Why We Don't Buy Used Gear

It's one of the questions we get asked most often here at Music Bits: "Do you buy used instruments?" We completely understand why — selling on a beloved (or simply surplus) instrument feels like a natural next step, and who better to ask than your local music shop?

The honest answer is no, we don't — and here's why.

We're Specialists in New Stock

Our focus is on sourcing, stocking, and supporting new instruments and equipment in volume. This allows us to sell at competitive prices. That means building relationships with manufacturers and distributors, maintaining consistent quality standards, and offering the warranties and after-sales support that only come with new gear. Taking in used stock would pull our attention — and our floor space — away from what we do best.

Condition is Complicated

Every used instrument tells a different story. Assessing playability, hidden damage, previous repairs, and fair market value takes significant time and expertise. Even with the best intentions on both sides, disputes over valuation are common, and we'd rather not put that friction between us and our customers.

Older instruments often have their faults (perhaps that's why you want to sell in the first place). Repairing the myriad of defects often found on older instruments can be time consuming and expensive. Let's not forget that we have to offer a guarantee with all used gear and cover the cost of any repair work.

We're Not Set Up for It

Buying, pricing, storing, and reselling second-hand gear is genuinely a different business model — one that requires dedicated staff time, storage, insurance considerations, and current knowledge of the used market. Selling used gear is not something we can do well as a side operation, so we've chosen not to do it at all.

It's Not Profitable

We are a business and have to make a profit on the things we sell in order to stay in business. Let's face the facts. The price you would like to sell your old instrument for is the same as the price we would have to sell it in our shop (if it were ever to sell) plus we have to add in VAT. So the numbers simply don't add up. It is not a viable business model. (This is the reason you see so many second hand shops open and close on a regular basis).

Times Have Changed

Musical instrument shops have historically bought in second hand gear and accepted part exchange. However, a great many of those musical instrument shops have ceased trading over recent years. One of the main reasons for this related directly to second hand stock. Buying in or accepting part-exchange gradually turns a shop full of brand new stock into second hand - killing the business. They effectively become a museum. Why? Because in order to make a profit on the new item with part-exchange, the shop has to first sell the second hand item as well - and used gear does not sell particularly well anymore.

There are many individuals who seem to thing we are doing something wrong by not dealing in used gear and some even become quite angry when we refuse to buy their unwanted instruments. Hopefully, this post will help them to understand.

What We'd Suggest Instead:

If you're looking to sell a used instrument, there are some options:

• eBay and Reverb are the go-to platforms for reaching buyers directly
• Facebook Marketplace works well for local, quick sales
• Local music schools or community groups sometimes have notice boards for second-hand gear

As a private seller, you have to be realistic about the value of your old instrument. The second hand market is saturated and prices are low - meaning you will rarely get what you think your gear is worth. It is a buyers market. (The buyer is also buying any problems the instrument may have and there are no guarantees with private sales).

As a buyer of second hand gear, just remember that things are usually sold on for a reason and professional repairs are expensive. If buying second hand gear was worthwhile, businesses like ours would be purchasing, which we are not. That should tell you everything you need to know.

We hope that clears things up — and if you're in the market for something new, we're always happy to help you find the right instrument.

Music Bits, 17 High Street, Alford, Lincolnshire, LN13 9DS. www.musicbits.co.uk