Expert: Kenton Scott - 8/24/2008

Question
I have a 1967 Reynolds trumpet (no other identifier on bell) that I started on in 4th grade. I'm now a "come back player" and wonder if restoring this trumpet at a cost of $700 is worth it or should I buy a used trumpet of higher grade.  Any suggestions?  Thanks!

Answer
I use a 3Rs system to distinguish between different levels of service to instruments; repair, refurbish, restore.  Repair being the work done to put the horn back in service, refurbish is to put it back in good condition and also look good.  And, restore is to bring it back to as close to new-like condition as possible.  

$700 seems pretty expensive unless you are talking restoration or if the horn is really trashed.  

I would think that your viable options would be to either just put the horn into good playable condition for much less money, or spend your $700 on another good used horn.