There are many reasons for selling a used flute, whether it’s just because you or your child doesn’t play it anymore, there is a need to upgrade to another flute or you are changing to another band instrument.
Depending on the conditions, your flute is very likely to have a second life with a potential buyer and player. Those chances are high these days, as we are currently talking about one of the most popular instruments.
You might be wondering, how much does a used flute worth? And where to sell it? We are detailing those questions below.
How Much Does a Used Flute Sell For
The price of a used flute is highly dependent on its current condition, what material it is made of, the brand, its workmanship, and what level of flute it is. Keep in mind that a well-made flute normally sounds better, is more reliable, and will have a longer life.
The most known flute brands are Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Pearl, Selmer, Altus, and Miyazawa, and tend to be the models which are in more demand. If you are talking about a used beginner or step-up flute, then a good metric would be 50% off what is worth buying a new flute.
A simple search in the most common online marketplaces to sell used musical instruments (for example, Reverb.com, Facebook Marketplaces, eBay, or Craigslist) will give you an estimation of the price.
Considering the various types of flutes and player levels, generally, you can sell a used flute within the following prices ranges:
Used Flutes Price Ranges
- Student Flute: $80 – $400
- Intermediate/Step-up/Open Hole Flute: $200 – $600
- Professional Flute: $ 900 up to $9000
How Much is a Used Yamaha Flute Worth
In terms of quality, Yamaha musical instruments are one of the top-rated brands and are a popular choice for beginners to professional players. Yamaha flutes are no exception.
Depending on its condition, material, and type of level (student, intermediate or professional), a Yamaha used flute might be sold around the following price ranges:
Used Yamaha Student Level Flutes from $200 to $600
- Example 1 – Yamaha YFL-221 Student Flute
- Example 2 – Yamaha Advantage Student Flute
Used Yamaha Intermediate Level Flutes from $400 to $1700
- Example 1 – Yamaha YFL-382
- Example 2 – Yamaha YFL-462
Yamaha Professional Level Flutes priced from $1000 to $3000
- Example – Yamaha YFL-677H
How Much is a Used Gemeinhardt Flute Worth
Another great option for flutes, which is well reputable and normally in high demand, is Gemeinhardt flutes.
Used Gemeinhardt Student Level Flutes from $120 to $700
- Example 1 – Gemeinhardt 1SP
- Example 2 – Gemeinhardt 2BLK
Used Gemeinhardt Intermediate Level Flutes from 400$ to $1500
- Example – Gemeinhardt 3
Used Gemeinhardt Professional Level Flutes priced from $600 to $3000
- Example – Gemeinhardt 33OSB
Factors Influencing How Much Your Used Flute Worth
If your flute is one of the described above, you already know how much it can be sold for. However, if you are still unsure about its condition, or you have a model not detailed above, then what should you consider for determining a price for your used instrument?
Apart from its current condition, there are four factors you should consider while evaluating how much your flute really worth.
Flute Level
A flute model is normally identified in three different levels: student flutes, intermediate or professional. Their price is directly related to their level:
- The higher the flute level, the more costly it will be. A beginner flute price is in the range of hundreds of dollars, whereas professional flutes are in the thousands range
- As levels grow, quality does also. Manufacturers typically enhance the consistency, usability, and durability of flutes targeting higher-level players (intermediate to professional).
- Consider this, because someone looking for intermediate to professional level flutes will already know what he or she can get from such level of flutes and has considerable knowledge in that instrument. Be honest with the actual condition of the used flute.
Flute Materials
There is a wide range of materials used in the manufacturing of a flute.
From pricier and more quality ones like gold to more affordable options such as wood or even plastic, you have it all nowadays. Such materials influence sound quality and timbre and vary depending on the thickness of the material.
Also, and not less important, they can influence the durability of the instrument. Cheaper flutes tend to prevail way less than higher-price options (except for plastic flutes).
Below, we order such materials from pricier options to cheaper ones
| Material | Price | Level |
| Gold | Very high | Professional |
| Silver | High | Intermediate / Professional |
| Wood (Grenadilla) | Medium | Student / Beginner |
| Copper or Nickel | Cheaper | Student / Beginner |
| Plastic | Cheaper | Preschoolers / Student / Beginner |
How Old is the Instrument
If you have an older instrument, you might ask: are old flutes worth anything?
