A few weeks ago we talked about the basic pros and cons of buying versus renting an instrument for yourself or your children. We also talked at length about how to go about helping your child choose the right instrument for your child. So let’s move on to the next step. Let’s say that you’ve made your choice of instrument, and after weighing the facts about expenses and maintenance, you’ve finally settled on buying your or your child’s instrument. Well, now there is yet another step to consider. Now that you know you wont be renting, it is time to consider the pros and cons of purchasing a brand new instrument versus buying a gently used one.
Brand New
Of course, a lot of this depends greatly on the type of instrument that is being purchased, but we can still talk about it in broad strokes. As with all new items, there is a certain enjoyment of opening the package on a brand new shiny instrument, but we’re not here to talk about the joys of unboxing, we’re here to discuss the practical differences in new and used instruments. Aside from the fun of being the first to open a package, new instruments tend (in general) to have the edge in playability. This is more true for instruments that come from quality, reputable manufaturers, but since machine tolerences and woodworking equipment and techniques have improved over the years, the process is better than ever today. Today’s newest, hot off the assebly line instruments have the advantage of being produced by machines that are computer controlled, and with procedures that ensure a consistantly high standard. All of this leads to a beautiful looking instrument, as well as one that will produce a quality sound.
In addition to a beautiful looking and sounding instrument, buying new also usually comes with some sort of warranty. These warranties usually include repair or replacement if the manufacturing is not up to standard, and vary in length, but usually last a year or so.
There is, of course, a flip side to buying new. The biggest issue on the con side is cost. Again, speaking generally, brand new instruments carry a higher price tag than those that have been used, and as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. A high quality, well known brand, like Gibson for guitars, or Steinway for pianos, are going to be significantly more expensive than a lesser known brand. One other issue with buying new is the fact that while new instruments will produce a great sound, sometimes that sound has to be worked for. On a great many kinds, especially sting instruments like the violin, the instrument need to be “broken in” a bit to get the best tones out of it. This can only happen with use, so while it isn’t a problem if you intend to play often, it may not be ideal if you are looking for a specific type of personality and tone in your instrument. And depending on the country of origin and specific tone you’re looking for, you may have no options for new. For example, Chinese violins have not been available new for about ten years.
Used
Used instruments can often be a whole different ball of wax. As with new, you would want to find something from a reputable brand. This may be even more important if you decide to buy used, because the quality will remain high for much longer than with other brands. In some cases, if you know exactly what you’re looking for, used may be you’re only option. Many people who play with used instruments love them because they can’t find their dream instruments in new condition. Most of the great makers have shuffled off this mortal coil. Again taking an example from the string section, many countries, like France, that once produced high quality student instruement, simply don’t anymore, or at least not in the same quantities. And as I mentioned before, used instuments are already aged, having had time for the wood to dry out, and the sound to mature.
The manufaturing was also quite a bit different in the past. While modern computer controlled manufacturing techniques can ensure a consitant quality, sometimes, especially in the case of stinged instrument bows, the materials they used to use are much better than those used today. In some cases this is because the trees they once used have become endangered, or the difference between synthetic and natural materials. This can add up to a much better sounding instrument.
On the flip side, there are some risks with buying used. Many used instruments have repared cracks, and if these cracks aren’t properly taken care of, or weren’t properly repaired in the first place, they can worsen and ruin the instrument. The changing seasons can be murder on used instruments as well. Humid summers can cause wooden instruments to absorb access moisture in the air, like a door that doesn’t quite fit into its frame in the summer. Six months later, another problem can occur. Dry winters (or summers, depending on where you live) can help dry out glue, causing seams to open. Used instruments can also have problems with their asthetics. Blemishes from varnish, scratches, the occastional cigarette burn, and in the worst of cases, botched repair jobs. A lot of the time, you have little choice but to accept these tarnished instruments if you choose to buy used, sometimes they are all that are available. It is often difficult to know the true story of a used instrument, and you can’t always be sure how it will stand up to the test of time.
In the end, as always the best advice is that you get what you pay for. It’s best to do a little shopping around, speak to store owners, try out a few instruments. If you have the ability, bring someone along who knows more about what you want to buy and allow them to test potential instruments for you. Good luck!
