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It’s not always necessary to buy an expensive new musical instrument, whether it’s for a school band, a performing rock or country band, or a symphony orchestra. Used instruments are available that can suffice just as well if you’re careful and follow certain guidelines.
 Factors to consider
Individual types of used instruments each have their own unique qualities that should be closely examined. Here are some general factors to consider when buying any used instrument:
- Tone
- Trueness of pitch
- Ease of playing
- Appearance
- Age and history
Check out these guidelines
You can buy used instruments in stores, at garage sales, in the classifieds, from other musicians, and online. You probably won’t get a guarantee or warranty on a used instrument, so it’s a good idea to review these guidelines before you buy.
- Never buy a used instrument sight unseen. It’s best to buy locally if possible, so you can inspect the instrument before you pay.
- An instrument can look great in a picture, but you won’t know how it sounds until you play it. Be very careful about buying online or by catalog; make sure the seller is reputable and always have an agreement that you can return the instrument if you’re not satisfied.
- If you aren’t familiar with buying a particular instrument, bring in a pro who is versed in that instrument and knows what to look for. The importance of doing this cannot be stressed enough. If you need to pay someone, it’s well worth the money.
- When you try out the instrument, a second opinion from an experienced musician is always recommended.
- Some older instruments can be expensive to repair and find parts for. It may be a good idea to have the instrument examined by an expert or take it to a repair shop for inspection before you buy.
- Research the price. Check the brand-new cost of the brand you’re considering and compare prices of similar used instruments. Do your homework.
- Though not a necessity, a good instrument should come with a good case. The case should have plenty of padding and the instrument should fit inside the case snugly.
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