| As a post note to this topic, I have had a modicum of success in "dealin'" with pawn-shop / music store operators with the "My son / daughter /, etc., needs a "decent / cheap horn" to take a few lessons, as I used to play in school..." line.
Always ask, "How are the valves?" Either the shop operator will know, or just shrug his shoulders ... and you take it from there. Always check the valves -- if the caps are stuck, you have much more "negotiating leverage", but, on the other hand, there may be serious problems with the horn, which probably entails professional repair ($$).
Robert Rowe |