Fabulous second-hand or mediocre new instrument?
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Good advice to look at the AB forums once you know the make/model. But in any case if you were to buy a second-hand instrument from elsewhere you would have no guarantees and would probably have to ask the teacher's opinion which could be tricky if you've turned hers down! Ebay can be a real gamble as you can't try it first and might end up paying for expensive renovation.
I'm with those who say the teacher's one could be the best answer - but it wouldn't hurt to take DS to a woodwind specialist shop and try out a few others. Often they will have second-hand refurbished instruments available too, and might take the old one in part exchange - but they could be charging a bigger commission.
To put the cost into perspective: DS2's first (second-hand) bassoon cost £750 and his new one which has taken him up to Grade 8 plus was well over £2,500, even with the VAT discount. But think of it in terms of an amount per hour of enjoyable playing over a lifetime (or even compared to the cost of a year's music lessons): remember too that second-hand instruments keep their resale value fairly well, as long as they are relatively well looked after... However I know I'm a soft touch and never begrudge spending money on music or musical instruments! (we have a second-hand clarinet that cost £30 from a charity shop but I don't think it's very special!)
I'm with those who say the teacher's one could be the best answer - but it wouldn't hurt to take DS to a woodwind specialist shop and try out a few others. Often they will have second-hand refurbished instruments available too, and might take the old one in part exchange - but they could be charging a bigger commission.
To put the cost into perspective: DS2's first (second-hand) bassoon cost £750 and his new one which has taken him up to Grade 8 plus was well over £2,500, even with the VAT discount. But think of it in terms of an amount per hour of enjoyable playing over a lifetime (or even compared to the cost of a year's music lessons): remember too that second-hand instruments keep their resale value fairly well, as long as they are relatively well looked after... However I know I'm a soft touch and never begrudge spending money on music or musical instruments! (we have a second-hand clarinet that cost £30 from a charity shop but I don't think it's very special!)
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T.i.p.s.y
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T.i.p.s.y
