Brass Instruments | Film & Music | Classifieds.co.uk :

Thinking about buying that new brass instrument that you have been eyeing in the music shop? All sorts of brass instruments can be found and bought in specialised music shops or even over the internet. It is easiest to buy over the internet if you already have the expertise to enable you to choose the brass instrument online. It is also possible to buy second--hand or used brass instruments. In fact, many first-time musicians and children who are just starting to learn, choose to go down the second-hand route. This is obviously a cheaper option than buying brand new. A good way to find out about the quality of any brass instrument-- both new and used -- is to read reviews in music magazines. There should be a specialised publication or magazine which will cover just about any issue you may wish to explore relating to brass instruments.

There are now a number of websites dedicated to selling and buying musical instruments, including brass instruments, which will also carry useful reviews and recommendations. These product reviews will provide you with full technical specifications and features, industry quotes, and in-depth articles, all written by brass players and musicians who have actually tested the instruments. It is always a good idea to make a visit to a music shop to chat and discuss your needs with a professional, even if you do decide eventually to buy the brass instrument over the internet.

Different Categories and Types of Brass Instruments
The brass instruments most commonly available on the market, both in shops and online include:

Trumpets -- used widely in amongst jazz bands and musicians
French Horn -- argued to be the most difficult to learn and play amongst the brass instruments
Tuba -- used widely in marches and parades
Trombone -- used widely in Big Bands

Other brass instruments include the baritone horn, the cornet, the euphonium, the flugel horn, the tenor horn and even cymbals.

Things to Consider before Buying Brass Instruments
When buying brass instruments, you can choose to buy by manufacturer or by price. Whilst much of this may be down to personal preference or experience, other issues to take into account before taking the plunge may include the following:-

Are you thinking of buying a brand new or second-hand brass instrument?
Are you more comfortable buying from a music shop or are you confident enough to buy over the internet?

Here are a few further considerations to mull over before buying your brass instrument:-

If you decide to buy a used instrument, be ready to accept that it may not be in mint condition. However it is vital to do some basic research over the internet. Also, spend time reading any relevant reviews in music magazines. Most importantly, check that the instrument you intend to buy is in good working order. Like most musical instruments, brass instruments do not come cheap. The last thing you don't want to find is that you have spent your hard-earned cash on an instrument which will need expensive repairs or even worse, does not work at all. That said, buying second-hand instruments can be a wise choice. They are almost always significantly cheaper which will come in handy especially if you are just starting to learn to play.

If you decide to buy online, do bear in mind that you will not have the luxury of browsing and physically checking the condition of the instrument. Nor will you be able to discuss any issues you may have with a salesperson, as you would in a high street music shop. Thus you will be largely reliant on the written description, details and any photographs provided by the seller. In some cases, fairly minimal information may be given and there may be no images. If this is the case, take stock and be careful. You should contact the seller by email or telephone to clarify any concerns you may have or to ask further questions. It is also perfectly reasonable to ask them to email a digital photograph (make sure it is current!) of the instrument -- almost everyone has access to a digital camera these days. As some brass instruments can be big and heavy items, you may want to choose a seller close to your home: this will make collection of instrument convenient and inexpensive.

Whilst buying online presents a few risks, by following these precautions, buyers should have a positive and safe experience:-

Use reputable online retailers when buying new instruments -- registered companies with a VAT number.
Spend a little extra time asking questions about condition and the reason for sale when buying second-hand or from foreign traders.
If possible, pay by credit card as the card provider may help to bear responsibility if something goes wrong.
Ensure the site uses secure SSL technology to avoid any potential fraud.
Ensure there is a clear returns / refund policy.
Look out for any hidden costs such as excessive delivery charges.
Find any registered complaints against the business through Better Business Bureau.

Remember that not only do High Street consumer rights apply, but online purchases of new equipment are also covered by the Distance Selling Directive which, amongst other things, allows you to return the item at your discretion within a specified period if you are not completely satisfied. It is also worth knowing that second-hand sellers must trade fairly. If second-hand goods are unsafe or incorrectly labelled, and reasonable precautions have not been taken to avoid this, the trader may be prosecuted and could be fined up to �5,000 and / or imprisoned for up to six months!

Conclusion
Buying a brass instrument can represent a significant investment. In some cases, it may be possible to pay by monthly instalments -- this service is provided by many music retailers. Do spend time reading and understanding all the seller's terms and conditions. It may be useful to take out delivery insurance to ensure that you will be appropriately compensated should the brass instrument arrive with scratches, dents or otherwise in a unacceptable condition.