10 Places to Sell Used Musical Instruments for Quick Cash

Reviewed by Soliu.

Places to sell used musical instruments for cash include in-person exchanges, online marketplaces, pawn stores, classified ads, and schools. Other methods include music schools, teachers, instrument repair shops, garage sales, and online buy-and-sell groups.

Used musical instruments can be a great way to make space in your home, eliminate junk, and make extra cash.

Whether you are an artist looking to upgrade your gear or have unused instruments, there are many ways and places to sell used musical instruments and make cash in exchange. Here are ten places to sell used musical instruments quickly and easily.

10 places to sell used musical instruments

1. Local music retailers

Local music stores often buy and sell used instruments. Visit shops near you to learn how to buy things there and if they take cash or store credit.

Pros: It is easier to do business in person, and you can get cash or shop credit immediately. The people who work at music shops might know how to figure out how good your instrument is and how much it is worth.

Considerations: Some shops give you more value in store credit than in cash. Offers can differ; some shops might only buy some kinds of instruments.

The method of exchange: in person at the store.

Payment: Either cash or shop credit is acceptable.

2. Online markets

Nowadays, there Are newer places to sell used musical instruments, And that is the internet. Use well-known online marketplaces like eBay, Reverb, Music Go Round, Sweetwater, and Facebook Marketplace to reach a large number of people. You should make detailed listings with clear photos and descriptions to draw buyers.

Pros: “eBay” is a large website that has users all over the world. Allows for auctions or ads with a set price. Reverb is a website for musicians known for its community of musicians. Facebook Marketplace makes finding nearby buyers easy, negotiating prices, and setting up deals.

Payment methods: There are different ways to pay on eBay (PayPal, credit cards, etc.). On eBay, think about how much shipping will cost and choose a shipping way that is known to be safe. For Reverb, PayPal, credit cards, and Reverb Bucks are all ways to pay. On Facebook Marketplace, you can talk to buyers directly to set up payment (cash, PayPal, etc.).

Considerations: “Facebook Marketplace“: Meet in safe public places for in-person trades.

3. Pawn stores

Another option for places to sell used musical instruments is the PAWN STORE. People know that pawn shops buy many things, including musical instruments. Remember that the deals may differ, so looking around for the best deal is best.

Pros: The benefits are fast deals, no need to list, and the ability to negotiate. There are some benefits. Some loan shops specialize in musical instruments and can give you an honest opinion.

Considerations: Pawn shops may offer lower prices to make more money when they sell the item again. Offers might be cheaper because of how likely they are to sell again, and not all pawn shops sell musical instruments.

Method of Payment: The process of exchange is in person at the pawn shop. You can pay with cash or a check on the spot.

4. Via Classified Ads

Think about putting ads in local newspapers or online classifieds. Clearly describe your instruments, say how good or bad they are, and give possible buyers your contact information.

 Pros: You can target a local crowd and close deals quickly. You can talk directly with possible buyers and get a better price.

Considerations: Be wary of possible buyers who might not show up or try to negotiate too much. You should handle questions and meet potential buyers one-on-one.

Method of payment: The exchange process is to meet the buyer in person. Usually cash, but talk about other options ahead of time.

5. Schools and colleges that teach music

Another important place for selling used musical instruments is at music schools and colleges in your area. A functional music school would surely want to get musical instruments for cheap. To reduce costs. They might want to buy used tools for their kids or for groups to play in.

Pros: Schools often need instruments for their kids, so there is a chance of selling a lot of them. Tools sold to schools might still be helpful for students.

Considerations: Schools may have budget limits that affect how much they are willing to pay. Offers may be limited by price, and it may take time to find interested buyers.

Method of payment: The exchange process is in person with a representative from the school or college. The school might send you a check.

6. To Music Teachers

Get in touch with music teachers near you. They might be looking for cheap instruments that their kids can use to practice and learn.

Pros: You can meet directly with people who want to buy cheap instruments. If you sell your instrument to a music teacher, you can be sure it will go to a home where it will be used and valued.

Considerations:  Some music teachers might want their students to play specific instruments. You should connect with music teachers and build relationships with them.

Method of payment: The process of exchange is in person or by giving it to the teacher directly. Cash, check, or other agreed-upon method.

7. Shops that fix up instruments

Most shops that fix instruments have customers looking for used appliances. They might want to buy used tools to fix up and sell again.

Pros: Instruments that need fixing can still get a reasonable price, and local shops can help. Instruments that only need simple repairs may still be helpful to repair shops.

Considerations: The deal might show how much the shop will have to spend on repairs. Prices may change based on how much fixing will cost, and not all repair shops buy instruments.

Payment method: The exchange will occur in person at the repair shop. They can pay by cheque, depending on the value of the trade, or with cash. 

8. Through Consignment Services

Some music shops have “consignment” services that let you sell your instrument through them for a cut of the price.

