Musical Instruments: A Buyer's Guide to Secondhand Gear

Instruments can hold their value remarkably well secondhand, and older instruments are sometimes preferred by musicians over new ones — but condition assessment takes a slightly different eye than most other categories.

For string instruments (guitars, violins, basses)

• Check the neck for warping by sighting down its length, and ask about any past neck repairs.
• Inspect for cracks in the body, particularly around the bridge and seams, which affect both sound and value significantly.
• Ask about action (string height) and whether a setup or adjustment would be needed.

For keyboards and pianos

• Test every key for consistent action and sound, not just a few — sticking or silent keys are common issues.
• For acoustic pianos, ask when it was last tuned and serviced, and check for signs of water damage or pest issues, especially in older instruments.

For brass and woodwind instruments

• Check valves or keys move smoothly without sticking.
• Ask whether the instrument has been professionally cleaned, since hygiene matters for anything played by mouth.

General tips for any instrument

Ask for the brand, model, and (where relevant) serial number — this lets you research typical pricing and known issues for that specific model before you buy. For higher-value or vintage instruments where authenticity and condition significantly affect price, RahaKaitse escrow lets you confirm the instrument matches what was described before your payment is finalized.