My son has decided he wants to play the trumpet in the band. I decided that I would EBay it or something like that. Now my problem. I know that instruments from WalMart and Sams Clubs etc are cheap ones and made of a soft metal that bends easily.
So, what makers should I look for? Yamaha? I really have no idea and want to get him a decent one without breaking the bank on something I may be reselling on EBay in a year or two if his budding musical interests falls flat!
Rent from a local music store until you're sure he'll stick with it. Then go for a good brand like Yamaha.
Don't ever buy an instrument on eBay unless it's from a retailer you already trust. Too many things can be wrong that you won't find out about until it's too late.
There have to be some rental places in your area. When I was a kid, I started with the trumpet. My mom rented me one, and turns out I didn't like it. I moved over to saxophone, and after I stuck with it for two years, she bought me one. I still play it, fifteen years later.
Rent first. That's the way to go. My band teacher was able to recommend a music shop - perhaps your son's can as well?
And congrats. Music will open up a whole new world for him. It was a great gift that my mother gave me.
I took up the Trumpet in the 5th grade back in 69. It opened up a whole new world for me. My mom and I were poor so we rented a horn month by month and I stuck with it. That is the way to go. Trumpets or coronets can be very expensive. Make sure he wants to stay with it before you buy.
Last year we bought my daughter a silver Yamaha flute on Ebay, and got a great deal.