The Internet has opened up new options to musicians who want to purchase a new instrument. Trumpet players who are looking for a new horn are well advised to take advantage of the exciting opportunity to use this medium, but they may want to keep some tips in mind in order to avoid the possible pitfalls involved in making this kind of purchase.

 

Buying a new trumpet online can be a very rewarding experience, and you can save a lot of money on finding that great new instrument you’ve been wanting. But you should make sure that you have the knowledge to keep your wits about you and know what you’re getting into before you jump in. The Internet is a wonderful tool, but you need to use it wisely in order to make the very best purchasing decision.

 

One very obvious limitation of the Internet that you need to compensate for is your lack of ability to examine the trumpet in person before making your purchase. So you have to be very careful to talk with the seller before you bring out your credit card so that you can proceed with making an informed decision. Most sellers on the Internet are honest and upright people who will give you all the facts you need. Even so, make a point of keeping a record of all your communications so that you can have a reference that the trumpet was indeed in the condition that the seller claimed it was.

 

Some brand names, such as Olds and Kanstul, are well known for their consistent level of quality and you can rest assured that any trumpets made by these companies are built well. But no matter what brand of trumpet you prefer, you should always make sure to ask extensive questions of the seller before throwing in your coin. Find out the full history of the instrument by asking questions like whether it has been through any repairs.   How experienced was the previous owner, and how long had they owned it? Are there any signs of red rot, valve compression, or any other issues that could hamper the instrument’s sound quality?

 

Ask for good quality pictures taken from several different angles so that you can examine the quality of the instrument visually. Look for any sign of dings or damage, or any indications that the instrument is not functioning in a condition that you would like. This includes dented or frozen slides, loose parts, poor seals in the spit valves, or peeling laquer. If you notice any of these defects, then you may want to reconsider the purchase.

 

Always make sure that your online seller agrees to accept a return if it turns out that the trumpet isn’t as described. Most sellers are quite amenable to returning your money and accepting a reversal of sale if you’re dissatisfied, so make sure that you’re very happy with your new purchase by keeping your options open.

 

Above all, make sure to thank your seller and leave them a good review if your transaction was conducted via the use of an online auction website. Always be polite, and if you keep in mind the trumpet tips that we’ve gone over here today, you can look forward to a successful online purchase, and a new trumpet that you can feel proud to own.