There are a lot of used trombones that are in great shape and are very playable. A trombone can last for decades if properly cared for. Used trombones, especially those that aren’t technically vintage but have had a previous owner, can be significantly less expensive than new trombones while still performing admirably.
Trombones that have been used can be found in a variety of places. Of course, some used instruments can be found in music instrument stores. Trombones are sometimes found at estate or yard sales, as well as pawn shops and other resale stores. Used instruments can also be found in classified ads, such as those found in a local newspaper or on a classified advertisement website.
Although buying a used trombone online is possible, it can be risky. If the trombone turns out to be different than described, many individual sellers will not accept returns. It is preferable to buy a trombone only after thoroughly inspecting it.
Conn, Bach, Yamaha, King, Holten, and Bundy are some good brands to look for. Instruments with no brand name should be avoided in general. If a high-quality used trombone from a reputable manufacturer has some minor damage, it may be worth repairing, but you should get an estimate from an instrument repair person before purchasing the used trombone.
When inspecting a used trombone, pay close attention to four areas: the mouthpiece, the slide, the tuning slide, and the bell. Although the mouthpiece is easily replaceable, if you are on a tight budget, you may need to look for a trombone that comes with a working mouthpiece. It should be silver or gold plated and show only minor signs of use. A new mouthpiece is required if the plating on the brass has worn away.
If the previous musician was careless, the slide could be easily damaged. Denting or bending the slide can result in serious damage that is costly to repair, if not impossible. Make sure the slide is in good working order. If it’s dry, try it again with a few drops of lubricant. It should be able to move freely without catching, but if you notice any bumps, keep looking. Check that the water valve at the bottom of the slide is also working.
Remove the slide completely and inspect it for rust and corrosion on the inside. To complete this task completely, you may need a small flashlight. A rusted instrument should be avoided, even though silver-colored corrosion is usually not a problem and can be cleaned off.
The tuning slide is located on the trombone’s top. It should be easy to move around, but it should also stay put. The used trombone is not a good buy if it is still difficult to move after lubrication.
Finally, listen for the ringing of the bell. Small dents with a diameter of less than two-fifths of an inch (1 centimeter) usually have no effect on the overall sound. Larger dents can degrade the sound and must usually be repaired.
Play the used trombone if it appears to be in good condition. To try out trombones, you may want to bring antibacterial wipes to clean the mouthpiece or even your own mouthpiece. Find a teacher who will let you try out a used trombone before you buy it if you are a beginner trombone player. By playing the instrument, he or she may be able to detect problems that aren’t visible.