One of the easiest instruments for would be musicians to begin their playing career on is the trumpet. The trumpet is one of the oldest musical instruments known to mankind, and the relative ease with which it can be learned makes it a popular choice among those considering joining a band, marching band, or just looking to learn an instrument. As tempting as it is to go out and buy a brand new instrument, most individuals should consider purchasing a used trumpet their first time around. After all, when you turned 16 it’s highly unlikely the first car you had was a Lamborghini.
Buying a used trumpet is an important investment for any hopeful musician. Make no mistake, a trumpet is going to be expensive whether it is new or used. The difference between a used trumpet and a new trumpet can be anywhere between $500 and $1,000, but given that new trumpets routinely cost over $2,000 a used trumpet is going to be a big investment in itself. Purchasing good used trumpets can help musicians avoid wasting time and money on an instrument that routinely malfunctions.
Before even heading out to look for used trumpets, consider purchasing the following items to make your buy experience easier:
- Trumpet mouthpiece
- Valve oil
- Slide grease
- Soft cloth
These things will all come in handy for different reasons. As you move toward the final step of purchasing, you’ll want to be able to oil and grease the moving parts to get a proper feel for the instrument. Having your own mouthpiece, if possible, will also help in testing the playability of the instrument.
The first step in purchasing used trumpet is similar to that of any big purchase in your life, considering a reasonable price range. There is no need to break the bank on a used trumpet so try to avoid spending more than you are comfortable with or capable of spending. Just because one used trumpet is a few hundred dollars more than another, doesn’t mean it necessarily works any better. When considering your budget, don’t forget other expensive aspects to purchasing used trumpets, such as buying a sturdy case to protect and transport your investment.
Once your budget is established, consider what sort of trumpet you are interested in, or capable of, playing. For example, instruments with a large inner rim diameter create big, rich tones but also require very good breathe support from the player. A smaller inner rim diameter on the other hand produces crisp, shallow tones. Both types of trumpets should be evaluated carefully before determining which type of used trumpet to purchase.
After deciding upon the type of used trumpet to purchase, the next big step is to evaluate the physical well-being of the particular instrument you are considering purchasing. Carefully examine the body of the trumpet to search for any signs of extensive damage. A used trumpet can have tiny dents, discolorations, and scratches but still play just as well as a new instrument. Large dents and other major issues is a good sign of how well the instrument has been cared for. Determining what effect these damages may have on the playability of the instrument is vital.
Now it is time to test out the trumpets parts to ensure that they are in good working condition. Begin by inspecting the valves in the trumpet for any damage or other issues. Valves that are sticky bent, or leak air will ruin the sound produced by the trumpet, ruining your experience in the process. Carefully remove each valve and inspect it for scratches, dents, or other disfigurement. Next, examine the slides on the used trumpet. As with the valves, slides that don’t function properly will ruin your playing experience.
The final step in purchasing any used trumpet is actually playing the instrument. After all, you wouldn’t buy a new car without driving it! During this step everything is important to take into consideration, so take your time. Things such as the feel of the instrument in your hand, the feel of the valves and slides are all critical in determining if the instrument is worthwhile for you.
When you’ve completed all these steps for used trumpets, take a moment to consider each instrument you’ve handled before choosing the one that works best. Remember to price a new unit, if possible, against what the owner is asking for used trumpets. Don’t forget to oil and grease the valves and slides before playing it, and never purchase a used trumpet without testing it yourself beforehand!