Quick Answer
To sell a used musical instrument in Kingston, list it on Fliku, Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace with the brand, model, year and serial number, and clear photos. Ask a store such as Long & McQuade (2762 Princess St) whether it takes used gear on trade or consignment. Price by checking comparable listings, include cases and accessories, and let buyers play the instrument at the meeting. Do not send an instrument to a stranger or accept an overpayment.
Kingston has a lively music scene, with students, school bands, church groups, working musicians and hobbyists all buying and selling instruments. A guitar that one person has outgrown is exactly what a beginner is looking for. If you have an instrument sitting in a closet, here is how to sell it, price it fairly and avoid the usual pitfalls.
Where to Sell a Used Instrument in Kingston
| Where | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fliku | Guitars, keyboards, drums, band instruments | Free listing; you set the price and keep all of it |
| Kijiji | A large audience, including a dedicated musical instruments category | Free basic listing |
| Facebook Marketplace and local music groups | Quick sales, beginner gear | Fast replies; check the buyer's profile |
| Long & McQuade, 2762 Princess St | Trade-ins and consignment, if offered | Phone first to ask what it takes and how it pays |
| Online gear marketplaces such as Reverb | Collectible, rare or high-value instruments | National audience, but fees and shipping apply |
Long & McQuade Kingston is a full-service music store. Policies on used gear vary by location and by item, so call and ask whether it buys used instruments, takes them on consignment or offers trade-in credit. Store offers are usually lower than a private sale, but they are quick and low-effort.
What Sells Best
- Acoustic and electric guitars: the most active category. Beginner models sell quickly; well-known brands and vintage models attract serious buyers.
- Keyboards and digital pianos: popular with students and parents. Include the power supply, stand and pedal.
- Band and orchestra instruments: school-age players need them, especially flutes, clarinets, trumpets and violins. Condition and service history matter.
- Drums and percussion: a complete kit sells better than separate pieces, but buyers need space to move it.
- Amplifiers and pedals: brands and models matter. Test them and say that they work.
- Acoustic pianos: demand exists but moving them is costly, so the buyer pool is smaller.
How to Describe and Photograph an Instrument
Musicians are specific, so your listing should be too. Put the brand, model, year if known, and colour in the title. In the description, give the serial number, the condition, any repairs or modifications, the strings or reeds in use, and what is included, such as a case, strap, cable, picks or stand. Say honestly about scratches, dings, crackling electronics or needed setup work. Buyers forgive honest wear; they do not forgive surprises.
Photograph the instrument in daylight against a plain background. For a guitar, show the front, the back, the headstock, the neck from several angles, the bridge and the electronics. For band instruments, photograph the bell, keys and valves, and the case. Take a short video or clip of the instrument being played if you can, because audio helps buyers trust it.
How to Price a Used Instrument
The best method is to search for the same model and compare what others are asking and what appears to be selling. Condition, age, brand and whether the instrument is current or discontinued all affect value. As a rough guide, beginner instruments sell for a third to half of retail, while well-known or vintage models can hold or increase their value. Recent serviced instruments command a premium. If you are unsure about a high-value item, ask a store or a technician for an opinion before you list.
| Item | What affects the price | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic guitar | Brand, solid vs laminate top, condition | Say whether it needs a setup and include the case |
| Electric guitar | Brand, model, year, originality | Include the serial number and any modifications |
| Keyboard or digital piano | Brand, number of keys, features | Include the stand, pedal and power supply |
| Violin, flute or clarinet | Brand, service history, condition | A recent service adds value |
| Drum kit | Brand, number of pieces, hardware | Photograph the full kit assembled |
| Amp or pedal | Brand, model, working condition | Test it and say that it works |
These are rough guides; always check current listings. For the general approach, see how to price used items for a fast sale.
Meeting Buyers and Staying Safe
Let serious buyers play the instrument at the meeting, and be present while they do. Choose a public place such as a music store, a coffee shop or a well-lit parking lot, in daylight, and bring a second person for higher-value items. Do not let anyone leave with the instrument until payment is complete and confirmed in your account.
