki]

I have thought about bringing an ocarina along to Acen with me. Even though I will be cosplaying as Uzumaki Naruto, I think it will be fun planing sadness and sorrow and just being able to relax and play music

[Nevturiel]

You guys frighten me with all this bring-my-instrument-to-cons talk.

I have what is considered a cheap Fox Renard bassoon, and it was $3000. I wouldn't dream of bringing it to a con for fear of the damage that could be caused, even in its hard case - and obviously, I can't afford a back-up. My cousin's french horn got an expensive dent in one of the tuning slides because he put it behind his seat in the car. When he got behind the wheel and scooted back the seat, the pressure of the front and back seat dented the horn through the case. So it could get damaged regardless of whether it's in a case or not.

I'm currently working as a sales associate for a company that sells band instruments, and this year alone (as in January-March) we've had to replace four instruments have been stolen from our customers. Most of these were smaller instruments that are easy to conceal, such as clarinets and flutes. In a con setting I imagine it would be pretty easy to run off with a small instrument.

Finally, instruments are loud. Especially brass ones. Not everyone who stays at a hotel during a convention is going to that particular convention. It would be awfully rude to play in the halls, even if you were only playing around rooms that were hosting the con. There might be an interesting panel happening, but the people inside can't hear the speaker because some jerk is blasting out the Bleach opening credits music outside the door.

The only situation where I would even consider bringing a real instrument is for a skit or "mini recital," where I would put it in the case and take it back up to my hotel room as soon as I was finished playing. Or possibly a photoshoot if I knew that I wouldn't get glomped before or after.

Sorry if I seem so pessimistic. I have seen too many incidents where valuable equipment has been damaged by thoughtless people. Just remember that if you do decide to bring an instrument to a convention, you are the one who's going to have to pay for any damages done to it.

[codeblackhayate]

Personally, I wouldn't carry anything to a convention unless it was expendable or there were a safe place to stash it (like an at con room). Instruments look cool and all (extra points if they're actually played well, and not just for show), but crazy things seem to happen at cons (theft, random battles, extreme glomping, etc) that could trash a $500-$3000 instrument. Also, they tend to get heavy and cumbersome when trying to navigate crowded areas.

[CapsuleCorp]

I have had my guitar along for a VERY close friend who was dressed as Hiro (Gravitation) to carry since...without the guitar, the costume was very unremarkable. I think we have pics from CostumeCon. But it was a special case - I trust this friend more than anything, we were at a convention full of mainly adults, and it wasn't to be played. I would be less likely to repeat that at any anime con, because even though my guitar only cost me $300 back in the day, I still don't want it damaged. It was difficult enough finding safe places to set it when we weren't posing for photos and/or were trying to have some fun.

Generally I'm with Nevturiel on all instruments larger than an ocarina and more expensive than an Epiphone Les Paul Special with out-of-tune strings. Doubly so if you think you're going to play it. Such a thing might be brilliant for a masquerade presentation, but not so much in the halls.

[Benihime78]

If the costume called for it, then I'd bring it, just like any other prop. However, I wouldn't bring my own instrument - props can get ruined in big crowds, and to have that happen to something like a violin or flute... :lost: I'd rather make a prop instrument and bring that.

Then again, I'm a pianist, so the chances of me bringing my instrument to any con at all are rather miniscule. :)

Several hotels where there are cons have pianos in the lobby. People are always playing music on them. After one con, my friend's mom(who was chilling in the lobby near a piano) was saying "If I hear one more song by The Beatles....." as we were walking towards the car XD.

Personally, I love it when people play music at cons. I've always had a weakness for instruments like violins, harps, pianos, and flutes, but never learned to play, so I just sit and listen when people play. It really adds to the cosplay and is very fun/soothing to watch. As long as their instrument isn't harmed though- that would seriously suck. Besides, if they stay in a less-crowded, quieter hall their pretty music is more likely to be heard.:)

[EgnirysFaye]

I remember one person playing the cello last year at a con - unfortunetly, not sure who they were cosplaying as o.o if they were cosplaying at all. They were just sitting at a quiet little corner playing...

But anyway - I play the violin and have been doing so for many years, and had used it for one cosplay (Lestat de Lioncourt) in my pictures. But when I wore the cosplay to the convention I didn't bring my violin....we had enough luggage already when we were trying to make room in the van and I didn't want to worry about my instrument. Other factors included not desiring to bang it against anything or poke someone eyes out, and the fact that I was already carrying a lot of things and if I needed to pose suddenly it might be tricky. Even if I had brought it and stood around to play for awhile, I think it would bother my friends since they would have to wait around for me lol or we would split then find each other later somehow.

