How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Summary)

This is the final article in a five-part series on choosing and buying an instrument. In this installment, we’ll review the high points of the options we discussed earlier and toss out some “rules of thumb” I use when planning an instrument purchase. (Article below)

Drum Set

Buying an instrument can be an involved process, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. As long as you approach it as an informed buyer, you’ll do fine…whether this is the first instrument you’ve ever bought or the hundredth. And you’ll have an instrument you can enjoy for a lifetime!

In very broad strokes, let’s take a quick look at the advantages each option offers you as a buyer.

Why buy a musical instrument from a local store or shop?

Expertise that is often unmatched
Access to assistance with your instrument locally
Ability to try several instruments, then take a few home for a week or two “on eval” (evaluation)
If you see the instrument, you can buy it and take it home immediately

Why buy a musical instrument mail-order?

Larger selection of instruments
Best prices on new instruments
Better return policies
Fast delivery

Why buy a musical instrument on eBay?

Best prices on used instruments
Hard-to-find instruments are there…and practically nowhere else
Feedback is available and visible for every vendor, providing the buyer an easy way to check a seller’s reputation…and strong incentive for the seller to treat buyers fairly

I’ve bought a number of instruments over the years, and I’ve gone all routes to get them. I’ll tell you now that I don’t have all the answers…but here are the general guidelines I follow when considering where to make an instrument purchase. Your mileage may vary.

Mark’s Rules of Thumb for Buying an Instrument

Buy local if possible.
For fine string instruments, only buy local or from established string shops with a mail-order/online presence. Either way, they need to be established, “hands-on” shops to make my list. No big-box, no eBay.
If I need to be able to evaluate several instruments before purchasing, local wins. Period.
For inexpensive spare instruments or those that must endure rougher treatment, price becomes the critical factor. Mail-order/online is my choice for new instruments, eBay for used.
If I’m looking for a particular older-model instrument or am looking for the best deal possible of any kind, eBay wins hands-down. The selection is only limited by what people around the world are selling at that moment, and if you’re patient and keep your eyes open, you can score some amazing deals.
If I know exactly what I want in a new instrument and am looking for the best possible price, I shop and buy from a mail-order/online store.

These rules of thumb may not fit perfectly in all situations, but they’ve worked well for me. If you have others you’d like to add, please post them in a comment! We’d love to hear them.

Keep playing,

Mark

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 1 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 2 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 3 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 4 of 5)