Instrument selling checklist
- Clean the instrument and wipe down strings, keys or valves
- Record the brand, model, year and serial number
- Gather cases, cables, straps, stands and manuals
- Photograph it in daylight and record a short audio clip
- Be honest about wear, repairs and any needed setup
- Set your lowest acceptable price before you negotiate
- Meet in public and verify payment before handing it over
Beware of buyers who offer more than your asking price, want to send a courier, or ask for a verification code. See avoiding scams when selling locally for more.
When to Sell
Instruments sell all year, but demand rises in late August and September, when students and school bands start up, and again in November and December, when people look for gifts. If you are selling a beginner instrument, aim for those windows. Pianos and other large items are easier to move in spring and summer, when movers and vehicles are easier to arrange.
Selling a Piano in Kingston
Pianos are a special case. Acoustic pianos are heavy, expensive to move, and need to be tuned after a move, so the buyer pool is smaller and buyers are cautious. If you are selling one, give the brand, model, serial number, approximate age and condition, and say when it was last tuned. Take photos of the whole piano, the keys, the inside if you can open it safely, and any damage. Be honest about sticking keys, cracked soundboards or pitch problems.
The buyer will need movers, so explain the access: stairs, narrow doors and distance from the street all matter. Some sellers offer a low price or even a free listing for an older piano, on the condition that the buyer arranges the move. A digital piano is much easier to sell, because it is lighter and needs no tuning, and it appeals to students and beginners.
Student and School Instruments
Parents of school-age players look for used instruments, especially at the start of the school year. Flutes, clarinets, trumpets, violins and trombones are in steady demand, and parents are often willing to pay a fair price for something playable. Before you list, clean the instrument, check pads, valves and slides, and consider having it serviced, as a recent service is a strong selling point. Mention whether the instrument has been used in a school program and what size it is, particularly for violins, which come in fractional sizes.
Get It Set Up Before You Sell
A small investment in setup can add more to the price than it costs. New strings on a guitar, a quick adjustment of the action, cleaned electronics and a polished body all make an instrument look and play better. For band instruments, a repair shop can fix leaks, sticky valves and worn pads. Keep the receipt and mention the work in your listing. If the instrument needs repair that costs more than it will add to the price, sell it as-is and say exactly what is wrong. Buyers who like projects will pay a fair price, and you avoid disputes.
Negotiating the Price
Musicians love to haggle, and many expect to pay a little less than the asking price. Price your instrument a bit above your minimum so you have room to move, and be prepared to explain your price by pointing to comparable listings, recent servicing or included accessories. If a buyer offers a very low price, reply once with your best figure and leave it there. If two buyers are interested, tell each that there is another offer. When someone is serious, they usually arrange a time to play it quickly. Be wary of buyers who never ask a question about the instrument itself, because real musicians always do.
Keep your serial number on record, and take photographs of the instrument before the sale. If a dispute arises later, you have a clear record of its condition when it left your hands.
One more tip: if you are selling an instrument for a child who has stopped playing, say so in the listing. Parents buying for a beginner like to know that the instrument has been used gently, and that it has been stored indoors and cared for. A short, honest line about its history builds trust and often leads to a quicker sale.
Selling an instrument in Kingston?
List it free on Fliku and reach local musicians, students and parents. No fees.
List Your Instrument on FlikuFrequently Asked Questions
Where can I sell a used guitar in Kingston, Ontario?
You can sell a used guitar in Kingston on Fliku, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, or ask Long & McQuade (2762 Princess St) whether it takes used instruments on trade or consignment. Private sales usually pay more; a store is faster.
Does Long & McQuade buy used instruments in Kingston?
Policies vary by location and by instrument, so phone the Kingston store and ask whether it buys used gear, takes it on consignment or offers trade-in credit. Expect a lower price than a private sale in exchange for convenience.
How do I price a used musical instrument?
Search for the same brand and model on Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace and compare what is asked and what seems to sell. Beginner instruments usually sell for about a third to half of retail, while well-known or vintage models can hold value. Ask a store or technician about a high-value instrument before you list.
How do I avoid scams when selling an instrument?
Meet in person in a public place, let the buyer play it while you watch, and accept cash or an e-transfer you can verify in your own bank account. Do not ship to strangers, send a deposit or accept an overpayment, and never share a verification code.
When is the best time to sell a used instrument in Kingston?
Late August and September, when students and school bands start up, and November and December, when people shop for gifts. Large items like pianos are easier to move in spring and summer.
