How to Save Money When You Buy a Music Instrument

Whether you are a band student just starting out on the trombone, a drummer looking for a new drum set, or a professional musician needing to expand your wide array of instruments, saving money during a tough economic time like this is always important.

Before you get ready to buy your new band trumpet, drum set, keyboard, or mixer, be sure to do your research. There are many music brands available that will be good for a year or two, but then will leave you without a music instrument. Beware of any superstore brands, unless you are purchasing a music instrument for your nine year old son or daughter and do not mind having to replace the instrument within a year or two.

The Retail Music Store
This is your most expensive option for purchasing good music instruments and gear. The retail store automatically marks up the price of any music instrument, just like any other retailer. Of course, keep an eye out for any amazing sales as music stores try to get rid of unwanted inventory. If that Pearl drum set has been on your Christmas list for three years and is finally within your price range, then go for it. Usually what I do is test out the gear at a local music retail store, then go elsewhere to actually purchase it.

The Online Music Store
Once again, this may not be your best bet for finding the least expensive music instrument or gear. However, you can easily do side by side comparisons of your instrument and find where you can purchase the instrument for less. If you do decide to buy from an online music store, try to find out about free shipping. Sometimes you have to call up the online music store to find out, but it is definitely worth the amount of money you will save.

E-Bay and other online resellers
Thanks to modern internet technology, you can find almost anything on sale on E-bay, Half.com, Goodwill.com, Craigs' List and other online resellers. Before you begin to bid or decide to purchase a music instrument, be sure to check on the condition and quality of the music instrument. Ask the seller as many questions as you need to ensure that you are not buying someone's old broken band flute or a warped cymbal. Some music parts can be easily replaced, for example, guitar strings, a drum head, or a brass mouthpiece. Other problems, like a crack in a cello's wooden body, wiring problems with an electric guitar, severely out of tune keys on a piano, or a bent French horn bell will involve more than a little bit of repair and may not be worth the price. Many music stores offer music instrument repair services. Get some music repair quotes before you purchase a used instrument from an online reseller.

The Pawn Shop, Secondhand Shops, and Cultural Festivals
The local pawn shop has been the source of music instruments for decades. You can easily find any instrument or music gear from amps, guitars, band instruments, drum sets, to microphones. Prices should be very low in comparison to the same instrument brand new. Be sure to double check pricing before you purchase a used instrument at the local pawn shop. Pawn shop owners are not known for their upstanding honesty, and you do not want to find out that the $750 you just spent on a used drum set could have just as easily been spent on the same drum set at the local music store. Keep the same idea in mind when you visit local flea markets and thrifts shops looking for music instruments. Flea markets, cultural fairs, bazaars, garage sales, craft and historical festivals, and thrift shops are great places to find authentic, hand made instruments (like African drums, Native American flutes, period piece instruments, or various shakers).

Other Musicians
Talk to other musicians in your area (or even on Facebook or My Space). By asking around, you may find out that the local church just replaced their organ and needs to get rid of their older instrument or that a fellow guitarist has an extra guitar to unload. You might be able to borrow instruments from the local school, church, or college if you have a relationship established there or are taking a music class. The local high school band program might be replacing their older instruments or a now defunct punk band is trying to sell their unwanted music gear. If you are a younger musician, you might find that a mentor is willing to part with an instrument just to give you the opportunity to have a music instrument to practice on.

Even with only a small amount of money at your disposal, you can easily find the music instrument you need for less.