Purchasing a Musical Instrument

Brass (Trumpet & Trombone)

The information in this guide has been prepared by the School of Instrumental Music to assist parents. We do not recommend any particular supplier or brand of instrument.

WHERE TO START?

This guide has been prepared to give general advice to parents who are preparing to buy a musical instrument for the first time.

You will need to consider three options. Depending on circumstances and opportunities, any one of these options might suit you at present:

Purchasing a new instrument outright
Purchasing a second hand instrument
Purchase plans or rental programs

1. Purchasing A New Instrument

There are many different brands on the market, and some retailers are agents for specific brands.
A robust student model is all that is required at this stage - you can upgrade in a few years when your child's playing is more advanced. Within the student model range, price is a good indicator of instrument quality. Beware of buying a 'bargain' which turns out to be a cheap but poor quality instrument.
Check the Yellow Pages and take the time to 'shop around', as you would for a household appliance! Compare brands, models and prices. Once you have found a suitable instrument, you may wish to compare several retailers' prices on that brand and model again before purchasing. Ask for the student price.
Some shops offer a trial period, so the instrument can be returned/exchanged if not suitable.
Always enquire about the warranty, and clarify what service arrangements can be made for maintenance and repairs of your new instrument.
If the instrument is looked after carefully and serviced when necessary, when you wish to sell it you should find that it has held its value well.

2. Purchasing A Second Hand Instrument

It is possible to purchase a good second hand instrument, but be careful. Beware of 'bargains'. Sometimes second hand student models have led a hard life! However, a second hand, good quality brass instrument in good condition can generally be resold at a later date for close to the purchase price.
A second hand advanced/professional model brass instrument in good condition (if you can find one) can sometimes be obtained for the price of a new student model instrument.
An instrument that requires constant repairs and adjustment is frustrating, so check whether it has been serviced recently before you buy it. Does it have a warranty?
Older students at your school or the local high school may be 'trading up' to a more advanced instrument, and you should also check the press and music stores for second hand instruments.
Always play the instrument first and get a good idea of how it plays- use your own mouthpiece.
It is probably better to stick to a well-known brand when buying second-hand.
Be aware of the cost of a comparable new instrument in order to assess the value for money. As a 'rule of thumb', a second hand instrument will cost between 1/2 and 2/3 of the new retail price, depending on the age and condition.
Some shops offer an advisory service that checks instrument condition and advises of approximate value and cost of any repair work needed. If the instrument is in poor condition, this could be more than the cost of the instrument itself!
Make sure that you can access a reputable and reliable repair service.

3. Purchase Plans or Rental Programs

Some music retailers provide purchase plans to enable you to pay for an instrument over a period of time.
In some circumstances it might be worth considering renting an instrument, especially for an interim period.
Some schools and community ensembles own instruments they are prepared to rent to young players in return for participation in the ensemble.
A few telephone calls will provide you with a comparison of conditions and costs for purchase plans and rental programs.

WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR INSTRUMENT...

Instrument insurance is recommended. Make sure that you record the instrument's serial number.
The teacher will teach students what is needed for everyday care for their instrument, and will let you know if the instrument needs maintenance or repair. Do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BRASS INSTRUMENT

The instrument should come with a mouthpiece and an instrument case.
Does the instrument blow well? Try before you buy.
The mouthpiece should be free of chips, dents (especially the shank), scratches on the rim, dirt in the throat.
All tuning slides must work easily
There should be at least one water key.
Trumpet valve caps and bottoms should unscrew easily.
Trumpet valves should work easily. Take out the valves for inspection. Worn plating is a sign of excessive wear.
Trumpets must have a finger ring or trigger on the 3rd valve slide for good intonation. Better quality instruments also have a saddle or trigger on the 1st valve slide.
Trombone slides must work freely and have no dents.
Trombones should have a functioning slide lock.
Check that the hinges and latches on the case work.

Finish: Silver instruments are silver plated. This finish protects the instrument very well and lasts for many decades, but is usually more expensive. Gold instruments are lacquered brass. This is normally cheaper than silver plating but needs more care to maintain the attractive appearance. Silver plating, lacquer or untreated brass finish is a personal preference. How well the instrument plays is more important.

There is a wide range of brands, models and prices available. Most shops stock one or more of the following popular brands: Bach, Besson/Boosey & Hawkes, Blessing, Conn, Getzen, Holton, King, Yamaha. You may find others of equivalent quality, as this list is not exhaustive.