Used trombones are worth different amounts depending on their current condition, their type, their material, and the brand of trombone that is being sold. A used trombone can often be a great way to save money, whether you are a student or a beginner trombonist, or even an intermediate or professional trombonist, depending on your needs and budget.
When the following considerations are taken into account, cost-savings can be more than expected:
- Its current state Inspecting a used trombone
- What to look for
- Which used trombones are the best to purchase
- At what expense
- As well as where you might locate them
Purchasing a used trombone may be a great way to save money while still maintaining your high quality requirements for instruments. It is important, however, that you are fully informed about how to acquire the greatest bargains as well as the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a used trombone as opposed to purchasing new.
Consider that going this path allows you to get your hands on really good and dependable trombones for a fraction of the price of a brand-new one from the manufacturer.
Continue reading to learn about the concerns you should take into account before buying one of the most commonly used instruments in the brass family.
What is the price of a used trombone?
It is based on numerous factors to determine the total cost of secondhand trombones in general. Used trombones are worth different amounts depending on their current condition, their type, their material, and the brand of trombone that is being sold.
Its Present Physical Condition
When it comes to purchasing a used trombone, the first thing you should consider is how it looks and how well it performs musically. The instrument must be in a playable condition, meaning it should not be too worn out from heavy use to the point that it is no longer playable.
In this scenario, and whenever possible, you should do a test session to ensure that the sound is working properly and that everything is in working order before proceeding.
Beginner trombonist testing a used trombone
You can also use a tuner to ensure that it is in perfect working order and that it is playing in tune. If you know how to confirm this condition before purchasing, then do so and avoid wasting money on something that won’t sound nice or be playable.
Trombones are classified according to their type
Trombones are priced significantly depending on the type of trombone.
Prices for trombones, including alto trombones, tenor trombones, trigger trombones, trombones with F Attachment, and other valve trombones, can vary significantly depending on the model. This is true not only for pre-owned brass instruments, but also for new ones.
The second-hand market values several varieties of trombones in the following ranges (assuming they are in good condition and from recognized brands):
Used alto trombones are commonly available for between $1,000 and $3,000, assuming they are in exceptional condition.
Tenor trombones are priced between $300 and $1,300, depending on their quality. Used trigger trombones, particularly F Attachment trombones, can be purchased for between $1,000 and $3,000 on the used market.
Material used
The material used and the lacquer finish applied to the trombone are other important qualities to consider when selecting whether or not to purchase one, and they have a significant impact on its cost.
For example, you can have expensive gilded brass models, and on the other, you have more inexpensive pricing with plastic trombones, which are significantly less expensive and are frequently used by children or beginners as a result of their lower cost.
Nickel-silver ones are also reasonably priced, although brass and gold brass ones will be the most expensive and highly valued.
The instrument’s brand
What is the name of the trombone’s brand? Because different brands are valued differently, this single element can have a significant impact on the price of a used instrument.
If you solely consider the brand for a specific trombone type, you could find price variances of hundreds or even thousands of dollars, even when purchasing a used instrument.
Brands of Trombones to Look for in Used Condition
When it comes to previously owned trombones, there are several types of brands that provide greater quality and more dependable trombones than other types of brands.
The following brands and models are excellent alternatives for novices and may also be found on the second-hand market at reasonable costs, even when considering that some of them are several years or more in age.
- Yamaha
- Conn
- King
- Bach
Prices of used trombones
We explored some of the models we’ve discovered to be among the best options for beginning and intermediate trombonists in order to give you an idea of the rates you should anticipate to spend for a used trombone, whether online or in music stores.
Models Price Range
- Bach TB301 is priced between $300 and $800.
- TB711 from Conn-Selmer Amounts ranging from $200 to $600
- Yamaha 2330 (Yamaha 2330) The range is $200 to $700.
Best Used Student Models price range
When determining pricing, age is also a significant factor. Because of their age and previous use, older instruments may be available at a lower cost.
Nevertheless, this is not always the case, particularly when searching for respected brands and models that have been discontinued, meanwhile but are still in high demand among trombonists.
Furthermore, if the instrument has a rich history or was once owned by a legendary player, the instrument’s collector value will have a significant impact on the price.
