5th Grade Band: Tips For Buying Quality Band Instruments On the Internet
Buying a band instrument on the internet from i.e. Ebay or Craigslist is also a cost-saving choice for parents and students. Used instruments can be found at a reasonable cost, and perform as well, or better than some new ones. However, keep in mind that when you purchase used instruments online or elsewhere, you buy with the understanding that there is no warranty and accept the instrument "as is". Here are some quick guidelines to help you:
1. BUYER BEWARE!! If you see any badly-made Chinese instruments (new or used) from discount stores/sites do not buy! These instruments may look very nice, but quickly break and often cannot be repaired.
2. Yamaha is a well-respected maker of band instruments. However, if you are buying off Ebay etc. you may see "Yamaha" (in quotes) instruments. These are actually badly-made Chinese instruments. If in doubt, ask--I will gladly help you sort out which is which.
3. Here are some suggested brand names for good-quality instruments:
Clarinet: Buffet, Vito(Leblanc), Bundy, Yamaha, Selmer
Flute: Armstrong, Gemeinhardt
Sax: Selmer, Vito, Yamaha
Trombone: Conn, Bach, Holton, Yamaha, King
Trumpet: Same as trombone
Percussion: Ludwig, Pearl
These are just suggestions--there are other quality brands I haven't listed. If you need help selecting just ask.
4. Make sure the instrument is in good shape. If they have not been well cared for by their previous owner, they can cost as much or more than a new instrument in order to return them to a playable condition.
Here are some things to look for:
Woodwinds: Flute, clarinet, sax--all use pads to help the player cover the holes. These are small cushions under the keys that cover the holes when the keys are pushed. If the pads are ragged and worn they will need to be replaced and the repair is costly. In addition, look for large dents, bent keys, loose cork, and missing screws/parts.
Brass: The lacquer on older brass instruments may be worn and it should not deter you from buying them. Dents on the other hand can affect the instruments function. Some dents are fixable some are not and will render the instrument useless. The slides (little moveable tubes) need to move freely on any brass instrument. If they don't they may need to be pulled out and/or straightened at the repair shop.
GOOD LUCK AND ASK IF YOU NEED HELP DECIDING--I WILL DO MY BEST TO HELP YOU SECURE A QUALITY INSTRUMENT!!
1. BUYER BEWARE!! If you see any badly-made Chinese instruments (new or used) from discount stores/sites do not buy! These instruments may look very nice, but quickly break and often cannot be repaired.
2. Yamaha is a well-respected maker of band instruments. However, if you are buying off Ebay etc. you may see "Yamaha" (in quotes) instruments. These are actually badly-made Chinese instruments. If in doubt, ask--I will gladly help you sort out which is which.
3. Here are some suggested brand names for good-quality instruments:
Clarinet: Buffet, Vito(Leblanc), Bundy, Yamaha, Selmer
Flute: Armstrong, Gemeinhardt
Sax: Selmer, Vito, Yamaha
Trombone: Conn, Bach, Holton, Yamaha, King
Trumpet: Same as trombone
Percussion: Ludwig, Pearl
These are just suggestions--there are other quality brands I haven't listed. If you need help selecting just ask.
4. Make sure the instrument is in good shape. If they have not been well cared for by their previous owner, they can cost as much or more than a new instrument in order to return them to a playable condition.
Here are some things to look for:
Woodwinds: Flute, clarinet, sax--all use pads to help the player cover the holes. These are small cushions under the keys that cover the holes when the keys are pushed. If the pads are ragged and worn they will need to be replaced and the repair is costly. In addition, look for large dents, bent keys, loose cork, and missing screws/parts.
Brass: The lacquer on older brass instruments may be worn and it should not deter you from buying them. Dents on the other hand can affect the instruments function. Some dents are fixable some are not and will render the instrument useless. The slides (little moveable tubes) need to move freely on any brass instrument. If they don't they may need to be pulled out and/or straightened at the repair shop.
GOOD LUCK AND ASK IF YOU NEED HELP DECIDING--I WILL DO MY BEST TO HELP YOU SECURE A QUALITY INSTRUMENT!!