Choosing the best vintage percussion instrument is partly about acquiring a piece of percussion history, but it’s also about getting the best sound for your money. Purchasing vintage percussion can save you money allowing you to get a high-quality older instrument for less than the cost of a low-end new instrument, but it should be done with caution. To produce the classic sound that makes vintage percussion instruments valuable, they should ideally have their original hardware and be in excellent condition. The only way to be sure you’re getting the best vintage percussion instrument is to have an industry expert verify the instrument’s authenticity and original condition.
Buying an older instrument just for the sake of being a part of history can be appealing. However, if you don’t do your homework and pay attention to detail, you might end up with something that isn’t worth as much as a new instrument. Examine the instrument thoroughly for any signs of repair or replacement. Cracks, rust, and missing or unusual-looking hardware should all be looked for. Any discoloration on an instrument, as well as oddly colored or misshapen parts, could indicate that it has been repaired and may have been damaged.
Learn everything you can about the vintage percussion instrument you want to buy so you can spot flaws in a potential purchase. Many manufacturers can provide information about past instruments that will aid in identifying them and ensuring that they have all of their original parts. If you lack the knowledge or experience to accurately appraise a percussion instrument, insist on taking it to a reputable appraiser before making a purchase decision. Repairs and replacements that may appear insignificant to the untrained eye can permanently alter the sound and value of a vintage percussion instrument.
The most reliable way to buy authentic vintage percussion for high-end collectors with a large budget for vintage purchases is to go to a trusted dealer. A reputable dealer could be an instrument store with knowledgeable and skilled staff, or it could be the original manufacturer of the instrument you want to buy. Contacting a manager to inquire about vintage purchases is a nearly foolproof way of connecting with a seller who has an older instrument in near-perfect playing condition when absolute authenticity is important.