1st – Last year I made this post on July 4th regarding Buying Band Instruments. Everything I said then still applies now. So, I have copied, pasted and updated it, here, so it will be the first thing you see when you come to my website. If you still have questions after reading the following paragraphs please feel free to call me. Or, better yet, stop by the shop. I’ll be glad to explain things differently or hopefully more clearly. I want you to be informed about the instrument you buy and satisfied with the purchase. Hey, you are putting down your money. You should get a good value when you make a purchase.
2nd – The name of my business says it all, Elswick Band Instrument Repair. I have been repairing band instruments for 39 years. The other repair people at my shop have also been repairing for many years. Our primary function is to repair band instruments. Consequently, when you purchase a used instrument from me, it will be in perfect playing condition. I also strive to get used instruments that cosmetically look good, too. Students LIKE to have a nice shiny horn and they NEED a horn that plays properly. Personally, it is better to have a horn that plays well. The appearance is secondary.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR (OR LOOKOUT FOR) WHEN BUYING A HORN:
You have several options: 1) Buy New 2) Buy Used 3) Horns that people give you 4) Buying over the Internet
1) If you buy a new instrument please buy a brand name horn and buy from a reputable dealer. Don’t buy a band instrument from “Big Box” stores, from stores that also sell furniture or stores that also sell food. The horn might be less expensive and just as shiny as the instrument you see at your local music store. However, if it needs repair, most repair people will refuse to work on it. Why? They are not made well and parts are not available. So again, if you are buying a new instrument buy a brand name horn and buy from a reputable dealer.
2) If you decide to buy a used instrument, also, buy a brand name horn. If you aren’t sure what the most common brand name instruments are then call or bring it by the shop. We can certainly tell you if it’s a good brand and if it’s worth the asking price. Treat buying a used instrument like buying a used car. If you buy a used car (excuse me, a previously owned car) from a used car dealer, wouldn’t you first take it to your mechanic to check it out? Also, if you see a used car for sale in the newspaper wouldn’t you first take it to your mechanic to check out before buying it?
3) Horns that people give you might be good or they might not. Especially if they are really old. An example: “Here, this was your grandfathers horn. It’s probably a good horn. Older horns are better that newer horns.” Well, not always true. Sometimes the cost to restore an older instrument to playing condition can be dramatically more than the horn is worth. Plus if it does get restored it still might not play that well. In this type of situation we definitely need to see the horn.
4) Buying over the Internet! Danger Will Robinson! Danger! Or, as my dad would say, “That’s like buying a pig in a poke.” You don’t know what you’re actually going to get until you purchase it and open the box. However, if you must, stay with eBay sellers that have good ratings and good feedback from previous buyers. Look over the photos of the instrument well. Hopefully they are photos of the actual instrument. Also, ask if there is a return policy. That should be clearly listed. Also, Craig’s List. This is a better option. You can meet the seller and actually see the instrument you are potentially purchasing. Again, if you are not sure about the horn please bring it by the shop. Or have the seller bring it by the shop.
I enjoy buying and selling used instruments. Sometimes you can find amazingly good horns at very reasonable prices. However, keep your eyes open. Have an experienced repair person look over the horn for you, before you buy it. Except for you Internet buyers. And I do mean an experienced repair person. Just because someone at your work plays an instrument doesn’t mean that they can evaluate its playing condition. For example, I use a computer everyday but I don’t know how to repair one!
I hope to see you soon with a true gem.
Michael
