How to safely trade horns with someone?

[wrb]

I don't know if this belongs in this section or not, but I am considering a sight unseen trade with another person, What ways would you suggest that I protect myself? Would some type of trade agreement be sufficient? What should be done if I don't like horn being offered for trade, but the other person likes mine? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

wrb

[Grumps]

I wouldn't do this sight unseen unless you dislike your present horn so much, that getting something worse would not be much of a loss. You can try to protect yourself by putting your agreement in writing, signed by both parties prior to the trade. In such a writing you would have to set forth an agreed upon return policy as well as all warranties. Although I'm against this, get pictures of the horn you're trading for from all angles and in high resolution detail. References for the person you're trading with is also a must.

[morgan]

You'd never want to trade a main horn, but I could see trading a backup. Like maybe you have a spare Aristo lying around and decide to try a Dolnet for grins.

It's risky -- there's no way around it. Measure your risk two ways:
1. Numeric value of possible loss: in this case, the dollar value of the horn you're sending.
2. The probability of loss: in a swap, this is higher than in a cash transaction, because you can get into tangles like the other guy thinks YOU misrepresented YOUR horn, etc.

The more direct (non-electronic) contact you have with the other party, the safer you are. But you're still taking a risk.

I've traded mouthpieces several times with good results. But horns? For my taste, too complicated, too much money at stake.

[wrb]

Thanks for your input. My horn is a Yanagisawa Elimona Soprano, not my main horn. Item to be received is a 1954-55 The Martin Tenor, about 85% lacquer. Mine has 99%, is from around 1988(?). It's a nice sounding horn, but have always wanted a Martin Tenor. Current tenor is a YTS 61, so I am hoping to be better off! Supposed to have agreement between both parties 14 days to play and try out horn, either party can call off trade. No phone calls have been traded so far. ??? Is it fair?

wrb

[morgan]

Condition, condition, condition.

I don't know Yani models, so I don't have a clue what that sop is worth. A nice old Martin tenor can be a wonderful thing.

[wrb]

I wish to thank both of you for your input. Using a combination of ideas received from each of you has created a successful trade! The person who received my soprano is in hog heaven (!), and I am just about there! I forgot how fine a well set up vintage horn could sound! I received a The Martin Tenor in exchange for a Yanagisawa Elimona soprano. Each of us thinks we got the best end of the transaction. Again, thank you for taking your time to post.

Many Thanks & Blessings


wrb