How to Sell Musical Instruments Online: Guitars, Keyboards & More

Unlike electronics, a well-kept instrument can sell for 60-80% of its price years after purchase — musicians know quality lasts. The catch: instrument buyers are picky, and your ad has to earn their trust before they travel to try it.

Photograph like a shop, not a cupboard

Clean the instrument, tune it, and shoot it standing or on a plain bedsheet — full front, back, headstock/panel close-ups, and any dings photographed honestly. For keyboards and harmoniums, include a photo with the power on or bellows open.

State the details players care about

Brand and exact model, year if known, what is included (case, stand, adapter, extra strings), and any repairs or replaced parts. For guitars mention action and fret wear; for harmoniums, the number of reeds and scale changer if present.

Expect a trial — and welcome it

Serious buyers will want to play before paying, exactly like a shop. Offer a comfortable place to try it, and let the instrument sell itself. A seller who welcomes a trial signals confidence; one who resists it loses the sale.