It is important to note, that the age of your flute does not necessarily mean it will sell for less. The condition of the flute is more important. While new flutes are generally more expensive than used flutes, there are some cases where used instruments actually increase in value as they age.
Broken or Damaged Flute: Repair it Before Selling
If you have a broken or damaged flute and are wondering if it still might hold some value, you should consider the following before starting the process of selling it:
- Does it need a professional repair?
- Is the sound quality affected by the damage?
- In which part is the flute damaged? Is it visible?
- Does it need major repairs?
If the instrument is still somehow in good shape, but has some damages or isn’t playing like it used to, then you might consider the option of doing a check-up or an overhaul recovery. Such recovery and inspection could give the flute a greater price and more years of playing.
That check-up and recovery should be done by a professional flute specialist. The costs vary greatly depending on the professional or the shape of the instrument.
Costs for Repairing a Used Flute
C Flutes:
- Student Instrument – $375
- Intermediate/Step-up/Open Hole Instrument – $800
- Professional Instrument – $1,200
Alto and Bass Flutes:
- Intermediate Instrument – $900
- Professional Instrument – $1,200
Such major inspections and repairs include the following: replacement of gaskets and gaskets, adjustment, complete disassembly and lubrication of mechanisms, lubrication of wooden housings, cleaning and manual polishing, limited replacement of springs (as needed), mechanical adjustments, simple soldering, and dent removal.
FAQ for Used Flute to Sell
What of the benefits of buying used flutes?
Buying a used flute can be a great idea for someone who is just starting out. It can be much cheaper than purchasing a new one and it still offers the same sound quality.
A used flute will have been played by someone else before, so it is important to play the instrument before you purchase it. This will give you an idea of its quality and how well it has been maintained.
What of the disadvantages of buying used flutes?
Buying a used flute is not an easy decision. On one hand, it’s cheaper than a new one but on the other hand, you risk getting a damaged instrument.
The disadvantages of buying used flutes are that there is no warranty and you don’t know how well the previous owner took care of it.
Do I need to buy accessories with my used flute?
The answer to this question depends on what type of flute you are buying. If you are buying a used wooden flute, it is better to buy a new case for it. It is also recommended that you buy new pads for the joints and head joints. However, if you are buying a used plastic flute, then it is best not to spend too much money on accessories as they will not last long.
What should I do to maintain my used flute?
When it comes to the instrument, we all know that taking care of it is very important. This is because if you do not maintain your instrument well, you will most likely face problems in the future. For example, if you do not clean your flute regularly, your instrument might become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.
The following are some ways how you can take care of your used flute:
- Clean the mouthpiece with a dry cloth or brush and make sure that no dust or dirt accumulates inside.
- Clean the finger holes with a dry cloth or brush.
- Make sure to dry off any water droplets from the inside of the body after every session.
- Keep away from extreme temperatures and keep out of direct sunlight
Why would someone buy a used flute instead of a new one?
The primary reason for buying a used flute is the cost. The price of a new flute can be anywhere from $150 to $500, depending on the quality. A used flute can cost as little as $50, with many available for less than $100.
Another reason to buy a used flute is that it may be more suited to the player’s needs. For example, if someone has small hands and wants to play classical music they might need an instrument that has a smaller mouthpiece and shorter body. This would not be possible with a new instrument but might be an option with one that has been previously owned.
What is the difference between a new and a used flute?
A new flute is more expensive than a used one because it has not been used before. It features a new set of reeds and is in perfect condition.
A used flute is cheaper since it has already been played on and can have some scratches or other damage. It also features an old set of reeds that may not be as good as the ones in a new flute.
What should people be aware of when buying a used flute?
Buying a used flute can be a tricky task, especially if you are not an expert. There are many factors to consider before making a purchase.
The first thing to look at is the condition of the instrument. Make sure that the instrument has no cracks or repairs that would affect its sound quality. A second important factor is the type of wood it is made of. The most common types are maple and spruce, but other less common woods include cedar, mahogany, and rosewood.
Cedar tends to produce a warmer sound while maple creates more volume and projection with less warmth in tone. Spruce is known for being one of the best in terms of projection and tone quality because it produces a bright sound with good volume and warmth in tone quality.
How do know what kind of used flutes are available for sale?
There is a wide variety of used flutes for sale on the market. The first question to ask when buying a used flute is: what kind of used flutes are available for sale?
Different types of used flutes include:
- Alto Flute
- Bass Flute
- Piccolo
- Soprano Flute