How to Buy a Great Used Trumpet

Image result for trumpet
Buying a used trumpet can be a great deal for you. It may allow you to save money over buying a new one, but there are several things to consider when you're shopping.

Five Tips for Buying a Good Used Trumpet

1. Was the trumpet bent, dinged or dented? If so, does it affect the trumpet's sound? This may or may not affect how I feel about the trumpet, but if it's been dinged and dented too much, it might have had too hard of a life and be expensive to repair.

2. How is the finish on the trumpet? If the finish on the trumpet is bad and you think you're going to want to have it re-finished, then seriously decide whether the trumpet is worth the cost of restoration.

3. What is the condition of the valves? Valves should move freely and with good compression. They should also be able to be removed from the trumpet. Just don't try to use a pliers to try to unscrew them. If they don't come off, they'll need to be serviced by a repair shop. As you remove and inspect each one for damage, remember to return it in the same orientation it was in when you removed it and use a little valve oil when you do.

4. Do the slides move freely? Don't force a slide if it doesn't move or you will damage the instrument. If they don't move, the instrument will need to be serviced. If they do move, remove the slide and put some slide grease on it before returning the slide.

5. Try the instrument. Play it if you can or have the current owner play it if you don't know how. Just don't forget to bring a clean mouthpiece for you to use.

Buying a Used Trumpet on the Internet

When buying a musical instrument these days, it's hard to ignore the internet. There are some great buys online. When checking online auctions like ebay, if the seller doesn't talk about the items in the list above, feel free to ask him about them. If you do purchase your instrument on the internet, make sure that the seller has a case and will ship the trumpet securely in it. Also, if the mouthpiece is stuck in the instrument, he should have it removed before shipping to avoid damage to the leadpipe. Good music stores have a tool for pulling stuck mouthpieces.

Buying a Trumpet Locally

Even if you are buying locally, it can be good to look at completed auctions for similar trumpets to see their actual selling price. This will give you a good gauge as you consider the value of your purchase, cost of repairs, and your eventual re-sell price. Here is more about trumpet lessons have a look at our web site. Though remember, that a music store will likely have a higher price, but will provide service, advice, and most likely, an instrument that is already in good condition.

In Conclusion

Great used trumpets can be found in music stores, at garage sales, at thrift shops, or in online auctions. Pay attention to the condition of the instrument and you should be able to get a great used trumpet.

Feel free to use this article on your website, ezine, newsletter or other publication as long as the article is copied in its entirety with the author's credit and live links included exactly as shown below.    
This website was created for free with Own-Free-Website.com. Would you also like to have your own website?
Sign up for free