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It is strongly recommended that you buy used instruments from a reputable, local band instrument music store or local seller who will stand behind the instrument’s condition. Have it checked out by a professional, and ask for a warranty. Buy a used instrument just like you’d buy a used car. All of those procedures can be expensive. Sellers frequently do not know much about musical instruments and may represent the item as being “in great condition,” or “barely used” or “plays great” when the horn actually requires repadding, slide repair or valve restoration. As a general rule, do not buy an instrument sight unseen or if it is not tested by a reliable musician. An instrument that looks good on the outside or in a picture may actually require maintenance or repairs that can run into hundreds of dollars. You should be absolutely sure that the instrument you’re buying is in good playing condition and is what the seller represents it to be. There are some good instruments to be had through private sellers’ networks but finding them can be risky unless you know what you’re doing. Obviously, if it costs more to repair the instrument than it will be worth after the repair, you shouldn’t purchase it. Then subtract the repair cost from the value of the instrument after it is repaired to determine if the purchase is a wise investment. Therefore, expect to pay around $750.įor EXCELLENT CONDITION subtract 20 percent of the remaining value and expect to pay around $600.įor SALVAGE, expect to pay from $25 to $50.įor an instrument in poor mechanical condition, get a repair estimate first. Then observe the following:įor used in AS NEW condition, subtract 25 percent from the reference price. For illustration, let’s say that reference price is $1000. Start with a reference value that is the retail price of the same or similar instrument if purchased new right now. Used instruments are fairly priced according to a general rule of thumb. SALVAGE - Is not feasibly restorable and is useful only for parts or as decoration POOR - Shows significant cosmetic or mechanical wear, may require major service or overhaul but is restorable VERY GOOD or GOOD - Minor scratching or blemishes, plays well, needs no repair or serviceįAIR - Shows wear consistent with its age, may have moderate lacquer loss, moderate scratching and denting, may require routine service but not major repair or overhaul, The following standards are generally accepted.ĪS NEW - Cannot be distinguished from a new instrumentĮXCELLENT - No scratches or dents, plays perfectly Used instruments are further categorized in the trade by condition. The three quality categories are beginner, intermediate and professional. Next, they are categorized by quality and features. Instruments are first categorized as new or used. The cheap instruments are famous for several key faults: poor intonation, poor-quality metal and construction, they may be hard to play, and are usually not easily maintained or repairable when they break. Most of the bargain instruments are mass-produced without proper set-up in China or India and are of poor quality (or worse.) Music repair people and virtually all instructors will tell you that an older instrument in good playing condition from a respected manufacturer is a far better choice than a new, cheap instrument. You may find new instruments advertised for a fraction of the cost of those from reputable makers. Resist the temptation to buy a new, cheap instrument. New is nice, but used is fine for beginners. The best choice among instruments for a young musician is a student- or intermediate-level model from a reputable manufacturer.Ī used instrument from a recommended manufacturer represents the best value for money spent.