“We had a small shop on Nolensville Road,” Charlie remembers. I used to have a lot of music equipment, but I sold it all recently. Some mutual friends also had too much for just one place, so we started selling theirs together.We were very fortunate to get a room full of wood and about 10,000 dollars after running that ad in the paper. We got rid of the sawdust”.
Sometimes people have instruments lying around that they don’t play anymore but don’t know what to do with. The first thing people want when they come in is help with the pile of heaps.
This is an interesting question and there are different points of view on the issue. The following line of text quotes each side:
Selling to a Music Store
- Cash now – no waiting.
- Music shops will often give you cash on the spot for your old guitar.
- They’ll give an estimate of what the value and price could be, so you can decide which will work best for you.
- This means the store will be unable to offer you as much as you could get if you sell privately.
Selling Privately (online or otherwise)
- You will be able to make the most money if you sell your instrument on your own.
- Advertising and waiting.
- The downside is that you will have to post it, answer any inquiries, and wait for someone to be interested.
Determining Price
- Ask the store to estimate what they would be willing to sell it at. Usually, they will do that for you for free.
- If you don’t want to drive to a store, the rule of thumb is that new instruments cost about half the price of your current instrument. So if it’s a $500 guitar, then you should be able to find a new one for around $250. Just be aware of cosmetic wear and damage.
- I think this is a cool option to use if you’re just interested in finalizing the trade and would rather keep it simple. You have no control over what someone might happen upon at any time during the process since they don’t need to even be a customer of the store.
- Google or EBay is a good place to search for a similar instrument of the same brand and model. This will ideally be what you could expect the most from your instrument.
Sale or Purchase of Used Musical Instruments Through a Pawnshop
Every person experiences a point in their lives when they realize that with the right instrument, practice and the right music, they can become the next great musician of their generation. You probably don’t believe you have the ability to be the next Bob Dylan or Eddie Van Halen, or even Taylor Swift.
That is why pawnshops stock so many beloved musical instruments. Those of us who have this dream work hard to achieve it. The most we have is usually a little bit of money, a goal and the ability to continue the beat.
Two things are implied by this.
- All your money is spent on a tool that’s too expensive and all the accessories. This is a long-term endeavor, so it would be prudent to spend your money on a top-quality musical instrument. You may not realize it, but “long-distance traveling” can also refer to the next three months. This is when you will discover that base jumping is your true passion.
- You know a lot more than you do #1 and that purchasing a used tool for beginners is an acceptable choice. You will be able to determine which brand and type of tool you want and how committed your craft is by purchasing a used tool.
Although we cannot say that we were not blinded by Scenario 1, scenario 2, is clearly the best. Both scenarios are able to create the demand and supply that underpins why so many musical instruments are sold, bought, and mortgaged.
You might consider selling the keyboard your child used to practice every day but that he had not touched in three years to a local Pawnbroker. Your local pawnshop is likely to be open to making an offer, as used tools are often quickly lost from the shelves. Many people try to sell their tools on Craigslist only to find that the hassle of regulating the transaction is more than the tool is worth.
Selling to your local Pawnshop will make the process easier and save you the frustration of getting low offers. While you can still expect to negotiate with a Pawnshop, they will be honest and fair in offering you a fair price considering their profit margin.
You walk away with cash at the end of each interaction. On Craigslist, however, you might find yourself messaging people for days without making an appointment… where there may still be a sale.
If your fifth grader is interested in joining a school band, and knows that nothing can beat the sound of an alto-saxophone, then please visit a local Pawnshop. Your pension fund and you are both in debt.
Some pawnshops are only interested in specific items like weapons, ammunition, and electronics. Most pawn shops will have used tools. Call your local stores to inquire about the current inventory before you go. Before you go to a store that has the tool you are looking for, make sure you do your research. You can find a wide range of prices for different tools on eBay.
It’s okay to give up on the dream of Jon Bon Jovi’s voice and hairstyle. You’re not alone and there is nothing to be ashamed about. You can do yourself a favor and bring your guitar to make some money. If you’re on the opposite side and want to quit your job as an accountant and become the drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers then buy a used drum set and take a few lessons.
