With collectors around the world collecting a large variety of instruments, trinkets, plants, cards, cars and even pets it can seem impossible to get a great deal that you can actually afford, plus ensure that you are getting a good instrument that is actually worthy of your space, rather than something that should have been thrown out years ago. Working to learn the difference will ensure that you are getting the best pieces possible.
Your first step should always be learning the difference between each instrument. Even if you do not know how to play each one, knowing the difference between each will go a long way towards getting the instruments that you are most interested in, rather than something that is not suited to your needs or interest. If you are taking the time to really study the different instruments you will be able to enjoy a nicer collection than just guessing what you are purchasing.
Once you have learned the differences between the different instruments, it is then time to start learning how to tell the difference between good quality instruments and those that are poor quality. If you are confused looking over all the options available it is important that you spend a bit of time in different music stores asking for information and assistance and also looking around on the internet. Taking the time to review as much information as possible about the different instruments, brands, styles and even quality levels will ensure you can find the perfect instrument out in public and see exactly how much it is worth, as well as which instruments are not worth your time.
It is also important to learn how to start dating the pieces. If you are clueless how to accurately date an instrument you will find that it is quite difficult to actually tell the difference between a piece that is new, and a piece that is 100 years old. Knowing the difference in how to accurately date pieces will ensure that you are getting pieces that are truly antique brass instruments rather than something that is much newer than you wanted to actually purchase. Getting a great antique brass instrument is possible, but you need to know what to look for to get the best deals as well.
