I purchased 2 instruments (2 kids) second hand from a music store and purchased new mouthpieces. The store had a brief return policy so I quickly asked their music instructor to give the okay on the purchase since I knew absolutely nothing. The instruments lasted thru high school. Renting is one of the most expensive options, especially the rent to own option.

We buy brass instruments from local pawn shops (after the kids determine they want to continue past the first year), then pay to have them fixed up/repaired/cleaned at a local music store. I have bought several instruments this way and never paid more than about $200 total for instrument and case, then whatever the cost to rehab it is. Many people sell old instruments to pawn shops, and honestly, we use our own mouthpieces and once they are rehabbed/cleaned they are good to go.

I would rent. We did that for a while, and many years later are now renting-to-own a different instrument from family friends.

What instrument?

I agree that school instruments are gross. I would not buy that one.

If she has been playing a year or less, I suggest you rent. Then buy a used one. Chuck Levin's in Wheaton MD has a lot of expertise. I don't know if they sell used, but if they do, that's the place to go. Foxes Music in Falls Church is also a good option.

I agree with PP that music stores seem to clean and repair the instruments very well between customers.

How many years has she played? If it's her first year, I would rent for sure. Music store rentals that we have gotten are very clean and well cared for.

What instrument? We bought used/referbished from a music store with a NEW mouthpiece. That took care of the hygiene issue.

My daughters school decided they will no longer provide instruments anymore (unsure why decided middle of the school year) we are told we could buy off the instrument from the school as is. And they may not guarantee they can get to purchase the instrument they are currently using.

We are thinking what we should decide,
Buy off the school
do a rental
buy off a used instrument from a music store
Buy off eBay


We are considering eBay because we think it's more hygenic and used usually by one person. Her school one stinks because it's been in use by so many kids before her. Buying used from the music store, you would really never know who the previous owners were?

Buying new is probably too expensive for us at this stage of her music ability.