Helpful Tips on Buying a Used or Refurbished Instrument

Articles on Musical Instruments | Topics: instruments, instrument

by Delfina Green

An option to buying a new instrument is to procure a second hand instrument. Even though you can save some money, you still want to know what you are doing or you could end up buying something, which is not in good form. Second hand musical instruments can be purchased from several instrument shops, online stores, small ads in the local newspaper or from Ebay.

Apart from the local instrument shops, you many discover it hard to see the instrument straight away, it is important to organize a time to view it if you can, which should certainly be possible with a small ad. A musical instrument sold online by a shop or Ebay will necessitate further work. For Ebay instruments if the place of the seller is local, ask if it is feasible to view the item so that you can determine the condition of the instrument before you put a bid in. Otherwise, ask as many queries about its condition as you can so that you can assemble as much knowledge as possible about that item. Make certain there are no knocks or dents as this can have an effect on its resale value. It is also worth inspecting any paperwork that the seller might have, this may help you make a decision whether the instrument has been well taken care of.

Woodwind and Brass instruments can be sticky to buy second hand. Most advice leans towards buying a new instrument, as some damage on these instruments can be very difficult to find. A different option is to visit your local instrument repair place and ask their advice, the probability is that they would have fixed many instruments and they may well have a good sphere of contacts.

Tips on buying a used piano:

It is true that used pianos are sometimes better than new ones. The 1920s were marked by pianos of the highest quality. But a word of caution must be sounded. Before buying refurbished piano, seek the advice of a professional technician, or buy from a reputable piano dealer. There is often a fine line between a good deal and a piece of junk. Only a tuner-technician is suitably qualified to tell you whether a used piano is worth buying.

Inspect a used piano meticulously. Definitely much more painstakingly than you would if, it was a new piano. Play each key with the right hand pedal down this way you will get a true idea of the tone. The keyboard, hammers, and pedals should not squeak. Check to make sure the hammers and strings are in good condition. Check to see if there is any dirt or rust in or around the piano and its mechanisms.

аBit of History

Sound all the lofty instruments of war,
And by that music let us all embrace,
For, heaven to earth, some of us never shall
A second time do such a courtesy.

—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

Look to see if the keys are loose. Place your finger on the front of a key and move it from left to right and right to left. If there is any looseness, you will feel it here. The key should not move more than 1/16" in either direction. Pay close attention to the middle keys since they are played most often. Do not be afraid to find out who the previous owner was (if you are buying it from a piano store). A serious musician will take great care of their instrument.

Find out the brand name and serial number of the piano. With this information, you can determine how old the piano is. If the piano were more the twenty years old, you would be wise to consider a different piano or go to a different location. Pianos age faster than other string instruments like violins and guitars. Piano strings create a lot of tension on soundboards, bridges, and pin-blocks. There are many mechanical parts with pianos that there are with violins and guitars. These parts wear out as well so checking to see how they are is important.

Although the age is important, your focus ought to be the condition of the piano. Evaluate the used piano with similar pianos. If the piano appears to be in good condition and is of a good price, you can most likely leave a deposit subject to approval by a technician. The technician may be able to tell you the estimated value of the piano in its current condition, as well as the likely cost of repairs, if any. Based on your information, you may then choose to offer the seller a price.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Helpful Tips on Buying a Used or Refurbished Instrument" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by MusicInstrumentsCds.com.

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