What Sells: Woodwind Instruments
Woodwinds
A woodwind instrument is a musical instrument in which sound is produced by blowing
through a mouthpiece against an edge or by a vibrating reed, and in which the pitch
is varied by opening or closing holes in the body of the instrument. Of the instruments
in the woodwind family, bassoons, clarinets, flutes, oboes and piccolos all sell
relatively well online; saxophones (which technically are woodwinds) do well too,
but note that prices can vary widely.
What Sells Top-selling brands include:
Research Resources
For information on woodwind instruments, read Woodwind Instruments
and Their History (Paperback) by Anthony Baines.
The Antique Sound Workshop provides an excellent overview of historic and antique
woodwind instruments. Visit the website at http://www.aswltd.com/guideww.htm.
Condition
Look for these signs of wear and tear:
- Scratches, scuffs and dents
- Cracked or split wood
- Bent or broken keys
- Stuck mouthpieces
- Worn out pads
- Dried out cork fittings
- Dirt or odors (cigarette smoke, etc.)
- Missing parts, case, etc.
Ask the owner how often the instrument was used 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.
Also, 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 (if silver or silver-plated)
- Student (if student model)
- Age (if known)
- Accessories (case, etc.)
Storage and Shipping
Keep musical 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.
Woodwind instruments should be stored and shipped in hard cases designed to hold
the specific instrument. 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 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. 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. Smaller items like flutes and piccolos can be disassembled, wrapped
in bubble wrap and cushioned with packing peanuts.
