Hi everyone!

Recently, I've been taking a lot of pride in my horn and my playing ability (I am in the school senior band, and although I'm not that great, I've been improving alot lately).
I have a wonderful horn that I am rent/buying from the school. It is a John Lidle double horn (brass). I can get quite a nice tone and I love having a fourth valve. However, because of its previous use at the school, it is dinted here and there and scratched all over, although it doesn't look that bad.
How much do the dints affect the instrument?
Also, looking on eBay, there are quite a few Horns floating around at the $500 mark, brand new. These wouldn't be worth buying, would they?

Thanks

<Added>

When I say around the $500 mark, this even includes doubles

Thanks alot!

My horn has none of these fatal dints and I think I'll stick to it - at least for the moment. I'm quite attached to it, and you're right about the experience. Thanks again

I've been thinking about buying a Bach trumpet used for 250$ i'm not a pro or anything obviously but its not tarnished or anything and it was going to come with two mouthpieces..not sure if that's a deal or a steal? any help?

Every instrument is different. I recently dumped a Bach student student trumpet. I didn't think it was worth a dime. Why? Becuase my son stepped on it & crushed the lead pipe & the bell. ha ha ha! But seriously, you may be getting a really good deal for $250 or you may be getting ripped off. I'd advise you to find an experienced player to give it a test run before you buy it. Valerie