Online Buy and Sell Used Music Gear
Due to COVID-19, online sales of musical instruments rose significantly in the first half 2020. Music is a wonderful way to escape reality for a bit. You can also improve your musical skills.
Perhaps you have an old keyboard that you haven’t used in years or you want to learn FL Studio so you can record some bars.
Some people may be looking to rekindle their passion for playing an instrument while others might want to make quick cash on equipment they don’t need. What is the best way for you to buy or sell equipment? There are many sites where you can sell or buy used music equipment. Let’s find out which one works best for you.
Key Attributes of a Legitimate Purchase and Sale Site
Trust is a Key Factor
You don’t want to pay a lot of money for a tool if you want to see a real picture of the product. Avoid buying stock images that look the same as those used for goods. You may find a specific item in multiple ads, especially on eBay.
It is important to take photos of the product you are buying and also for what you are selling. You will not only generate more interest in your product, but also give the customer an extra level of confidence because they know exactly what they will be getting.
Pricing and Commission Considerations
Be careful if you feel you have just won the lottery with a deal that sounds too good to be true. You can avoid fraud by contacting the seller to let him know that you are interested in such a deal.
Don’t rush to buy a product. There may be a reason the item is selling at such a low price. It may also be printed in small print. You should also be prepared for additional shipping costs depending on what item you ship.
If you send a guitar as an example, the minimum price will be $85 to $100. You will find cheaper prices for other goods like guitar strings. If you don’t want to pay shipping fees, there are sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace that allow local shipping.
The Process of Buying and Selling
Purchase
Bidding: Websites will use an auction-style model where the person with interest in a particular product will keep bidding the most to ultimately win. There will be a timer for the end of the auction. Make sure you don’t wait until the last second to bid as other people may outbid you.
Direct Purchase Online: You can purchase the product directly when it says “Add to cart” or “Buy now”. You will still have to pay shipping (most times), but the item officially belongs to you for sale.
Local pickup / cash: Some sites offer local pickup with the option to meet up and buy it from the seller. For personal peace of mind, we can verify the authenticity of pre-owned equipment.
Some websites make it easier to see information about the seller. For example, on eBay you can see the seller’s rating, how many he sold and the type of payment accepted. All this is accessible to buyers in one place.
Sale
Selling your tool on websites can be expensive. Reverb is a great website to sell gear. They only charge 3.5 percent for all transactions.
You won’t be allowed to leave the country without paying a commission. This could be shipping fees or transaction charges. These websites allow you to meet potential buyers in person. If you don’t succeed, you will have to pay shipping costs and transaction fees.
Best Sites to Buying/Selling Music Gear
1. Reverb
Reverb is the website for you if you are looking for an easy-to-use website that offers great deals and doesn’t require you to spend hours searching for them. There are a few sections: Deals and Steals, Price Drops and Newest Listings.
Reverb stocks a huge selection of electric, bass and acoustic instruments. Reverb also stocks a wide range of keyboards, microphones, folk instruments like ukuleles and mandolins as well as music software.
Pricing: How Does It Work?
Reverb lets you message the seller to see which items have been sold and where they are located. You don’t need to place a bid for an item. Instead, you can purchase it right away.
Reverb offers the ability to make an offer. You can buy the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII keyboard control, which we ranked as the best price midi keyboard controller for $108, and make an offer. There’s nothing better!
What Can You Sell?
Reverb allows you to list as many items and charge a 3.5% selling fee. Reverb makes it easy for you to describe the product and its condition, as well as upload photos.
Reverb allows you to negotiate shipping or list the item for local pickup. Reverb offers a shipping guide that can help you ship specific items. This is especially helpful if you are selling your first item.
Do You Believe Them?
Totally. Reverb is basically eBay for instruments, and more. Reverb is highly recommended if you are looking for a great product at a great price.
2. Sweetwater
Sweetwater has a great local listing section. You can enter your zip code and various local listings will appear on the page. This allows you to contact the seller directly to make a purchase.
Pricing: How Does It Work?
