The best places to sell second hand guitars are local music stores, online marketplaces, guitar forums, and specialist gear sites.
Knowing where to sell second hand guitars can help you earn more, avoid scams, and find a buyer who understands your instrument’s value. This guide compares the main selling options, explains their fees and risks, and shares practical steps for getting a fair price.
Where to Sell Second Hand Guitars Online
Online platforms offer the largest pool of buyers. They are often the best choice for rare, vintage, premium, or highly specialized guitars. However, you must create a strong listing, answer questions, pack the guitar well, and manage shipping.
The right platform depends on your guitar, your target price, and how quickly you want to sell.
Reverb
Reverb is one of the most popular places to sell second hand guitars, amplifiers, pedals, and other music equipment. Its audience already understands guitar brands, model names, pickup types, and used gear values.
Reverb works well for:
• Fender, Gibson, PRS, Martin, Taylor, Ibanez, and similar brands
• Vintage guitars and limited editions
• Boutique instruments and custom builds
• High-end pedals, amps, and recording equipment
You can set a fixed price or accept offers. Before listing, check recent sold prices for the same model. Do not rely only on active listings because sellers may ask more than buyers are willing to pay.
Reverb charges selling fees that can change, so review its current fee schedule before listing. You should also consider payment processing, shipping insurance, packing materials, and possible return costs.
eBay
eBay gives you access to a very large audience. It can be useful when you want to sell second hand guitars that appeal to collectors, beginners, and international buyers.
You can choose between:
• Fixed-price listings
• Auction-style listings
• Best-offer listings
Fixed-price listings give you more control. Auctions may create excitement, but they can also end below your expected price if demand is low. For most used guitars, a fixed price with a reasonable offer option is safer.
Always describe the guitar honestly. Mention fret wear, repairs, finish cracks, replaced parts, electronic problems, and serial number details. Clear descriptions reduce disputes and protect your seller account.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is often the fastest place to sell second hand guitars locally. It works especially well for affordable beginner guitars, starter bundles, practice amps, and common models.
The main benefit is that you may avoid shipping and platform fees. The main drawback is that you may receive low offers, vague messages, or buyers who do not show up.
For safety, meet in a public place during daylight. A music store, police station exchange area, or busy coffee shop can be safer than a private home. If the guitar has a high value, bring another person and confirm payment before handing it over.
Craigslist and Local Classified Sites
Craigslist and other local classified websites can still work well in many US cities. These sites are useful for sellers who want cash or a simple local transaction.
They are best for:
• Common electric and acoustic guitars
• Guitar and amp packages
• Large or heavy equipment
• Sellers who want to avoid shipping
use caution with payment requests. Avoid checks, overpayment schemes, gift cards, and online payment messages that you cannot verify inside your own account. Cash is simple for local sales, but count it carefully before completing the deal.
Guitar Forums and Music Communities
Guitar forums can be excellent places to sell second hand guitars to informed buyers. Members often know the difference between model years, factory changes, replacement parts, and original finishes.
These communities may have fewer casual buyers than Facebook Marketplace, but the conversations can be more serious. Read each forum’s rules before posting. Some require a minimum membership history or restrict commercial listings.
A detailed listing builds trust. Include the guitar’s model, year if known, condition, modifications, included case, location, price, and several clear photographs.
Where to Sell Second Hand Guitars Locally
Selling locally is often the easiest route when you want a quick transaction. It also removes the risk of shipping damage and reduces the work involved in packing a large instrument.
The trade-off is that local buyers may offer less than online buyers. A store must leave room for testing, cleaning, advertising, overhead, warranty support, and profit.
Independent Music Stores
Independent music stores are a strong option when you want convenience. Many stores buy used instruments outright or accept them on consignment.
An outright sale gives you money quickly, but the offer may be lower. The store takes on the risk of selling the guitar later. Consignment may bring you more money, but payment usually comes only after the guitar sells.
