Buying a used trumpet for sale can be a great decision – for you, your pocketbook, and your sound. On the otherhand, however, it can be easy to make a bad purchase since you’re not buying an instrument that’s brand new. Please read the tips below to ensure that your new purchase is one that will be worth your time and money.
Look at AND PLAY the Used Trumpet Before You Hand Over the Money
This may sound pretty obvious, but I guarantee you that not everyone who purchases a used trumpet for sale actually plays it before handing over the money to the previous owner.
Why not?
Well, the uptick in online sales is one thing, but also many people are impatient and want their trumpets right away without even conducting proper due diligence. Simply looking at and playing the trumpet can ensure that:
- It works.
- It looks good enough for the price.
- It works and is not about to fall apart, which I’ve seen happen before.
Get to Know the Previous Owner
You can tell a lot about the condition of a trumpet by getting to know the previous owner a little bit.
No, you don’t have to take him out to dinner, but simply asking him a few of the following questions can ensure that you’re getting a trumpet in the right condition and for the right reasons. Remember, you don’t want to buy a stolen one!
- When did you first start playing trumpet? (A question all trumpet players love to answer!)
- When did you pick up this particular horn, and how long have you been playing it?
- Since you stopped playing (assuming), have you been doing anything to keep it in good condition?
These questions can go a long way, and since you’re the potential buyer, you definitely have the right to ask them. If the owner denies – then you know something is up with that particular used trumpet, and it may be time to look elsewhere.
Shop Around
Don’t just hand over your money to the first person or seller who shows you a trumpet that looks good. Shop around and use my best places to look for trumpets for sale list and compare prices and conditions.
You might be able to find another trumpet that’s in a better condition, for the same price. On the other hand, you could find out that you were about to pay way to much money for a trumpet of the same condition that you found elsewhere.
I know I know, it’s hard to lay off that very first one that piques your interest, but do yourself a favor and make sure that you shop around or else you could regret it later.
All in all, it’s just important to realize that you have many options out there when shopping for used trumpets. Since you’re the buyer, you’re the one actually in control, and this is something many buyers forget, no matter what they are looking for. Good luck, and enjoy playing your new (for you) trumpet!
Image by Eggybird