Most likely, you won’t be able to purchase the item that you are looking for. Once you find the product that you like, you need to contact the seller. The seller will send you an email.
Once they have received your email, you will be able to discuss payment and delivery options. Sweetwater does not participate in disputes between buyers and sellers.
Do You Believe Them?
Yes, but be careful. It’s recommended that you use the Sweetwater local listing function if you are looking to purchase on Sweetwater. This way you can see the product in person before making your final decision. You will need to purchase your product online or by phone with the seller.
3. Music Go Round
Music Go Round, contrary to other stores, is a national chain. Each location is owned by its own owners. You shouldn’t expect new products on their website as they only sell used items. They inspect every item before they ship it to the new owner.
Pricing: How Does It Work?
You have to be aware that some products on the website may also be sold in physical stores. This means there is a possibility that an item purchased in the store could cause it to be removed from the website. The customer who purchased the item online will be fully refunded,
If the item is not far from you, you can pick it up in the store. The shipping cost ranges from $30 to $200, but prices may vary depending upon where you live.
Should You Trust Them!
Absolutely! You can contact the store to ask any additional questions about the product that interests you.
4. Ebay
eBay has millions of products and is a great place to search for used gear. Once you create an account, you can start shopping. However, most eBay products use a bidding system in order to win the product that interests you.
Pricing: How Does It Work?
Prices for products can vary. Some people might list an item at a very low price.
This is done to start a bidding war and possibly get a lot more for the product they originally sold for almost nothing. You can buy some products with a Buy it Now option. This means that the product is yours and you don’t need to bid.
Should You Trust Them?
That’s up to you. Ebay is a trusted site. There are many legitimate sellers out there who have sold thousands of products, and they have received great reviews. However, you only get what you pay.
You want to make sure that you are buying from someone who has a high rating of at least 95 percent. Also, ensure they have sold a lot of items and take a look at the most recent reviews.
5. Musician’s Friend
Musician’s friend has many options. There are many helpful categories such as open box, refurbished clearance, and even the dumbest deal of the day that will help you find the product you need.
Pricing: How Does It Work?
Musician’s Friend offers price match, something we have yet to see on a used music gear website. They will match any price that is verified by an authorized dealer for up to 45 days from the date of your purchase. You can also get free shipping for most of their products, which is rare to find elsewhere.
Should You Trust Them?
It is without a doubt. Guitars and basses are covered by a 2-year warranty. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it within 45 days.
6. Amazon
Amazon is an essential part of our society. You can find many deals on their website. Amazon allows third-party companies to create profiles and sell products, no matter if the product is new or used.
Pricing: How Does It Work?
Amazon can’t account for every vendor’s policies. Amazon can’t guarantee that you will find the best deal possible, but they have many search options to help you do your research.
What Can You Sell?
There are no restrictions on selling used items on Amazon. Music equipment is not subject to any restrictions. Amazon has some restrictions on the products you can sell if you want to make your own. Music equipment will generally not be subject to the same limitations as other products.
Should You Trust Them?
Amazon is most concerned about the customer. You have protection for items and timely delivery, regardless of whether you order directly from Amazon or through a third-party vendor.
All issues should be reported to the original seller. However, Amazon offers the A to Z Guarantee that allows you to get a full refund.
7. The Music Zoo
What Can You Sell?
This site is only for guitar sales. This site can only be used to sell guitars.
You can visit their Guitar Shop in Long Island if you are from New York. Otherwise, you can sell any guitars through their website.
A guitar can be traded in or consigned. Once you have filled out basic information about the guitar you are looking to sell, it will be easy to make a sale.
Should You Trust Them?
Sure! You can buy and sell guitars at The Music Zoo. The Music Zoo is a great place to buy or sell guitars. They have a physical location to call if you have questions.
8. Facebook Marketplace
What Can You Sell?
Almost anything can be disposed of. Facebook Marketplace is an excellent way to sell instruments locally. Uploading the items you are interested in selling is easy.
Marketplace doesn’t charge any fees and allows you to meet the buyer face-to-face. You can sell as many items as you like as long as your Facebook profile is active.
