How to sell a musical instrument?

<p>What is the best way to sell an instrument? I would like to sell one before my daughter goes to college. It is the cello that she does not play anymore. Thanks!</p>

<p>A lot would depend on the value of the instrument and your location.</p>

<p>I am in North Texas (near UNT) and bought it from a UNT student. It was $5500 brand new, but I hope to just get $1000 or so.</p>

<p>If you take it to a dealer to sell on consignment, they will take their percentage, so you might want to try to sell it privately. I would contact teachers in the area to let them know about the instrument. Also, put a notice on bulletin boards in local music schools and at the university.</p>

<p>My son sold his old bass on craigslist. You have to be careful of scammers. There are people who will respond saying that they want to have the instrument shipped somewhere, and they don’t need to see it. Those are the scammers.</p>

<p>yes, craigslist is convenient. Deal locally and in person only. Do no reply to odd inquiries.</p>

<p>You could post it on the instrumental board over at UNT- call or email the office there after they reopen in January to find out the procedure. Also, are their any “preparatory” divisions of music schools near you? A youth orchestra? Local cello teachers are a good source also as are music/orchestral teachers in your and neighboring school districts.</p>

<p>Does UZnT have bulletin board? How did you find the instrument? Are there HSs that might have students whose parents want them to buy instrument?</p>

<p>One note, why are you selling it for $1,000? Unless you overpaid for it, string instruments generally don’t depreciate, it isn’t like a car (which is why when you get a loan to buy a string instrument, it is different than an auto loan, it is considered a collaterialized loan and the rate is much less). I would suggest taking it to a luthier and asking them to give you an appraisal (you don’t have to tell them you are selling it, tell them it is for insurance reasons), and use that as the basis. You probably can get near what you paid for it, or maybe even a little more, as long as it is in good condition and the person buying it likes the sound. The only downside is it could take a while to sell it, and if you offered it for 1000 you might be able to sell it quickly, but you would be costing yourself money.</p>

<p>Cellos definitely do not depreciate unless you overpaid. I’m a string teacher and always insist that my students try multiple instruments before purchasing. Generally I will examine and play the instrument, too, and help them listen and “feel”. Bows are a whole separate process! If you’re willing to take less than you paid, then I would either sell it to a string shop or, if you’re not in a hurry, place it on consignment. If you have accurate information about the instrument, you could try to list it on Craig’s list, but most players looking for cellos in that price range will want to try it for a few days. Are you also selling a bow and a case?</p>

<p>As a parent of a young cellist, I’d also suggest contacting local middle school teachers and letting them know it’s available. We are already keeping our eyes open for opportunities for DD’s next cello.</p>

<p>I picked that price because I have no clue what I am doing, to be honest. I think I will call UNT and look in to an instrument board there and run an ad on Craigslist. I can read that it is a Glaesel and such.</p>

<p>Also contact the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra at website [url=&lt;a href=“http://www.Gdyo.org%5DGDYO%5B/url”&gt;http://www.Gdyo.org]GDYO[/url</a>].</p>