And also one should consider that stringed-instruments require attention, such as waxing the bow string and the inability to play during the hot summer months, especially outdoors.

But hey, if someone wants to go ahead and use an instrument then awesome for them! I think playing instruments for a masq is quite interesting too. You just have to be careful with the instrument, and realize that if it was a bigger or high-maintanencet, to be prepared. (though small ones shouldn't be that bad) It is true that there are people out there that can be careless around instruments, or even desire to steal them.

For pictures, I do find instruments especially nice. It can really look artistic looking!

However, not to be all antsy and everything, but if you do plan to take an instrument with you and play it...make sure you play well. I know it would sound kind of ansty for me to say but think, you wouldn't want someone somewhere playing something and it's loud and screechy. Hurts a person's ears and can cause embarassement for the player. Finding out you played horribly in public is not fun! *shudder* Oh, the memory of the time when I was 11years old.

[_jedi]

I've brought my flute to conventions the past few years.
It's a great way to meet people, actually, and one year it payed for my dinner haha ...

I say go ahead and bring your instrument. Well ... so long as you are well aware of the risk of it getting damaged or stolen. You really have to keep it with you AT ALL TIMES, ALWAYS IN PLAIN VIEW, ALSO SECURELY FASTENED TO YOU.
I had my flute case rubber-banded shut and tied around me while I wasn't playing.

If a cosplayer is cosplaying a character who plays an instrument ... and then it turns out the cosplayer actually knows how to play it ..!! Fantastic.
Love it.

[Uchiha0heir]

I've brought my flute to conventions the past few years.
It's a great way to meet people, actually, and one year it payed for my dinner haha ...

I say go ahead and bring your instrument. Well ... so long as you are well aware of the risk of it getting damaged or stolen. You really have to keep it with you AT ALL TIMES, ALWAYS IN PLAIN VIEW, ALSO SECURELY FASTENED TO YOU.
I had my flute case rubber-banded shut and tied around me while I wasn't playing.

If a cosplayer is cosplaying a character who plays an instrument ... and then it turns out the cosplayer actually knows how to play it ..!! Fantastic.
Love it.

How did you manage to keep annoying, unwanted hands away from it?

[ayumuouji]

I don't think I've seen a cosplayer playing an instrument at a con... I think it'd be cool as long as they were decent and not causing problems (playing too loud, annoying people, blocking the flow of traffic).

As for myself, I'm of two minds. I play a couple of instruments--violin, viola, piano, guitar. The first three I wouldn't ever bring near a con unless I had a real gig there. My electric keyboard is 88-keys. It's not that heavy for it's size, but it's... really long and awkward to carry, even in its bag. My violin and viola are expensive, fragile, and have lots of sentimental value to me. If they were broken or stolen... I'd pretty much have a break down. Been there done that with my acoustic guitar before, don't want to repeat that. Again, leaving my nice guitars at home, for the same reasons.

However, I am customising/fixing/ruining (depends on your view) an old mini Strat so I can bring a guitar with me... Which reminds me, I need to go check out battery amps. Dork that I am, I know some of the songs that go along with the jrock costumes I want to do, and I can't resist the temptation.

Of course, I'll probably too self-concious to play much... I'm decent but I'm sure as hell not a pro. Plus, I wouldn't want to annoy other con-goers or block a hallway or something.

[Garen]

My blockflute lives in my bag normally anyway... If I were to come up with an excuse to incorporate it into a cosplay, I'd totally do exactly that, and save leaving it in the hotel room. It's a $10 piece of crap anyway, but I like it, it sounds pretty, and I've had people tell me that I play well.

I can't think of any characters that play a blockflute or recorder though...

(Note: My definition of blockflute is a recorder whose owner takes him/herself a little too seriously, and/or wishes to distinguish him/herself from the multitudes of schoolchildren who are forced to learn "Mary Had a Little Lamb" in music class.)

[yoko102308]

I would totally bring my instrument! I play Alto Sax & Flute. (Can play more instruments but mainly those two) Later this year I am going to cosplay as Kairi and play Kingdom Hearts music. (Hikari,ect) DUDE. That thing would STAY DUCK-TAPED TO ME. My instrument is my other half. I would cry if ANYTHING happened to it. Me & George Jr are FAMILY.

Why yes, I did name my instrument too.

[liger0sniper]

I would love to take an instrument with me to a con... except, I realized that I always chose large, clunky, fragile-ish instruments -.- (alto sax, bassoon, & piano). Man, if someone broke a reed for my bassoon, that'd be baad D:

[srs_bizness]

I depends on how expensive/portable said instrument is. In general, I'm not too keen on accessories, as they're a pain to carry around, and are likely to be forgotten.