Can You Trust Them?
Yes, but be cautious. It is best to meet people in public places. It’s okay if they come to your home, but that’s up to them. You can expect to receive some responses within a matter of days if you post a listing on Marketplace.
Conclusion
There are many reliable options available for selling or buying used musical instruments. It is also important to understand the shipping process for the item you are selling. Contact the supplier if you’re still uncertain about buying the item.
This is a great time to learn a new instrument or make some extra cash by selling an old drum set that has been gathering dust in the basement. It takes only a few minutes to start. You should set a fair but high price for a quality tool. Don’t allow Internet users to lower it!
FAQ for Selling Used Band Instruments
What is the difference between a used and new band instrument?
There are some key differences between a used and new band instrument. The most obvious difference is the cost. A new band instrument will cost you more than a used one, but there are other differences that you should consider before buying a new one.
A new instrument will come with warranty, which means that it is covered for any defects in workmanship or materials for up to a certain period of time. A used instrument may not have this protection, so it’s important to make sure that the seller is reputable and has good reviews online.
A used instrument may also be missing parts or accessories that are included with a brand-new one such as extra strings or picks.
What are some good types of band instruments to buy used?
There are a lot of instruments to choose from when buying used. But before you start looking, there are some questions you should ask yourself.
- What is your budget?
- What size of band do you play in?
- How much experience do you have with music?
How can I buy a used band instrument?
Buying a used instrument is a good option for people who want to save money. However, it is important to know how to buy a used instrument.
One of the ways you can find a used band instrument is by searching for one on websites like eBay or Craigslist. You should also ask your friends and family if they have any instruments they don’t need anymore that they would be willing to sell you.
How do I sell my used band instrument?
Selling your used band instrument is one of the most common questions that musicians get. Here are some tips to help you sell your instrument.
- Make sure that it is in good condition and doesn’t have any damage.
- Get a price list from the music store
- Find people who would be interested in buying your instrument
- Set up an appointment with a music store to sell your instrument
What are the benefits of selling used band instruments online?
Band instruments are expensive and most people cannot afford to buy them. However, it is possible to sell used band instruments online and make a profit. There are many benefits of selling used band instruments online like saving money, getting a better instrument, and the convenience of buying from an online store.
The advantages of buying used band instruments on the internet include:
- Saving money – Buying second-hand can save up to 90% in some cases.
- Getting a better instrument – You can get a new instrument without having to pay for shipping or wait for the item to be delivered by mail.
- The convenience of buying from an online store – You can buy from anywhere in the world with no hassle involved in shipping or waiting for your item to arrive.
What are some companies that sell used band instruments online?
There are many companies that sell used instruments online. Some of the most popular include Reverb, Musician’s Friend, and Musician’s Go Round.
What are the risks of selling a used band instrument?
The risks of buying a used instrument are many. It is important to know what you are getting into before you buy a used instrument.
Some of the risks include:
- Getting a fake or low quality product
- Getting robbed by the seller
- Receiving an instrument that has not been properly cared for and could be unsafe to play
What are the best ways to sell a used band instrument?
This is a question that many musicians have been asking themselves. There are different approaches to selling a used band instrument, but in the end, it all comes down to trustworthiness.
The best way to sell a used band instrument is by taking good care of it and getting it in good condition. This means keeping the case clean and dust-free and looking for any damages or imperfections that might exist on the instrument itself.
The first step towards selling your used band instrument is by putting it up for sale online. A lot of online platforms will allow you to list your item for free so you can get an idea of how much interest there is in your item and if people are willing to pay what you’re asking for it. The second step would be reaching out to local music stores who might rate and redeem from you a used band instrument.
How much should I charge for my used band instrument?
If you are thinking of selling your used band instrument, the price you can ask for it is dependent on the condition.
The price of a used band instrument depends on its condition. If the instrument is in good condition, it will be worth more than if it is in bad condition. The price also depends on how long ago the owner stopped using it and how much they played with it.
A new instrument will cost from $399 to $1000 depending on its size and quality. A used one will cost from $100 to $800 depending on its size and quality.