Things to be aware of when purchasing a brass instrument:
- Instruments usually come with a mouthpiece and an instrument case.
- There should be at least one water key.
- Trombones should have a slide lock.
- Trumpets have a finger ring or trigger on third valve slide. Better quality instruments also have a saddle or trigger on the first value slide.
- Silver plating, lacquer and untreated brass finish is a personal preference.
- Silver instruments are silver plated and are usually more expensive. The finish protects the instrument very well and lasts for many decades.
- Gold coloured instruments are lacquered brass. They need extra care to keep the appearance attractive but can be cheaper than silver.
- Make sure the instrument blows well and suits your child.
If the instrument is second-hand you should also check that:
- the mouthpiece has no chips, dents (especially on the shank), scratches on the rim or dirt in the throat
- all tuning slides work easily
- trumpet valve caps and bottoms unscrew easily and the valves work easily. Take out the valves for inspection, worn plating is a sign of excessive wear.
- trombone slides must work freely and have no dents
Diagram which shows the parts of a trumpet: mouthpiece, first valve, second valve, third valve, bell, leadpipe, valve casing, valve slides, water key, main tuning slide.
Diagram which shows the parts of a trombone: tuning slide, mouthpiece, bell, outer slide, slide lock ring, first slide brace, second slide brace, water key.