Musical Miscellany | Film & Music

Thinking about buying that new musical instrument that you have been dreaming of? Musical instruments of every kind can be purchased 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 instrument online. It is also possible to buy second--hand or used musical 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 more economical option than buying brand new. A good way to find out about the quality of any musical instrument-- both new and used -- is to read the reviews in music magazines. There will be a publication which covers every type of musical instrument. There are now many websites dedicated to selling and buying musical 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 musicians who have actually tested the instruments. It is always a good idea to visit a music shop to chat and discuss your needs with a professional, even if you decide to buy the instrument online in the end.

Different Categories and Types of Musical Instruments

Here is an extensive but by no means complete list of the different categories of musical instruments available on the market, both in shops and online:

Pianos -- Acoustic, Digital, Portable, Synthetiser
Guitars -- Electric, Acoustic, Steel, Classic, Bass, Amplifiers
Percussion - Drums, Tambourines, Cymbals, Xylophones, Triangles
Band and Orchestra -- Violins, Trumpets, Tuba, Cornets, Harmonica, French Horn, Viola, Cello, Saxophone, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon.
Ethnic Instruments -- Balinese Gamelan, Bongo, Spanish Flamenco Guitar

Things to Consider before Buying Musical Instruments

When buying musical instruments, you can choose to buy by brand or by price. Other considerations to take into account before taking the plunge may include the following:

Do you want to buy a brand new or used musical instrument?
Do you prefer to buy from a music shop or over the internet?

Here are a few precautions to think about when buying musical instruments:-

If you decide to buy a second-hand instrument, be prepared to accept that the condition of the instrument may not be perfect. However it is important to do your research, read the relevant reviews and check that the instrument in question is in good working order. Musical instruments do not come cheap. You don't want to find that you have spend a large amount of money on an instrument which will require expensive repairs or worse, does not work at all. That said, buying second-hand instruments can be beneficial. They are generally considerably cheaper which will come in handy especially if you are just starting to learn to play an instrument.

If you decide to buy a musical instrument online, remember that you cannot check the condition of the instrument or discuss it with a salesperson, as you can in a high street music shop. The buyer will have to rely completely on the written description and photographs, provided by the seller. On some websites, there is scant information and no images. If this is the case, be careful. Do not hesitate to contact the seller by email or telephone to clarify any doubts you may have or to ask further questions. As musical instruments can be big and heavy items, you may want to choose a seller in an easily accessible location to you. This will make collection of the musical instrument convenient for both parties.

Whilst buying online can occasionally be risky, by following these precautions, buyers will 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 shipping fees.
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 second-hand trader may be prosecuted and could be fined up to �5,000 and/or imprisoned for up to six months!

Conclusion
Buying a musical instrument can be an expensive investment. It is possible to pay by monthly instalments -- this service is provided by many music retailers. To minimise any risks, read and understand all the seller's terms and conditions. It may be useful to take out shipping insurance to ensure that you will be appropriately compensated should the musical instrument arrive with scratches or in a poor condition.