Purchasing an Instrument?

Things to remember when purchasing instruments:

PLEASE: Do NOT purchase an instrument without talking to Mrs. Stevens. In the case of instruments, you get what you pay for.

Musical instruments are NOT toys!

A usable instrument is a well-constructed work of art, combining latest technology and time-tested old-world craftsmanship.

Get a name brand instrument

Do not waste your time on unknown instrument brands. Non-brand name instrument manufactures often do not make parts available for repair centers. Many repair locations won't work on cheaply made instruments from China/non-name brand etc. See the brands that are recommended at the bottom of this page.

An inexpensive instrument can be a HUGE waste of money and time.

Not all instruments are created equally. Cheap instruments are usually just that....CHEAP! If you purchase a "questionable" instrument, you will probably spend more money to make it usable than it is worth! Location of purchase has a lot to do with this--Amazon.com or Ebay.com are NOT good sources. Amazon instruments are poor quality, come from a backyard factory in an Asian city that are crafted by machines and unknowledgeable people. Ebay instruments do not allow you to see the instrument before purchase so you have no real idea about the condition of the pads/metal/keys/valves. These instruments will NOT last and will spend more time in the shop being fixed (if a local repair technician will even work on them!).

Consider the value of service.

Repair is an inevitable fact. Alternative sources often do not offer maintenance programs (And Ward Brodt has a great one!) Usually the cost is well worth the small expense! Remember, it is a matter of "WHEN" not "IF" an instrument will need repair. Middle schoolers have accidents and will probably need to be repaired!

• It will take only a few minutes of your time on the Internet for you to learn that band instrument prices vary a lot. Flutes, for example, cost as little as $125.00 to tens of thousands of dollars. So, what should you get? Lets start with the term “student instrument.” Directors and musicians generally define a “student line instrument” as an instrument that is suitable for a fifth or sixth grade student to start band with and continue through high school.

• All major brands make student, intermediate, and professional instruments. Yes, there really is a difference between a professional and student instrument as it applies to your student, even though they look a lot alike. It is not suggested that you purchase a professional instrument for a beginner. Most directors recommend that you purchase a student instrument for beginning band. For our discussion here, I hope it is enough to say that the differences are important for the success of your child.

• If the list price of a NEW flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, cornet, or trombone is less than $700.00, forget it! Wow! That is a lot. Please do not make your child sit in a section with an inferior instrument working their hearts out only to give up thinking they have no talent, and think that for the rest of their life. In fact, they may have a lot of talent, but their horn will not perform to the same standard as the other kids.

• Never, ever purchase a band or wind instrument from a place where you can not see it and talk to a QUALIFIED repair person in the store or bring it to your band director for approval. DO NOT buy your horn where you are told that “they can send it off” or “mail it somewhere” or “some other store will take care of the repair”. Like your car, your instrument will need regular check-ups and maintenance. Every day it is in the mail or in transport, your kid is falling more and more behind.

• If it is not black (in the case of oboes and clarinets), silver (flute/brass instruments), or gold (brass instruments), STAY AWAY. The pretty colors may seem tempting but these are generally knock off instruments that will cost a lot of money in the shop due to poorly crafted materials.

It is preferred that you purchase an instrument through a music store like Ward Brodt or Heid for the repair program they offer. They will sell you quality instruments that will last and you can even resell in the future. An alternate option is www.wwbw.com. They sell used and brand new instruments AND will let you try them before purchasing them! Be cautious about spending money on used instruments and shop around for prices (don't be afraid to ask me if a purchase seems like a good deal, average price, or if you are paying too much.

As a last option Craigslist or Facebook may be a resource. HOWEVER----Ask all of these questions before purchasing and PLEASE ask Mrs. S to help,

Do not purchase from Ebay or Amazon as you cannot physically look at the instrument before purchasing.

When looking at woodwind instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone):

• How old is it? You want newer woodwinds as they decrease in value with time and the pads wear as well. If it is Aunt Suzie's grandmothers.... you might want to stay away.

• Have the pads been replaced? Odds are it will need pads replaced-- this is a job left to a repair technician. DO NOT do this yourself even if you think you may have the knowledge. BE VERY CAREFUL WITH SAXOPHONES. Does it have a musty old smell? Most of these older saxophones will need a COMPLETE repad which can cost over $500 (and most of the time the instrument itself isn't even worth that much!). You would've been better off purchasing a newer instrument that would last a LOT longer.

• Do the keys move easily or are they stiff? If they are hard to wiggle, stay away.

• Do they keys close all the way covering the hole under the key completely? If they do not, the key is probably bent. This can be fixed but can be a pain!

• Flute/Saxophone: is it dented? This can cause problems if they are significant.

• Flute/Saxophone: Is the metal scratch free or is it becoming discolored (Saxophone especially--if it is red like the trumpet picture below, STAY AWAY!)

• Why are you selling? Did their student go to college and decided not to play anymore?

• When was it last into (Heid) for a check up?

• Do you have any of the paperwork on the instrument?

• May I have my student's band director look at it before I purchase? PLEASE do this-- I will even travel to the house of the seller with you to check it out for you.

• Clarinet or oboe: is it wood or plastic? Wood is a definite plus but if it is old/cracked/damaged, it will NOT be worth your time and money. Plastic is OK for middle school, but wood sounds more beautiful.

• Clarinet or Saxophone: What is the name on the mouthpiece? If it is the same title as the instrument or is unmarked, you will need to purchase a mouthpiece as these "stock" mouthpieces are poor quality and will cause your student to sound less than their best.

When looking at brass instruments (trumpet, trombone):

• How old is it?- This is still good to know, but not as much of a deal breaker as with woodwinds. Brass instruments last a lot longer than woodwinds.

• What does it look like? Are there major dents? (This will affect the sound in a bad way). Are there little dents? (sometimes these can be fixed by a repair shop). Is there "Red Rot?" Click here to read about what this is and why it is NOT good!

This is a picture of "Red Rot." STAY AWAY!!! -------------->>