How
to Buy a Used Musical
Instrument
By: Bob Pardue
Should
Your Musical Instrument be New or
Used?
In today's
world, it seems that almost any
topic is open for debate. While I
was gathering facts for this
article about buying used
instruments, I was quite
surprised to find some of the
issues I thought were settled are
actually still being openly
discussed.
If you are
thinking of buying a piano,
guitar, bass, violin or some
other instrument, you might
consider buying a used musical
instrument. But before you go
shopping, there are a few things
you should know.
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Things
to Consider when Buying
a Used Musical
Instrument
There
are advantages and
disadvantages of buying
a used musical
instrument. The major
advantage, of course, is
money savings.
If
you do a little research
and ask lots of
questions, you can find
a quality instrument at
a very low price. Also,
you might be able to buy
a high-dollar instrument
such as a piano when
otherwise you wouldn't
be able to afford a new
one.
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The
disadvantages are no guarantees
or warranties, and you can never
know for sure how the instrument
was treated by previous owners.
Use the
tips below to determine if buying
a used instrument will be
beneficial.
Buying a
Used Piano
Pianos are
probably the most durable of all
instruments. They have an average
lifespan of 40 years if well-kept
by the owners. Also, pianos have
a low turnover rate due to
pricing and the large size and
weight. Many people will use a
piano in their home decor for
years, but will rarely play it.
Also, pianos will usually hold
their value if well-kept.
Therefore, buying a piano is
definitely a great investment
even as a used musical
instrument.
Before
buying a used piano, ask the
previous owner if the piano has
been exposed to weathering. Was
it kept indoors and away from
damp areas? Was it ever stored in
a garage or attic? Did the owner
have indoor pets? Also, ask how
often the piano was played -
several hours per week or per
day?
Buying
Smaller Used
Instruments
Guitars,
violins, drums, and other smaller
instruments can also be bought as
used instruments, but you should
use extra caution to be sure
you're getting one that's in good
condition. Ask lots of questions
such as with the piano, but also
find out how many times the
instrument has changed hands.
Also, try to find out who owned
it before if possible. Where was
it played? In a church, school
band, at family gatherings, or in
a teenage rock band?
Now that
we've covered those aspects of
used musical instruments, let's
turn to some of the other factors
that need to be considered.
Where to
Buy a Used Musical
Instrument
There are
many places to buy a used musical
instrument. Some music stores
carry used instruments, and might
even offer some sort of
short-term warranty. The only
drawback is you may pay more at a
store than when buying directly
from an owner. You can also check
your local newspaper classifieds,
garage and yard sales, church
yard sales, and flea
markets.
Search
Engine for Used Musical
Instruments
Another
great place to find used musical
instruments is online. You can
use a general search engine such
as Google or Yahoo, or you can
use a custom search engine for
used musical instruments provided
by a specialty music site. Either
way, you can search by brand
name, type of instrument, price,
location, etc. to narrow your
search. Online auctions can also
be a great source for used
instruments.
Try Before
You Buy!!
Most
importantly, try out the
instrument before buying if
possible. Or, if buying online be
sure the seller is one you feel
you can trust. Use feedback
ratings at auctions or check with
the Better Business Bureau Online
to be sure it's not a
scam.
Buying a
used musical instrument is a
great way to save money and start
realizing your dreams as a
musician!
That's how
things stand right now. Keep in
mind that any subject can change
over time, so be sure you keep up
with the latest news.
Now that
wasn't hard at all, was it? And
you hare learned a wealth of
knowledge about buying used
musical instruments, just from
taking some time to study what a
music expert has to say.
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More
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and Musical
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About
Fender
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When
you're learning about
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music, it's easy to feel
overwhelmed by the sheer
amount of relevant
information available.
This informative article
should help you focus on
the central
points.
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Piano
Turoural
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About the
Author
Bob Pardue
is the owner of Music
Playground.
Have some fun and learn to read
music FREE by visiting
www.largemart.com/read-music
today...
Disclaimer: Although we
have made every effort to provide
solid and accurate information
about purchasing musical
instruments on these pages, Bob
Pardue or Music Playground
accepts no responsibility or does
the site insure or imply any
degree of expertise in band
materials. Degrees of success
with guitars, horns, saxophones
and other used musical
instruments varies greatly
dependent upon the talent,
attitudes, attributes and
ambition of each individual
musician.
Please
thoroughly check out any
information you find on this site
before assuming the accuracy of
this article about buying band
merchandise.
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