What Sells: Brass Instruments
Brass
The term “brass instrument” is defined by the way sound is made and not by whether
the instrument is actually made of brass; a brass instrument is a musical instrument
whose tone is produced by vibration of the lips as a player blows into a tubular
resonator. Cornets, French horns, trombones, trumpets and tubas are all brass instruments
and each sells relatively well online, but prices for brass instruments can vary
widely.
What Sells
Top-selling brands include:
Research Resources
A comprehensive online resource focused on brass instruments is called Brass Resources.
Visit the website at
http://www.whc.net/rjones/brassrsc.html.
Antique Sound Workshop also maintains a directory of antique brass instruments.
Visit the website at http://www.aswltd.com/brass.htm.
Condition
Look for these signs of wear and tear:
- Scratches, scuffs and dents
- Stuck valves, slides and mouthpieces
- Corrosion
- Dirt
- Missing parts, case, etc.
Ask the owner how often the instrument was used, how often the valves were lubricated
and whether it was ever serviced or repaired. If you don’t know how to play the
instrument, ask them for a demonstration; have them point out any problems with
the sound or playability of the instrument. If you aren’t familiar with the instrument
have them show you how to assemble and disassemble it.
Key Details
Include these details in your listing:
- Brand
- Model (if known)
- Type of instrument
- Material (silver, brass, fiberglass)
- Student (if student model)
- Age (if known)
- Accessories (case, etc.)
Storage and Shipping
Keep brass instruments in a well-ventilated room, away from children, pets, smoke,
water and cooking odors. Don’t place them in direct sunlight. Do not place instruments
next to heating vents or air conditioners either, since the temperature/humidity
changes can cause damage.
Brass instruments should be stored and shipped in hard cases designed to hold the
specific instrument. Select a corrugated cardboard shipping carton that is larger
than the size of the instrument so that 3 inches of packing can fit on each side
of the case. Lay the instrument in its case and place packing material around any
loose spots around the instrument. Be careful not to over-pack and force the case
cover down onto instrument. Put the instrument packed in its case into the shipping
carton. Use foam, crumpled paper or bubble wrap (~3 inches of packing material)
all around the instrument so it cannot move or rattle inside the carton.
Seal up any holes and, if the instrument is too heavy for the carton, reinforce
the interior with a second layer of cardboard. Take care to insure the instrument
whether you ship by UPS, FedEx, or the Post Office.
If an instrument case is not available, consider having a crate made for the item.
