Wind instruments: how to buy a saxophone, trumpet or flute at a good price
First the instrument and the level
Wind instruments are woodwinds (flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone) and brass (trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba). A saxophone, although it is made of metal, sounds through a reed and in technique is closer to a clarinet. Beginners most often get student models: they are cheaper, tougher and simpler to set up.
The pitch of the instrument matters in an ensemble: trumpets and clarinets come in B♭, an alto sax and a French horn in E♭ or F, and a flute does not transpose. Ask your teacher which pitch you need.
Hygiene and consumables
A mouthpiece and reeds are personal items and are better not bought used. For saxophone and clarinet, reeds have a strength number, and beginners usually take softer ones. You will also need a saxophone strap, cork grease and a swab for cleaning after playing.
What to put in your request
- instrument — alto sax, trumpet, clarinet, flute;
- model, for example Yamaha YAS-280;
- condition — new, or used after an overhaul;
- pitch, for example B♭;
- player level — student or professional;
- material and finish — lacquer, silver plate;
- package — case, mouthpiece, reeds;
- budget and delivery city.
Example: “I need a Yamaha YAS-280 alto sax or an equivalent student model, silver-plated. Used after an overhaul, with a case and mouthpiece. Sydney, courier delivery, budget up to $860.”
What to check when buying
The main enemy of wind instruments is air leaks. Keys and pads harden over time, and the instrument then “won't speak” on the low notes. Ask for a video in which every note from the lowest to the highest is played, and find out when the last overhaul at a workshop was. Dents in the body are less serious than worn or bent keys.
For brass: check the valves (they should move smoothly) and look for a greenish deposit from corrosion. Mouthpieces and reeds are usually a separate cost, and for hygiene you should buy them new.
What can affect the price
Brand and series (student or professional), material and finish (lacquer or silver), the number and quality of keys, and the condition of the pads. An instrument after a full overhaul costs more, but you will not have to go to a repairer straight away.
How BlaBlaPrice helps here
Write a request on the home page: music shops and private sellers reply with offers in the chat with price, condition and delivery. They can see where they stand among the others and compete for your request. It is free for the buyer and your phone number stays hidden. How it works is explained here.
For looking after the instrument you will need accessories, and to compare options, see synthesisers and bowed string instruments.
