INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT SALE FAQs

Thanks to the incredible support of our Performance Partners, like Yamaha, TAMA, and Bergerault, Bluecoats resells all of our horns, front ensemble and battery percussion instruments, and set and prop elements like digitally printed flags and scenery. We offer many of these items for pre-sale throughout the year, and ship them to band programs and private buyers around the country in the Fall.

Yes! Nearly all of the equipment you see the Bluecoats perform with each summer is available for pre-sale. You can purchase online here, or see our entire inventory and request a quote or send a PO here.

There are two ways to buy equipment:

1) Shop with instant checkout (card purchase only). Your order will be paid in full and shipped to you during the shipping period noted on the item listing.

2) Email us at sales@bluecoats.com. We can provide a quote or invoice, and we do accept Purchase Orders. Pricing and other information is available here.

We are proud to sell lightly used equipment from our incredible Performance Partners. We sell brass instruments by Yamaha Musical Instruments, including the highly sought-after Xeno trumpet. We also have marching-style baritones, euphoniums, and tubas.

Additionally, we sell TAMA and Bergerault percussion equipment, including the top-of-the-line Fieldstar marching drums with custom lacquered finishes and chrome hardware. Concert instruments from Bergerault include beautiful Rosewood marimba key options.

For a limited time only, we have a select inventory of Yamaha and Pearl concert percussion available. See here for current inventory totals.

In most cases, all instruments and scenic items are available for pre-order between November and August and all purchases are available for shipment or pick-up in late August and through September. Online orders, and orders that include reconditioning and/or shipping typically begin to ship in mid-September.

Most our brass instruments have been used for only 3-6 months (one season) when they are sold, and are in reasonably good, “lightly-used” condition. We do offer a reconditioning service, which is completed by a highly-skilled professional technician. The service includes:

• General “wipe-down” of the instrument

• Surface-buff of high visibility areas on instrument

• Complete lubrication and adjustment of all moving parts including valves, slides, etc.

• Removal of all major dents that do not require instrument disassembly

• General “clean-out” and “wipe-down” of instrument case

Taylor Band & Orchestra, an instrument sales & repair shop located in Akron, OH, provides the recondition service. They have been Bluecoats’ longtime choice for brass instrument repair and service. For more information on Taylor Band & Orchestra, please visit their website at taylorband.com.

Yes!

Generally, no, the horns do not come with mouthpieces.

In most cases, our Bergerault concert percussion equipment comes with a field frame. In some cases, such as specialized keyboard or hand percussion instruments, the frame or stand may be a concert frame.

Yes! Beginning with the 2023 pre-sale, we are selling our beautiful TAMA Fieldstar drumline with a custom lacquered finish. Preference will be given to order requests for 5 or more quads, basses, and snares, as a set.

After a large set order has been placed, remaining instruments will be sold on an a la carte basis.

Yes! Stands and carriers are available for a steeply discounted rate when purchased with battery instruments.

Yes! Purchase orders from schools, districts, and large companies will be accepted. Unfortunately, we cannot accept POs from band booster organizations or small organizations.

Please do not send Purchase Orders without first emailing us at sales@bluecoats.com to confirm available inventory. Please ensure that your purchasing department is aware that most equipment is available for pre-sale and does not release until September. Additionally, please ensure that all purchasing department requirements (declaration forms, W9s, other onboarding forms) are clearly outlined via email at sales@bluecoats.com.

If you need a quote or invoice, please email us at sales@bluecoats.com with a list of the equipment you would like to purchase. Please include details such as shipping address, and whether or not you will be purchasing the optional Reconditioning Service.

When purchasing via instant checkout, we accept all major credit and purchasing cards.

When purchasing via PO or invoice, we always accept check and ACH (bank transfer), and in most cases, credit cards. We reserve the right to not accept credit cards, or charge a credit card purchasing fee when credit card fees may exceed certain margins.

• Shipping costs for brass instruments can be found here.

• Brass instruments purchased via instant checkout have shipping costs included in the total.

• Brass instruments purchased via invoice will include shipping as a separate line item.

• Percussion equipment shipping costs vary depending on the instrument(s). Typically they ship via LTL freight and the cost of shipping is passed along to the customer.

• Many large set pieces will be shipped via custom delivery service, and the price varies widely. Please contact us for a quote.

Yes! If you are not purchasing the optional brass reconditioning service, or if you are purchasing percussion equipment or scenery, you may pick-up your order on the second Saturday of August, following the DCI World Championships.

NOTE: you must confirm your plan to pick-up equipment. Do not plan to pick-up an order without first confirming your plans with us.

Picking up your order is simple, please follow these procedures:

• you will receive a pick-up confirmation and instructions email a few days before the DCI World Championships

• print your paid invoice or submitted purchase order and bring it with you

• print the instructions email you received

• come to the Bluecoats equipment truck after the Finals Retreat (Lucas Oil South Lot, near the corner of S Missouri & W McCarty)

• you may have to wait for up to 90 minutes while your order is processed and equipment is checked in by the Bluecoats performers

Please note, that beginning in 2021, Drum Corps International no longer allows non-corps vehicles in the LOS South Lot for equipment sales pick-up. You may want to bring a wagon or some helping hands to the lot in order to more easily walk out of the lot with your new equipment in hand!

Yes! Horns can be picked up Taylor Band & Orchestra in mid-to-late August (orders with reconditioning may take more time). Pick-up is by appointment only.

Percussion, flags, costumes & scenery can be pick-up at the Bluecoats offices in North Canton, OH beginning in mid-to-late August. Pick-up is by appointment only.

Yes, in some cases, but please contact us for shipping quotes and purchasing information. Shipping outside of North America can be exceedingly expensive and difficult and is generally not available.