Sell & Trade
Send an email to usedbuyer@oldtownschool.org with photos to get the ball rolling!
We purchase and offer trade-in value for used instruments and gear.
When you’re feeling ready to take the next step and buy that instrument you’ve always wanted, we can help you trade up, or even buy your old ones from you. You can also visit our Donate page to learn about giving your well-loved instrument a second act.
What do we buy?
We buy all types of used and vintage instruments and gear in working condition.
Gear in this list will definitely be taken in for an offer:
guitars; amps; banjos; mandolins; keyboards; ukuleles; bass guitars; microphones; effects pedals; hand percussion; fiddles, violins, & violas; synthesizers; string instruments from world traditions; and more.
Some common items we won’t buy include:
accordions; brass and woodwind instruments; harmonicas; drum kits; pianos & digital pianos; autoharps; books & sheet music; etc.
We can't make an offer if the item is not functional, or in need of significant repair.
How does the process work?
We do not take items on consignment. We buy your gear outright. You can start by emailing usedbuyer@oldtownschool.org with photos to find out if we’re interested.
You may also bring your gear right to the Music Store at 4544 N Lincoln Ave. In either case, the next step will be to leave the item with our used purchasing team, who will help you sign a disclaimer agreement. We reserve the right to refuse any item that doesn’t meet our standards at intake.
We're a small team, and there are always many instruments in the queue for used buying, so we'll never be able to make you an offer on the spot. Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to cut a check on the day of drop-off.
We’ll get back to you by email with an offer, typically within 5–10 days. Sometimes, it may take as long as two weeks to evaluate and make you an offer.
How do you value my gear?
Our purchase/trade offers are based on condition, recent sales data from the market, and how well it would sell in our store. We have years of experience with new and vintage instruments and are dedicated to offering fair prices.
Payment
You have the option to take payment by check or trade-in value. Checks are cut and mailed once a week. You may also arrange to pick the check up yourself in person. Be sure to bring a valid ID with your name on it.