r/brass • u/AccomplishedMess6354 • 17d ago
How do I buy a used trombone?
I've been thinking of buying a student trombone after hearing there are usually plenty around.
As a beginner myself, I wouldn't know how to assess a used instrument.
Usually the advice is to go with someone who can check it out. However, I just wanted to ask here first - maybe it's easier than I think?
UPDATE
Thanks to all those who replied. I have found a Conn director online but photos only, no dings. Would this be pretty reliable? I'm a bit nervous bc I can't check it myself, it would be freighted. Cheers.
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u/Servania 17d ago
Trombones are mechanically very simple.
Operate the hand slide you want no resistance nice and smooth.
Put Your thumb over the hole where the landslide attached to the bell then blow through the leadpipe. This is checking that the waterkey cork (or plastic) is sealing. You should feel like your air is blocked.
Move the tuning slide. It should move easily but not just fall right out.
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u/hobbiestoomany 16d ago
I got a great deal on craigslist for a yamaha, but the mouthpiece was unusual. I replaced it for $50 or so.
I had a list of respected student models and found one right away.
I gave it a bath. It was quite gross inside while snaking.
There's good advice here. I'd also look for dents in the tubing or corrosion. Dents on the bell are no big deal.
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u/Tarogato Multi-instrumentalist 10d ago
Director would be fine. As a beginner it really doesn't matter much. As long as the slide isn't completely wrecked (and even then a good shop can clean it up to within your budget). If it doesn't come with a mouthpiece, go pick up a small shank Bach 6 1/2 AL or Bach 7C, or Blessing or whatever with similar numbers. Cheap is fine, as long as the rim where your lips go doesn't have the plating worn off (some people have skin reactions to exposed raw brass)
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u/AccomplishedMess6354 10d ago
are there extra photos i should request? presently just a basic pic of it in the case, and one of serial number. looks in good nick
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u/Tarogato Multi-instrumentalist 10d ago
As long as there aren't major dents (common at the bottom of slide), there isn't much you can glean from pictures without loads of experience, and even then... most details won't matter as a beginner. As long as you vibe with the looks of the instrument and would feel compelled to practice it, the only thing that matters is that the handslide sorta mostly works okay and there's no significant dents (dents in the bell though you can ignore, to a beginner they are mostly cosmetic only)
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u/Tarogato Multi-instrumentalist 10d ago
Oh, if they are shipping it, make sure they know how to ship it safely. If it's in an old wooden case, it will need a lot of extra padding. Case in a box with newspaper won't cut it. You basically have to pretend that the case itself is an anvil and the trombone is a hammer. If the shipping box gets dropped on the wrong side, the trombone bell will absolutely crumple against the inside of the case. Honestly this doesn't happen often, but it's just a possibility and proper padding prevents it. The newer plastic cases are only slightly better at preventing it.
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u/Mindless-Advantage-2 17d ago
It probably won’t matter much what you play until you get better. I would still go for a well-known branded instrument if I were you. As long as it’s in decent condition and the slides are straight you can be fairly confident buying without trying in my experience. I usually look carefully at the photos, and prefer an item with a lot of them. Read the description and look for omissions or obvious signs of known issues. You won’t be getting a bargain that way, but a student horn isn’t a huge investment at fair market prices.