Music ReMasters....Woodwind Enthusiasts!

The internet, especially eBay has profoundly changed musical instrument retailing. This is especially true for used equipment. Until recently, it was a choice between a local private party selling through a want ad and a local music store. In both cases, you had to travel a short distance, but were usually able to try the instrument before you made a purchase. A music store would usually warranty their offerings for a reasonable period of time, although prices tended to be higher.

Today, this has changed, or is in the process of changing. Very few music stores stock used equipment. When they take it in on trade, they sell it on eBay. Private parties that still use ads get poor results because nobody is looking. Most of the used instrument market has relocated to cyber-space.

For the consumer, this is mostly good, but some bad. The selection has increased greatly. Prices are lower for both new and used items. But, you can't try before you buy. Some instruments are offered with return for refund privileges, often promoted as 'satisfaction guaranteed'. This is similar, but still not the same as 'try before buy'. In this case, local travel costs are replaced by round trip shipping costs. But, it's not a warranty.

Music ReMasters (that's us) purchases quality used equipment, mostly on eBay. Few, even if described as 'ready to play', can actually be played when they arrive. Very few, even when described as 'excellent condition' meet our standards. That's ok for us, because that is what we expect, but this would be a substantial disappointment and unexpected expense for the typical consumer. Even though we know what to look for and ask questions when needed, so far, almost 5 percent have arrived with big problems, incorrect brand and/or model, plastic listed as wood, mismatched parts from different brands and major damage that was not revealed. While many sellers confess to having no knowledge of the instruments they are selling, others make every attempt to appear knowledgeable. There is no way for you to tell these pretenders, but it is sometimes obvious to me. Many seller's copy descriptions from other listings or websites, including this one. Our experience is that most sellers are honest, will accept responsibility for an error and make amends. Even in the best outcomes, it takes time to arrive at a resolution. You will have to pay to ship it back and very few seller's will repay this cost. Do pay with PayPal. They have been providing better claim resolution since around 2007. Seller's can no longer leave negative feedback in the eBay forum. eBay has taken over the claim resolution process for eBay transactions. The claim deadline is shorter and PayPal's is still in place. So, I haven't used it yet. If you are spending more than you are willing to lose, stick to instruments offered with return privileges.