Is there a set of accessories included?
Sellers may occasionally sell the instrument along with extra accessories or kits for new owners. Examples of these include trombone cases, mouthpieces, tuners, cleaning tools, and various small pieces of brass that are used to adjust the length of the instrument itself, as different players may prefer different sizes.
All of these extras could affect how much you have to pay for a used trombone.
What is the best place to get a trombone?
When it comes to finding and purchasing trombones, there are primarily two types of places to choose from: the internet and local music stores. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Online:
You may find a broader selection of trombones and dealers online, which implies that there is also a greater variety of pricing ranges to choose from. You will be able to get a used trombone from a reputable brand, but you may also be able to find a low-cost instrument at the same time.
Everyone now has the ability to contact millions of buyers around the world thanks to the availability of global markets and the various methods by which people sell their instruments online.
For those shopping for secondhand trombones on the internet, there are numerous possibilities available to them. The only issue that could arise when purchasing second-hand instruments online is that it can be difficult to show their current condition as well as how well they perform.
To overcome this and reduce the likelihood of such a risk, you might consider purchasing used trombones online from trusted sources, such as those we have already listed. For anyone wishing to sell or purchase instruments online, there are specialist music instrument websites like Reverb or more general e-commerce websites like eBay, Facebook Marketplaces, Craig’s List, or Amazon are the best locations to explore.
You can also investigate various specialty musical instruments and trombones websites in addition to those general online marketplaces, such as the ones listed below:
- Dillon Music Used Trombones
- Sam Ash Used Trombones
While shopping online, make sure to thoroughly inspect and validate the current condition of the instrument by requesting additional photos and videos from the seller, and by asking pertinent questions about the instrument’s previous usage and how well it was maintained before making your final decision.
Purchasing from well-known dealers or manufacturers would help to reduce the hazards associated with internet shopping.
Local music stores are also an option:
If you are trying to purchase music instruments in your area, your best bet is to check for musical instrument stores in your area. When it comes to purchasing a used trombone, such musical establishments are typically able to provide a diverse selection of instruments from a variety of brands and types that will most likely meet your requirements.
The advantage of visiting a local music store is that you may try out the instrument before purchasing it, allowing you to have a better idea of whether it is the correct instrument for you or not before making your purchase.
Who Purchases Used Trombones?
There are various categories of persons who buy used trombones. And there are a variety of reasons for them to do so as well. These may include the following:
Students or beginning musicians who want to learn the instrument but cannot afford to acquire a new one.
Students who have been given an instrument by their school but it is not the best model and would like to replace it with a better model once they reach higher grades.
Beginner trombone players who aren’t sure they’ll be able to commit to playing the trombone for more than a few months or a year, and who conclude that renting will be more expensive than buying.
Intermediate to advanced trombone players who rent a trombone at the start of their career and then purchase a new model when they require a better trombone.
In the case of professional musicians who tour and play with several bands, they rent models and only purchase used models when they arrive at their new performance gig.
Used models are purchased by educational institutions such as schools, bands, music professors, or music schools so that they can be made available to students and beginners.
Trombonists wishing to upgrade to a new type of trombone or for a specific model that meets their requirements.
Musicians who are particularly fond of a certain model and who wish to have a backup instrument available for use during performances.
A discontinued model of a specific brand or manufacturer is sought after by intermediate or professional trombonists.
Collectors who buy and sell old or vintage trombones that have a certain amount of historical significance or that have been performed by a well-known trombonist.
Aspects of purchasing used trombones that are both advantageous and disadvantageous
Purchasing a used trombone is frequently the most cost-effective alternative for persons who are unable to buy a new trombone.
A second-hand instrument can provide you with the same pleasure as performing with a brand-new instrument, but at a significantly lower cost. Furthermore, even if you are seeking for a high-end model, it is still feasible to obtain one at a more affordable price.
When it comes to purchasing or renting a used musical instrument, the one drawback that most people point out is that there is no guarantee of the instrument’s quality and sound when compared to new instruments.
Additionally, they may believe that there is always something lacking in their performance as a result of starting with an old and less expensive model to begin with.