Ask the store:
• Is the offer for cash, store credit, or consignment?
• What percentage does the store keep?
• How long will the guitar remain listed?
• Who pays for repairs or setup work?
• What happens if the guitar is damaged in the store?
A local store may also provide a professional inspection. That can help confirm whether the guitar has serious issues.
Guitar Center and Large Retail Chains
Large music retailers may buy used gear or offer trade-in programs. These stores are convenient and familiar, but the offer may not match a direct private sale.
A trade-in can make sense if you already plan to buy another instrument. Store credit may sometimes be worth more than a cash offer. Still, compare the value carefully. A discount on a new guitar is not always better than cash from a private buyer.
Bring identification, the guitar’s case, and any original accessories. Some stores may inspect the neck, frets, electronics, bridge, tuners, and truss rod before making an offer.
Pawn Shops
Pawn shops offer speed, but they are rarely the best place to sell second hand guitars for maximum value. Their business model requires a margin for resale and the possibility that an item will not sell.
A pawn shop may be useful when:
• You need money immediately
• The guitar is a common model
• You do not want to deal with messages or shipping
• You understand that convenience reduces the payout
Get quotes from several shops. Do not accept the first offer without comparison. If the guitar is vintage or collectible, consult a specialist before visiting a pawn shop.
Local Guitar Teachers and Musicians
Teachers, studio musicians, and local bands may know someone looking for a guitar. This method can work well for quality instruments that need a buyer who will care for them.
You can ask at rehearsal spaces, music schools, open mic events, and local musician groups. Avoid spamming groups with repeated posts. One clear listing with good photos is more effective than many short messages.
How to Choose the Best Place to Sell Second Hand Guitars
The best place to sell second hand guitars depends on five main factors: value, speed, effort, risk, and buyer reach.
Use this simple comparison:
| Selling option | Best for | Speed | Possible payout | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reverb | Specialty and higher-value gear | Medium | High | Shipping and fees |
| eBay | Large buyer reach | Medium | Medium to high | Disputes and shipping |
| Facebook Marketplace | Local, common guitars | Fast | Medium | Scams and missed meetups |
| Music store | Convenience and expert help | Fast | Low to medium | Lower offer |
| Consignment | Better store exposure | Slow | Medium to high | Waiting for a sale |
| Pawn shop | Immediate cash | Very fast | Low | Lowest offer |
| Guitar forum | Informed buyers | Medium | High | Smaller audience |
If you want the highest possible price, a direct online sale usually gives you more control. If you want the least work, a music store may be better. If you need money today, a pawn shop or local sale may be the most practical choice.
Think of the process like choosing a route on a road trip. The fastest road is not always the cheapest, and the cheapest road may require more time and effort.
How Much Is a Second Hand Guitar Worth?
The value of a used guitar depends on more than its brand. Model, year, condition, originality, demand, and included accessories all affect the price.
Start by identifying the exact instrument. Look for:
• Brand and model name
• Serial number
• Country of manufacture
• Production year, when available
• Body wood and neck wood
• Pickup configuration
• Original case or gig bag
• Factory modifications
• Repairs and replacement parts
Search for recent sold listings rather than current asking prices. A seller may list a guitar for $1,200, but that does not mean buyers are paying $1,200.
Condition also matters. A few small scratches may be normal for a used guitar. A cracked headstock, twisted neck, lifting bridge, serious fret wear, or faulty electronics can reduce value sharply.
Vintage guitars need extra care. Original parts often matter to collectors. A replaced pickup or refinished body may change the value, even if the guitar sounds excellent. Never describe a guitar as “all original” unless you can support that claim.
A Simple Pricing Method
Use this process to set a realistic price:
Find three to five recent sold examples of the same model.
Remove listings with major differences, such as custom upgrades or severe damage.
Adjust for condition, age, accessories, and local demand.
Set your price slightly above your minimum acceptable amount.