A cello is a rather large instrument, and (in my opinion) too likely to get damaged. I guess it all depends on how much looking cool is worth to you ^^

[CrystalNeko]

Lol... I just had a funny image of me trying to push my piano along at a convention centre ROFL! At least I can sit on it whenever I'm tired xDDD

Okay, piano's VERY unrealistic. I mainly play the violin, I have 2. Only for a special case, e.g. a group of La Corda d'Oro cosplayers that would like to do a duet/trio/etc would I bring my main violin which cost £1500/$3000!!! I'd quite happily lug my other violin which cost £50/$100 though lol, it's kinda broken already so it wouldn't matter TOO much xD [one of the pegs are loose because it's badly made, it won't tune properly D<] - that being said I keep on considering bringing my main violin along cause I just want to play it LOL! One day... one day when I do my La Corda cosplay!! I wouldn't mind bringing my guitar around either since it wasn't all that expensive [£100/$200 roughly]. My recorder is a definite yes LOL, I don't think it'll be that hard to maintain xDD. Keyboard's out of the question too for obvious reasons xD

Of course if I bring an instrument they'd be kept safely in their cases unless it's for a photoshoot, if people want a pic WITH the instrument, to entertain people xDD

[faeryl1106]

Uhmm I personally have no musical aptitude but I've seen this done plenty of times before - I think cosplayer's who bring musical instrument's with them as part of the costume ( Like Link's Ocarina) have a neat idea and I think it's a nice touch to a costume as long as it works. Actually I recall seeing a youtube video of this girl cosplaying link and playing the flute as part of a masquerade skit - very creative!

[Cora]

Having studied violin for about 15 years, I would highly advise against taking an instrument so fragile and easily affected by the environment it's in. Maybe if it was part of a stage performance for masq, but no. Definitely not for randomly wandering around.

For me, personally, taking an instrument would be an added, unnecessary worry. I would only ever use it in a photoshoot close to home where there aren't many people. Conventions have a lot of people everywhere, and only people who have played an instrument for any amount of time are going to understand how to treat them with respect.

Instruments are fragile and expensive, and don't belong at a convention unless you're part of the musical guests of honor :\

[Hee-Hee]

While it DEFINITELY depends on the type of instument, I'd totally take mine. Don't mind other's opinions like Cora's-- violins do seem rather temperamental. But I would LOVE to find a character that played the Oboe; I'd take mine in a heartbeat and make a pseudo-reed so I wouldn't have to worry about chipping my personal ones.

I also don't think its irresponsible to take an instrument with you either, as long as you know how to take care of it. Keep it in the case unless you're taking photos with it (or playing it, depending on why you have it with you in the first place), take proper cleaning supplies just as you would any other time, and don't let other people fiddle with it.

[Cora]

While it DEFINITELY depends on the type of instument, I'd totally take mine. Don't mind other's opinions like Cora's-- violins do seem rather temperamental. But I would LOVE to find a character that played the Oboe; I'd take mine in a heartbeat and make a pseudo-reed so I wouldn't have to worry about chipping my personal ones.

String instruments are fragile, and I would not for anything in the world submit an instrument that I care about to an environment or situation where it is around a lot of people who don't know much about them and who can also be rather unpredictable. Nevermind the what your hotel room might be like - if you're like me, hotel rooms get very cramped and messy. So, like I said: it'd just be an added worry for me.

I mean granted. Wind instruments generally hold up against such environments better anyway (marching band, anyone?). But still. All I'm trying to say is, instruments are an investment that I personally wouldn't risk by taking to a convention, because there are too many factors that I either can't control (people) or would have to continually worry about (being in the hotel room/carrying around).

Ultimately it's up to you.

[Zashi]

Well...its not really an instrument but I do plan to bring my iPhone with the Ocarina app with me when I cosplay Link at AX 09 this year.

Is it a real instrument? Probably not, but my line of thinking is...if its part of the cosplay, then it should be brought along. If you can play said piece of music making device, even better.

[Miyabi-]

I play tenor saxophone..I have yet to see any characters that play sax that I'd like to cosplay. XD!
Plus I think I'd be scared to death to bring my sax with me to a con. I've had it since high school so I'm attached. XD!
And knowing my luck I'd end up dropping it at a con if I were just walking around. I'm pretty clumsy!

[Haku23]

Hell nah. I hate carrying things in my hands while I'm walking. Even though my flute's really small I'd get annoyed carrying it around in my hand all day. Even when I buy stuff I don't hold the bags in my hands, I just hang it off my arm XD

[Dango!]

I'd love to find a character that plays the piano... though... I'd never drag around a piano... ._.'

[Oh that's right, Tamaki Souh plays the piano.]

