First Instrument Purchases/Rentals
Renting an instrument is always the best, when your child is getting started in Band for the first time. Shen Valley Band (in Harrisonburg, (540) 434-8546) is a local music store that rents instruments to Beginner Band families. Shen Valley visits JFHMS each week to pick up instruments or make simple repairs on site. Renting is the best choice at first, because it provides your child with a new, quality instrument (that plays perfectly), while buying three more months for us to be 100% sure your student is going to stick with it, before you make a big financial commitment. Your Band member will also learn a lot in that short time, allowing them to help you in the
BEFORE YOU PURCHASE an instrument in a local store, online, in a flea market, pawn shop, yard sale or auction, check for these things first:
Is the instrument from a MUSIC store? (GOOD CHOICE), or is it from a department store, a “big box” discount store, or mega online website (BAD choices!) Music stores sell real instruments, while many other places sell toys that look real, but are not held to proper standards in materials or measurements as they are made. If the hole diameters are mismeasured or are cut wrong, or the metal alloy is too soft or too hard for repair techs to work with, you are wasting your money – no matter how good a deal it may appear to be. A fake instrument will not play well, or sound good with other instruments. Instead, it will be frustrating and difficult to play, especially for a beginner musician.
Does the advertisement say that the instrument “comes with white gloves”, or “is sold with a case”? These are a sure sign the instrument is a fake! Usually the gloves are included because the metal finish is so cheap it will likely wear off, or may irritate the child’s skinl the instrument might even be made of metal content that should not be handled with bare skin (and playing it will involve putting it in their mouth!). Quality Band instruments will come with a case, at no extra charge!
Is it a weird, rainbow color? If the instrument looks like it came out of a box of cereal…. it may as well have! Instruments that are “real”, tend to be in the traditional instrument colors of gold (typically brass), silver (typically nickel or silver) or black (clarinets and oboes, typically plastic or wood).
Is a deal that is just “to good to be true”, FAR underselling what reputable music stores are selling? You get what you pay for…Again, some places sell toys that look like real instruments, but they are fakes.
BUYING USED?? There are some used horns out there that really are treasures…
Check that all parts of the instrument are in the case–your Band member can help you! A mouthpiece can easily be replaced, an instrument body part, not so easily.
If the case latches and hinges are in good shape, that is a good sign.
Look for stuff in the case that might tell you the history of the horn (old programs, etc). Ask when/where the instrument was used. Marching Band can put an instrument in extremely hot, cold or rainy weather.
if the case does not smell “musty”, that is a good sign. If it looks/smells musty, check the keypads and case lining for mold and for tiny bugs or moths.
If there is a reed in the case, DO NOT USE IT! Wash any mouthpiece in the case with warm (not hot) soapy water, then use a mouthpiece sanitizer. It is better to use your own mouthpiece etc. to test out a used instrument, if that is an option.
Play some music that you know well, to see if it plays at all. Start at the top of the instrument and slowly put down one key at a time, looking for leaky keys.
If you hit a key that squeaks, that is where a repair might be needed–check for screws or springs in need of adjustment in that area.
Ask if you can take the instrument to a repair shop for evaluation. Often the owner will agree to meet you at a local repair shop.
“Tried and True” brand names
Used instruments can be a great purchase, especially if they are one of the “tried and true” brand names. Like any product, certain brand names have proven themselves to be reliable and long lived in both service and quality. Your Band Director can help you with brand names that are commonly available and can be easily serviced locally in our community. Even if your used instrument needs repairs, it is likely to still be cheaper than buying a new instrument.
Band Directors and accomplished musicians (high school kids count!) are typically very happy to check out a used horn for you. Your student will be able to test out instruments too (and give you a “reasonable” evaluation of how it plays), sooner than you think. Local music stores will give you free estimates on repairs, and most folks selling instruments understand where you are as you make that first instrument purchase–they have been there too. Usually an agreement can be reached, to allow you to have the instrument checked over for needed repairs before you agree on a price.