Leave room for reasonable negotiation.
A clean, common guitar may sell close to typical market prices. A damaged guitar may sell faster when priced clearly below average. A rare guitar may need a specialist valuation instead of a simple online comparison.
How to Prepare a Guitar Before Selling
A little preparation can increase buyer confidence. It can also reveal problems before a buyer finds them.
Clean the body with a suitable guitar-safe cloth. Remove dust from the hardware and wipe the strings. Do not use household polish, abrasive cleaners, or excess moisture.
Test the guitar carefully:
• Plug in every pickup
• Turn each volume and tone control
• Check the output jack
• Play every fret
• Test the tuning machines
• Inspect the bridge and tailpiece
• Look for neck movement or unusual buzzing
You do not need to hide normal wear. In fact, honest wear often makes a listing more trustworthy. Clean the guitar, but do not make expensive repairs unless the repair will clearly improve the sale.
A basic setup may help if the action is very high or the strings are badly worn. However, major repairs should be discussed with a qualified guitar technician first. Spending $300 on repairs does not always add $300 to the final selling price.
In my experience, one of the most common mistakes is polishing away time that should be spent documenting the guitar. Buyers care about clear photos, a working instrument, and an honest condition report more than a perfect shine.
How to Create a Strong Used Guitar Listing
A good listing answers the buyer’s main questions before they ask. It should be accurate, specific, and easy to scan.
Include these details:
• Exact brand and model
• Serial number, with sensitive information covered when appropriate
• Year or estimated production period
• Condition rating
• Repairs and modifications
• Fret and neck condition
• Electronics performance
• Included case, strap, cable, or accessories
• Selling price and location
• Shipping or pickup options
Use natural keywords such as “used electric guitar,” “second hand acoustic guitar,” “pre-owned Fender,” or the exact model name. Do not fill the listing with repeated keywords. Clear information helps both search systems and real buyers.
Take Better Guitar Photos
Photos often determine whether someone clicks, asks a question, or moves on. Use daylight or soft indoor light and a plain background.
Take pictures of:
• Front and back of the full guitar
• Headstock and logo
• Serial number area
• Neck and fretboard
• Bridge and pickups
• Control knobs and output jack
• Any scratches, dents, cracks, or repairs
• Case and included accessories
Photograph flaws close up. A visible scratch may reduce a buyer’s offer, but hiding it can lead to a return or dispute. Trust is a form of currency in private sales.
Write an Honest Condition Description
Use simple terms such as excellent, very good, good, fair, or project condition. Explain what the rating means for this specific guitar.
For example:
“Used Fender-style electric guitar in good condition. It has light scratches on the back, moderate fret wear, and a replaced bridge pickup. All controls work, and it stays in tune during normal playing.”
This description is far stronger than “great guitar, no issues” when the instrument has visible wear.
Shipping a Second Hand Guitar Safely
Shipping is one of the biggest concerns when you sell second hand guitars online. A damaged guitar can erase your profit and create stress for everyone.
Use a proper guitar box when possible. A double-wall box provides more protection than a thin cardboard box. Loosen the strings slightly, support the headstock, and prevent the instrument from moving inside the case or box.
A safe packing process includes:
Remove or secure loose accessories.
Loosen the strings slightly, but do not fully slacken them unless needed.
Add padding around the headstock, neck, bridge, and body.
Fill empty spaces so the guitar cannot shift.
Use a hard case for valuable instruments when possible.
Place the case inside a strong shipping box.
Photograph the packing process.
Buy tracking and appropriate insurance.
Do not assume carrier insurance covers every type of damage. Read the terms before shipping. Some policies exclude poor packing, cosmetic damage, or certain instruments.
For expensive guitars, consider professional packing by a guitar shop or shipping specialist. The extra cost may be worthwhile when the instrument is rare or difficult to replace.