[green_with_Envy]

Got a violin! Great thing is, is that is was totally free! My friend gave it to me, just had to get it fixed. Granted, it's pretty cheap, but good enough for a student for at least a year ( what my teacher told me). So, I will be bringing it to AWA XD

[kuko-chan]

I did that with a Ranma costume. I brought my flute along just for kicks. Ranma doesn't actually play a flute, but I thought it'd be nice to regale my friends with a few familiar tunes.

[Ichigo_Kurosaki]

I've brought my Violin with me a few times when I cosplayed Roy from FMA, and played Brothers on it. I'm also planning on bringing my harp with me when I cosplay Mime from Saint Seiya.

I was think it's pretty cool when people bring a talent with them to a con like music. It helps the crowd sometimes when there's nothing to do xD

[green_with_Envy]

Just out of curiousity... anyone know of a website with anime sheet music?

I am just a beginner, but I would love to have some sort of musical goal to work towards for AWA ^^

[Yazoo_the_Kazoo]

Just out of curiousity... anyone know of a website with anime sheet music?

I am just a beginner, but I would love to have some sort of musical goal to work towards for AWA ^^

http://ichigos.com/
I thinks it's mostly piano though.

[green_with_Envy]

Yeah, I managed to find some violin sheet music on that site. Lots of violin/piano duets too! And I'm lucky enough to have a friend who plays the piano ^^

[zirc]

Oh my, a con is hectic enough on its own: with watching over your weapons/props, bags and wallets. Having to bring an instrument with you is just too much. I would never bring my instrument to cosplay or walk around with, even my extremely old cheap beginner instruments (since I often lend them to students to start with, so they are regularly maintained) Bringing my active clarinets/oboe/violin or anything else small would entail of a huge headache and constant worry. Even my guitars would bring up the question of "is it worth it?" despite some being electric, they take up a lot of room and get heavy after a few hours of lugging around. Having to lug it through and around crowds is much harder than lugging the gear from vehicle to stage too. Also, it's not that easy to just pop your instrument out of its case to play, they need time to temper in your location before playing, and even climate changes can be tricky. The only time I would bring my instrument is if I'm already having to bring it for a concert. A La Corda D'Oro photoshoot would bring a "I just MIGHT" but a La Corda D'Oro photoshoot in which everyone is actually doing a mock performance is "yes, I will perform!". "Salut D'Amour" performance, anyone? Of course, doing this means rehearsals.

However, it's the cosplayer's choice, but I do agree that you should, if you are going to play, play passably well. You don't have to be a virtuoso, but it's painful hearing something really poor, because I get embarrassed for the cosplayer. I won't say anything to them, because bringing up the topic is painful for both, and they're trying so hard. (The same feeling as watching animated "performers"/real-life actors' fingerwork when it doesn't match with the music or is unrealistic looking.) Anyone else share the pain?

Zirc

[Cyanna]

Hell yeah I would! Depends on the instrument though. I wouldn't want to carry around an instrument I didn't know how to play or wasn't relevant...and I wouldn't want to carry pieces of an instrument (like a violin with bow). And preferably one that was not made out of wood. Then there's temperature to worry about in addition to getting dropped or bumped.

My husband and I actually picked our major cosplays (Midvalley and Amiboshi...I'm too cheerful for Tayuya) this year because they're musical characters we could pull off with some ease. I admit I did actually buy a decent, playable bamboo flute for cosplay purposes. I had the hardest time choosing between my bamboo flute or my plastic one for the reasons I mentioned above. Ultimately I decided on the bamboo. It looks authentic and it's actually a very tough little thing. If it can survive an outdoor summer ren faire, I think it can survive an indoor anime con.

BUT while I think musical cosplayers are awesome, I agree with everyone's warning about being careful with their instruments. In spite of all my love and support, it IS a horror story in the making. Pleeeease exercise common sense. Don't let people you don't know and trust hold your instrument and keep it latched to you at all times. And remember accidents do happen.

I'm really excited though. My husband also happens to have decent music arranging skills so he's been writing up some random duets for us from "Lupin the Third" to the theme from "Pokemon Red/Blue" to "Sakura Kiss". It's involved a fair bit of practice...but we're at a point where we won't be embarrassing ourselves. It's been a lot of fun...quality bonding time for us. I hope this is a cosplay we can keep updating over time.

[MoonNaka]

i could bring ocarina, yes. But something bigger.....i guess not.

[Nekko]

Im bringing a guitar for my skit at AMA this year. My dad is gonna teach me a few chords so I dont look like a complete fool up there. ^_^
But as a prop. It would depend on the con.. Nekocon sure, otakon definatly not.

[gothicadam]

Well i was thinking about doing combo from jet set radio future and he carries a boombox with him. I guess that would be a instrument trying to carry it around and keep balance on skates.lol