i have played horn all through out middle and high school and i have never actually owned my own horn ive always just used what ever the school has had available to me. now that ive graduated i need to find a descent playing, decent priced double horn to play in college. The two local music shops around me only rent out single horns and the people that work at these shops don't seem to know anything about horns what so ever. ive been told that i should play before i buy, but that just seems unreasonable as the only place that actually has anything close to what im looking for is eBay.

im looking for a solid double horn. the max price i can spend is $1500.
please point me in the right direction or give me a sugestion of where i could find something
thanks.

Check your local Craig's list. Not only your city but nearby cities that you can drive to.
If you've ever taken private lessons check with your past teachers and see if they know of something available.

Also check places like Houghton Horns, etc. Although most of their stock is outside your price range they sometimes will get a 6D or something in that will fit your needs.

You can sometimes find very good top o' the line Holton's for around that price. Hans Hoyer also falls in that range used. Look at a reputable online shop that will accept returns up to 30 days. Pope repair has a Conn 6D and a Paxman "Alexander" wrap that you'd have to try. If the Paxman plays well I'd recommend that, because later on getting a valve job and you'll have a really amazing horn. Wichita also has a 6D and some Holton Farkas models.