by Payton Grotewiel
The task of buying a personal horn can be daunting, especially with a four- to five-figure price tag attached. Luckily, purchasing a second-hand horn can provide you with a manageable, lower price. Finding a quality used horn can be easy if you know two things: where to look, and what to look for.
Instrument manufacturers and suppliers, such as Yamaha Corporation, and retailers, such as Houghton Horns or local music and instrument shops often sell online. These shops usually contain a dedicated page or filter for “pre-owned” or “used” horns, allowing you to narrow your search on their website.
The second place you can search is in online community markets, like Facebook Marketplace. Advantages of purchasing from these markets include the ability to ask about the instrument directly with the owner and inspect it in person before buying. As these markets often require little verification from their sellers, know in advance exactly what to look for when buying.
Once you find a horn that fits your needs, note the price, damage, any accessories, as well as the seller’s credibility. If you do not make your purchase from a credible seller, there is a chance you could lose a lot of money or purchase a horn different from what was listed. To verify a seller’s legitimacy, check their reviews both on the site and on other online venues. If a website requests too much personal information or has a vague return policy, avoid them. To ensure reliability, stick to familiar and popular sellers that allow returns on products.
Price is another key factor to consider before purchasing your horn. Used horn prices will vary, but you can expect a price of $2,000-$7,000 depending on the model and condition. If the price is over $8,000, you should be looking at a high-quality model with minimal damage. If a price seems extremely low, it could be due to damage to the horn, which is why you should closely inspect all photos of the horn. Any dents or scratches to the bell of the horn will not likely impact the instrument's sound, but damage to the leadpipe, main branches, or tuning slides will require costly repair. Remember that it is okay to request additional photos and to negotiate the price before purchasing.
Accessories included with the horn will also affect the price. Many instrument companies will not sell a mouthpiece with a preowned horn due to sanitary concerns. Additionally, some sellers may not include a case or maintenance supplies. Thoroughly read the description of the product so that you can re-adjust your budget for the remaining items.
Owning a horn is a significant milestone in a player’s musical journey, so it is important to be cautious when selecting yours. If you shop online and apply these crucial guidelines, you should not have any trouble finding a horn that suits your needs. Good luck!
