Purchasing a used musical instrument can be pretty scary and overwhelming if you really don’t know what you’re doing. I hope I can help you.
As instrument technicians, we see all maner of bad purchases. I have had customers who have gone online and studied, assessed, read, read, read and still make a very bad decision when they finally make their purchase.
... so how do you make an informed purchase?
I have 9 rules to make things easy for you.
- Do not purchase without taking the instrument to a qualified technician for an assessment, and I DO mean qualified. This service is usually free and can prevent wasted time and money.
- Never assume (or take the sellers word) that the instrument is in ’TOP’ working condition until this is confirmed by a qualified technician.
- If the price seems too good to be true for what you are getting … it probably is.
- Any good brand of instrument should be accompanied by a warranty service. It is preferable to purchase instruments with a warranty service period where possible.
- Have the instrument tested by a competent player of the instrument. (Remember that players are not technicians and again take the instrument to a qualified technician for assessment).
- A warranty service should be done at about 4-6 weeks of playing. This is as important as the first service of your car!
- With Saxophones and Clarinets, the mouthpiece is as important as the instrument itself. A bad mouthpiece/ligature can not properly represent the instrument. I have seen cases many times where the instrument is great BUT the mouthpiece is not and again, how do you know unless you have the package assessed by a qualified technician. A bad mouthpiece can easily be replaced by a good one and make your purchase a success!! The same goes for the flute head joint.
- Music Services offers a ‘no prejudice’ assessment free of charge. If we ‘OK’ an instrument that means that we are prepared to service and stand behind that work and instrument.
- Sorry…one more. There are many Chinese/Taiwanese instruments flooding the market. Please be careful with your purchases. Don’t make a commitment until the instrument has been assessed by a qualified technician.
