A Decades-Long Legacy of Buying and Selling
For over 50 years, Elderly Instruments has been a trusted hub for musicians looking to find new homes for their beloved instruments and for enthusiasts seeking quality used and vintage gear. Unlike some retailers that only deal in new products, Elderly Instruments’ business model has always revolved around a vibrant marketplace of second-hand and vintage items. Their deep experience and skilled team of appraisers, some with over a century of combined expertise, ensure that every used instrument is evaluated with care and integrity.
This commitment has cultivated a loyal community of musicians who value not only the opportunity to purchase rare and collectible pieces but also to have a reliable and trustworthy partner for selling their own instruments. Whether it’s a family heirloom or a recent acquisition, Elderly Instruments provides a clear and straightforward path for those looking to turn their instrument into cash or trade it toward a different piece of musical history.
How to Sell, Trade, or Consign an Instrument
Elderly Instruments offers several avenues for selling or trading your instrument, designed to suit different needs and circumstances. The process is straightforward, beginning with an appraisal to determine the instrument's value.
The Preliminary Appraisal Process
Before you ship your instrument or bring it into their Lansing, Michigan store, Elderly Instruments requires a Preliminary Appraisal Form. This helps their team understand what you have and provides an initial assessment. The form gathers key details about the instrument, such as:
- Type of instrument: Guitar, banjo, mandolin, etc.
- Maker and model: Brand and specific model information.
- Condition: Photos and a description of any wear, damage, or repairs.
- Provenance: Any known history or special story behind the instrument.
Selling vs. Trading vs. Consigning
| Feature | Selling Outright | Trading In | Consignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment | Instant payment once the deal is finalized. | Credit towards another purchase from Elderly Instruments. | You receive payment only after the instrument has been sold to another customer. |
| Value | Offers a solid, immediate cash value for your instrument. | May offer a higher trade-in value than the outright sale value. | You receive a larger percentage of the final sale price, as Elderly takes a commission. |
| Timeframe | Quickest option; payment is swift. | Quick process, as it's part of a larger transaction. | Longest timeframe; depends on how quickly the item sells. |
| Best For | Needing cash immediately or not looking for another instrument. | Upgrading to a new instrument or swapping gear. | Maximizing your return on a higher-value instrument with less urgency. |
Expert Appraisal and Honest Valuation
When dealing with vintage or valuable instruments, accurate valuation is crucial. Elderly Instruments employs a team of seasoned appraisers who are experts in their specific niches, from vintage acoustic guitars to rare mandolins. For particularly rare or vintage pieces, they offer a more in-depth Detailed Vintage Evaluation. This comprehensive process authenticates the instrument, assesses its condition, and provides a well-researched valuation based on the current market. The fee for this service is often refundable if you decide to sell or consign the instrument with them.
This meticulous approach ensures sellers receive a fair and honest price for their gear, while buyers can have confidence in the authenticity and quality of the instrument they are purchasing. The transparency and integrity of this process are key to Elderly Instruments' longevity and trusted reputation within the music community.
Preparing Your Instrument for Sale
If you plan to sell or trade your used instrument, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smoother process and a better valuation. Start by cleaning the instrument thoroughly, polishing any metal parts, and restringing it if the strings are old. Documenting any repairs or modifications is also important, as is gathering any original paperwork or cases that came with it. High-quality, clear photographs from multiple angles can help the appraisers get an accurate understanding of its condition during the preliminary review. For instruments that require shipping, be sure to pack them securely to prevent damage. Elderly Instruments provides specific guidelines and advice for shipping on their website to help protect your investment during transit.
Conclusion
In short, the answer to the question, "Do elderly instruments buy used instruments?" is a resounding yes. With a long-standing history of fair dealing, expert appraisals, and a genuine passion for musical instruments, Elderly Instruments provides a trusted and effective marketplace for musicians of all levels. Whether you are a musician seeking to upgrade your gear, a collector looking to refine your collection, or someone with a family heirloom seeking its next home, Elderly Instruments is a reliable partner in the used instrument market.
For more information on their buying process, you can visit their official FAQ page here: https://www.elderly.com/pages/faq.
