| If you are thinking of buying a piano, guitar, bass, | | | | Guitars, violins, drums, and other smaller |
| violin or some other instrument, you might | | | | instruments can also be bought as used |
| consider buying a used musical instrument. But | | | | instruments, but you should use extra caution to |
| before you go shopping, there are a few things | | | | be sure you're getting one that's in good condition. |
| you should know. | | | | Ask lots of questions such as with the piano, but |
| There are advantages and disadvantages of | | | | also find out how many times the instrument has |
| buying a used musical instrument. The major | | | | changed hands. Also, try to find out who owned it |
| advantage, of course, is money savings. If you do | | | | before if possible. Where was it played? In a |
| a little research and ask lots of questions, you can | | | | church, school band, at family gatherings, or in a |
| find a quality instrument at a very low price. Also, | | | | teenage rock band? |
| you might be able to buy a high-dollar instrument | | | | Where to Buy a Used Musical Instrument |
| such as a piano when otherwise you wouldn't be | | | | There are many places to buy a used musical |
| able to afford a new one. | | | | instrument. Some music stores carry used |
| The disadvantages are no guarantees or | | | | instruments, and might even offer some sort of |
| warranties, and you can never know for sure | | | | short-term warranty. The only drawback is you |
| how the instrument was treated by previous | | | | may pay more at a store than when buying |
| owners. | | | | directly from an owner. You can also check your |
| Use the tips below to determine if buying a used | | | | local newspaper classifieds, garage and yard sales, |
| instrument will be beneficial. | | | | church yard sales, and flea markets. |
| Buying a Used Piano | | | | Search Engine for Used Musical Instruments |
| Pianos are probably the most durable of all | | | | Another great place to find used musical |
| instruments. They have an average lifespan of 40 | | | | instruments is online. You can use a general |
| years if well-kept by the owners. Also, pianos | | | | search engine such as Google or Yahoo, or you |
| have a low turnover rate due to pricing and the | | | | can use a custom search engine for used musical |
| large size and weight. Many people will use a piano | | | | instruments provided by a specialty music site. |
| in their home decor for years, but will rarely play | | | | Either way, you can search by brand name, type |
| it. Also, pianos will usually hold their value if | | | | of instrument, price, location, etc. to narrow your |
| well-kept. Therefore, buying a piano is definitely a | | | | search. Online auctions can also be a great source |
| great investment even as a used musical | | | | for used instruments. |
| instrument. | | | | Most importantly, try out the instrument before |
| Before buying a used piano, ask the previous | | | | buying if possible. Or, if buying online be sure the |
| owner if the piano has been exposed to | | | | seller is one you feel you can trust. Use feedback |
| weathering. Was it kept indoors and away from | | | | ratings at auctions or check with the Better |
| damp areas? Was it ever stored in a garage or | | | | Business Bureau Online to be sure it's not a scam. |
| attic? Did the owner have indoor pets? Also, ask | | | | Buying a used musical instrument is a great way |
| how often the piano was played - several hours | | | | to save money and start realizing your dreams as |
| per week or per day? | | | | a musician! |
| Buying Smaller Used Instruments | | | | |