Buying a Second-Hand Trumpet
In addition to a brand new trumpet, buying a second-hand trumpet is often a good option as well. As an advanced trumpet player, you can often get a professional model for the same price. Or a starter model at an attractive price.
What should I look for when buying a second-hand trumpet?
Especially with second-hand trumpets, there are a number of things you should test before purchasing a trumpet. Additionally, there are also a few things you should do a bit of research on. On this page, we discuss several key points to consider when buying a second-hand trumpet. We also cover the questions you can ask the seller of a trumpet to ensure you are confident in your new purchase.
Buy a trumpet from a well-known brand that still makes trumpets, such as Bach, Adams, or Yamaha. Brand-name trumpets are often more expensive than unbranded trumpets, but parts for brand-name trumpets are usually available if needed.
Valve Compression
Through the back-and-forth movement of the piston, the valve casings and pistons gradually wear out. This can cause a "leak." A leak means that the air does not flow through the valve tubes but escapes along the valve. A trumpet with poor compression can be repaired.
An easy way to test this is to slide the valve slide out as far as possible without removing it from the instrument, and then press the valve. If you hear a 'pop,' the compression is good.
Red Rot
Are there red spots on the trumpet, especially on the leadpipe, valve tubes, or water key? Then it’s likely that this is not just damage to the finish but red rot. Basically, red rot means that the instrument has started to rust. This happens more often when saliva stays in the instrument for a long time. A small spot of red rot is not too serious. You just shouldn’t feel the metal give when you press on it.
To repair red rot, it is often necessary to replace that section of the tubing entirely.
Preventing red rot is mainly done by not eating or drinking just before playing. Blow all the saliva out of the instrument when you are done playing and oil the instrument regularly. Clean the instrument regularly or have it cleaned by a repair technician.
Silver Tarnish
Silver tarnishes over time due to contact with air and sweat. This can often be easily polished away with a silver polish such as UniPol. So don't let a tarnished instrument discourage you.
Dents
A used trumpet often has a few dents or scratches. The location of the dent is important to determine if it can be repaired affordably. Therefore, ask the seller if you can take the instrument to a professional repair technician; they can often tell you how much it will cost to repair.
For a scratch, it is important to know how deep it is. A scratch that goes down to the metal can later become a spot where red rot develops.
Serial Number
When you know the serial number and the brand of a trumpet, you can look up the instrument in our serial number database to see how old it is. You can also check on other websites to see if the instrument has been stolen. Often, you can also find out from the manufacturer which model trumpet you have.
Questions? Trumpet
IS THE INSTRUMENT IN GOOD TECHNICAL CONDITION?
The most important thing is that you can play on your trumpet. A beautifully looking piece with poor compression is unfortunately often only usable as a decoration object.
WHAT IS THE EXACT SERIAL NUMBER?
When you know the serial number and the brand, you can look up the instrument in our serial number database to see how old it is. You can also check on other websites to see if the instrument has been stolen. Often, you can also find out from the manufacturer which type it is.
WHAT IS THE MODEL NAME OR MODEL NUMBER?
Some models are known to be almost legendary. The Martin Committee is one of these trumpets. The model matters, but the most important thing is that you can play comfortably on it. So buy an instrument that you find comfortable to play.
WHEN WAS THE LAST FULL MAINTENANCE SERVICE?
This tells you how well the instrument has been cared for. A trumpet should have been serviced by a repair technician at least once every 3-5 years. Also, ask who performed the maintenance service. Look up this workshop and see what customers say about their work.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD THE TRUMPET?
This question is important to know what the current owner knows about the trumpet. If they have owned the instrument for years, they know much more about its history than someone who is only selling it.
WHO OWNED THE INSTRUMENT BEFORE YOU?
Just like with a used car, a previous owner says a lot about a trumpet. Players can treat their instrument like a sacred cow or completely wear it out.
HAS THE TRUMPET EVER BEEN SERIOUSLY DAMAGED?
HAVE ANY DENTS EVER BEEN REMOVED FROM THE TRUMPET?
DOES THE TRUMPET CURRENTLY HAVE DENTS?
DOES THE INSTRUMENT STILL HAVE ITS ORIGINAL FACTORY FINISH OR HAS IT BEEN RE-LACQUERED?
The above 4 questions are related to discovering hidden defects. In this case, have the trumpet inspected by a specialist. The first 3 questions are self-explanatory. The last question says a lot about how the instrument has been treated. A new layer of lacquer can also indicate repaired damage.
DO YOU REGULARLY PLAY THIS INSTRUMENT OR HAS IT BEEN UNUSED FOR A WHILE?
An unused instrument may need a small maintenance service to get it in order. Keep this in mind when negotiating the price.
WHY ARE YOU SELLING THIS TRUMPET?
HOW DID YOU DETERMINE THE VALUE OF THE TRUMPET?