FAQ
Sales FAQ
Q: Do I need an appointment to try instruments or mouthpieces?
A: No, you're welcome to come in and browse any time during business hours. But if you want to work with a professional musician to pick out the equipment that suits you best, we recommend you make an appointment so someone will be available to assist you.
Q: What should I bring to my instrument or mouthpiece trial appointment?
A: Please bring your current instrument and mouthpiece, as well as some sheet music you are comfortable playing. Anyone who will be helping you pay for the instrument must also be present in person with photo ID.
Q: What is the trial period for an instrument or mouthpiece?
A: We offer a 15-day return period with the purchase of most products to customers within the United States. Your return period begins on the day you leave the shop with your horn or when it is delivered to you. (See Refund Policy and Special Orders for more information about the limitations of our 15-day return period.) There will be a $5 cleaning fee for returned mouthpieces.
Q: Do your instruments come with any warranties?
A: Yes! New instruments are covered for 2 years and pre-owned instruments are covered for 1 year. Any Verus model horn includes a 5-year warranty. See our Warranty Information page.
Q: Do any instruments come with cases?
A: Some do, some don’t. Most new horns under $7,000 will come with a case. Pre-owned horns may include a case or may not. Most trumpets and trombones will come with a case. If the product listing does not specifically mention a case, it probably does not include one.
Q: I want to order something that you don’t normally have in stock. Can I do that?
A: If we are able to order what you want, yes! Sometimes this will be considered a special order, non-refundable and non-returnable. If you don't see what you want on our website, please speak with someone on our sales team to get started.
Q: How long does it take to special order an instrument?
A: That depends. Sometimes the manufacturer will have the instrument in stock, so it will arrive quickly. For custom instrument makers, the instrument is made to order and will take longer.
Q: I need to insure my instrument, but I don’t know what documentation I need.
A: We offer official appraisals for insurance purposes at $35 per appraisal. A free insurance appraisal is included with the purchase of any instrument, up to 2 years after purchase. More information: Instrument Appraisals.
Q: Should I insure my instrument?
A: Yes! Your instrument is a large investment and accidents happen. You should be able to add the instrument as a rider to your homeowners insurance or renters insurance for a small fee.
Q: Do you buy instruments outright or accept trade-ins?
A: Generally no, unless the instrument is of unusual value or historical significance. We do consign instruments. Learn more here.
We do not buy or accept trade-ins for accessories such as cases or mouthpieces.
Q: What is a BIAS test?
A: The Brass Instrument Acoustic Analysis system is really awesome! It can teach you some amazing things about what is really happening inside your instrument. Learn more about it here.
Shipping FAQ
Q: When will my order ship?
A: See the "When Will My Order Ship?" page at the bottom of our website.
Q: I have to ship my instrument. How can I do so safely?
A: Here is an article on how to ship French horns, including photos. The same principles apply to other brass instruments. If you live near our shop, you can utilize our Pack and Ship services.
Repair FAQ
Q: How much will it cost to get an estimate on my repair?
A: We are happy to provide you with an estimate free of charge.
Q: How long will my repair take?
A: Our repair shop will work with you to get your instrument back to you at the most convenient time possible. You may choose to schedule an appointment with us for a “While You Wait” repair, in which case we will assign a technician to finish it that same day. Or you may drop the instrument by at any time and come pick it up when it is ready. It's safest to assume that a drop-off will not be completed for at least a week; if you do not want to be without your instrument for that long we recommend you schedule a "While You Wait" repair.
Emergency repairs may be available for an additional rush fee.
Q: When is the best time to bring my instrument in for repair?
A: We recommend you bring your instrument in during the school year. There is a summer rush from late May through August, so we recommend you avoid scheduling non-urgent maintenance during that period to receive the fastest possible service.
Q: Why do I need to have my instrument professionally cleaned? Can’t I just clean it at home?
A: Standard wear and tear from regular use will affect your instrument. Even if a brass instrument does not appear dirty on the outside, dirt and grease will build up on the interior. Buildup can cause valves, slides, and mouthpieces to become sticky or sluggish, or even to get stuck in the instrument. We recommend having your instrument professionally cleaned once a year to maintain optimal playing condition.
Be sure to snake out your lead pipe every now and then between professional cleanings!
Q: Do dents affect my instrument?
A: Most dents are purely cosmetic, but some can affect the sound quality or structural integrity of your instrument. We recommend you have dents removed to maintain your instrument in optimal playing condition.
Performance Hall FAQ
Q: When is your next event, and how much do tickets cost?
A: Check out events.houghtonhorns.com for information about our events. Many performances are free, but you can buy tickets for the paid events there too. You can also input your email address into the box on the bottom of this page to subscribe to our mailing list and hear about new events as they are posted.
Q: Can I rent out your performance hall for my piano recital, speech contest, bar or bat mitzvah, or other event?
A: Absolutely! Please see our "Hall Rentals" page.
Q: Does Houghton Horns have a bag policy?
A: No, but this is a family-friendly venue. We strictly prohibit alcohol, tobacco products, cannabis, and all related paraphernalia on the property. Firearms and other weapons are not permitted either. Please secure them in your locked vehicle before entering.