Pros:  You can reach customers through a well-known shop, and prices might be better. The good thing about consignment stores is that buyers can see your instrument in person.

Considerations: The store’s fee will change the total amount you get. The store will get a cut of the sale, and finding a buyer could take a while.

Payment method: Bring it to the store or drop it off there. When the item sells, you get your portion of the price.

9. Via Garage Sales or Flea Markets

Take part in local garage sales or flea markets to show off your instruments to people looking for deals and people who like music.

Pros: You can connect with people in your area looking for deals and show off more than one thing. You can talk to possible buyers in person and get a feel for how interested they are.

Considerations:  Prices should be competitive for the event, and you should be ready to negotiate. Pricing can be challenging, and instruments might be optional to guests.

Payment method: The exchange will take place in person at the event. Cash is usually the most popular way to pay.

10. Buy and sell groups online

Join internet groups or social media pages where people buy and sell used musical instruments. These groups can put you in touch with people who want to buy.

Pros: The benefits are direct contact with interested buyers and niche groups of music fans. Niche groups focus on music fans, which can help them sell more quickly.

Considerations:  Make sure you transparently discuss shipping prices, methods, and estimated delivery times. Some groups may have rules or guidelines to follow, and you must deal with questions.

Payment method: This can be in person or by shipping (mail). Cash for in-person sales and online payment (PayPal) for shipping arrangements.

Top tips when selling instruments

1. Be truthful

Honesty is the most excellent way to sell your instrument swiftly. The listing should be straightforward and entertaining and showcase the item’s best features, but it should also provide its specifications, state, and repair status. If you lie about facts or make something seem too good to be true, it will be hard to sell and may turn off intelligent buyers.

2. Set a fair price

Before pricing an instrument, sellers should investigate comparable tools. Respect potential buyers and price your goods fairly to reflect their quality. To compete and sell quickly, sellers may need to cut prices if the item is commonly accessible and used. An uncommon object rarely sold online or locally will also cost more. Just supply and demand.

3. Include high-quality photographs

If you believe “that will do” when adding photographs, your post will wind up at the bottom of the group feed with no one interested. No one expects you to be David Bailey, but having well-lit, angled photos is a good idea. The more information you provide upfront, the less likely your buyer will have a payment issue.

4. Follow platform rules

Read the group’s guidelines before posting an ad on any buying, selling, or trading site. No one wants their post removed or banned for posting illegal content.

5. Use online markets carefully

Craigslist and eBay aid millions of shoppers and sellers each year. An online ad with a few lovely photos is simple and fast. You can bargain by setting your price 20–30% higher than you require. It sounds repetitive to warn people about online fraud, but they steal from many who should know better and are becoming more widespread. 

Scammers create ambiguous pitches (such as calling what you are selling “the item”), offer more than your asking price, and wish to do transactions via mail or wire transfer.

6. Give buyers what they paid for

Always state that you will not accept refunds when selling online. Since you are not a store, customers should not return items. Informing others about this method immediately helps. This means that you must give your buyers an honest assessment of what they are buying and an opportunity to check it out to their satisfaction. 

Instead of exhibiting your drum set in a dark place and hoping purchasers will not see, inform them all the toms have holes in the bottom heads.

7. Consider alternatives to selling.

Say your main goal is to make room, not money from old goods. If your studio has a lot of junk, like your old student drum kit, your first solid-state combo amp, and that bass cabinet your friend Steve left behind. It does not matter. 

However, it may benefit someone else. Check with local school music programs, non-profit music colleges, or other music-interest initiatives for kids. Many parents cannot afford instruments even if their kids are good musicians.

During the selling process, talking clearly, being honest about the instrument’s state, and answering questions quickly is important. Take high-quality pictures that show the instrument as it really is, and include information about the instrument’s history or interesting details that might make your listing more appealing to buyers.

Final Thoughts 

Selling used musical instruments for quick cash is an excellent way to clear up space and a chance to help other artists or people who are just starting out. Whether you sell locally or online, the key is correctly describing your instruments, giving precise information, and talking to potential buyers as soon as possible.

With these ten places to sell used musical instruments, you can make some extra money and help out people who love music simultaneously. When deciding where to sell your used musical instruments, you should consider the type of instrument you want to sell, who you want to sell it to, and how fast you need to sell it. 

Do a lot of research on the individual platforms or venues, read reviews, and ask other musicians who have sold instruments for advice if you can. Ultimately, choose the option that fits your wants and tastes the best. Before finishing a deal, especially one that occurs online, it is important to ensure it is safe.

When meeting buyers in person, do it in a well-lit public place, and be careful about giving out personal or financial information online. Always be clear with the buyer about the method of trade and payment to avoid misunderstandings.

Now you know where to sell those gears, and In the spirit of rhythm and melody, you can share those lovelies on our comment section and save the memory with us. Never stop playing; always be merry.