Avoiding Scams When Selling a Used Guitar
Most buyers are honest, but sellers should still use basic safety rules. Scams often involve fake payment notices, overpayment, urgent stories, or requests to move off a trusted platform.
Watch for warning signs:
• The buyer offers more than your asking price
• The buyer sends a payment screenshot instead of confirmed funds
• The buyer asks you to pay a “courier” or “agent”
• The buyer wants to use gift cards or cryptocurrency
• The buyer pressures you to ship before payment clears
• The buyer refuses a normal inspection
Only trust payment shown in your own bank or platform account. Do not rely on emails or text messages claiming that funds are “pending.” When selling locally, complete the exchange in a public place and count cash carefully.
Keep records of the listing, messages, guitar condition, serial number, and packing photos. These records can help if a platform asks for evidence during a dispute.
One lesson I have seen repeatedly is that urgency benefits the scammer, not the seller. A real buyer can usually handle a calm, normal transaction.
Selling a Guitar Collection or Several Instruments
If you have several guitars to sell, you have more options. Selling each instrument separately may bring the highest total return, but it takes more time.
Selling a collection to one buyer is faster. A dealer, store, or serious collector may offer a lower combined price in exchange for convenience.
Separate your guitars into groups:
• High-value or vintage instruments
• Popular mid-range guitars
• Beginner instruments
• Broken or project guitars
• Accessories and spare parts
Sell valuable guitars separately. You may bundle beginner guitars with small amps, cables, straps, and tuners. Project instruments can attract hobbyists if you describe the needed repairs clearly.
Create an inventory with photos, serial numbers, condition notes, and target prices. This prevents confusion and helps you compare offers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Selling second hand guitars is not difficult, but small mistakes can cost money.
Avoid these common problems:
• Pricing from an active listing instead of a sold listing
• Hiding damage or modifications
• Using poor photos
• Forgetting platform and payment fees
• Underestimating shipping costs
• Accepting an unverified payment
• Failing to disclose a repaired headstock
• Spending too much on repairs
• Ignoring local safety
• Setting a firm price without researching demand
Do not let sentimental value control the price. A guitar may have personal meaning to you, but buyers usually judge the model, condition, sound, and market demand.
At the same time, do not accept a very low offer just because you want the guitar gone. If there is no urgent need, wait a few days, improve the listing, and compare more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to sell second hand guitars?
The best place depends on your goals. Online specialty platforms often bring better prices, while local music stores and marketplaces usually provide faster, simpler sales.
Can I sell a second hand guitar to a music store?
Yes, many music stores buy used guitars or accept them on consignment. An outright sale is faster, but consignment may produce a higher final payout after the guitar sells.
How do I find the value of my used guitar?
Identify the exact model, year, condition, and modifications, then compare recent sold listings. For vintage or rare guitars, ask a qualified appraiser or specialist because originality can strongly affect value.
Should I sell my guitar online or locally?
Sell online if you want access to more buyers and may accept extra work. Sell locally if you prefer quick pickup, no shipping, and a simple face-to-face transaction.
Is Reverb a good place to sell second hand guitars?
Reverb is a strong option for branded, specialty, vintage, and higher-value gear because its buyers understand musical instruments. Review current fees, shipping costs, and seller policies before listing.
How should I ship a guitar after it sells?
Use a suitable guitar box, protect the headstock and neck, stop the instrument from moving, and purchase tracking and insurance. Photograph the packing process in case a shipping dispute occurs.
Should I repair a guitar before selling it?
Only make repairs when they are likely to improve the sale more than they cost. Basic cleaning and fresh strings may help, but major repairs should be evaluated by a qualified technician first.
Conclusion
The best place to sell second hand guitars depends on the instrument and your priorities. Reverb and eBay can reach serious buyers, Facebook Marketplace can deliver a fast local sale, and music stores offer convenience with less effort. Pawn shops are quick but usually provide the lowest return.
Research recent sold prices, describe the guitar honestly, take clear photos, and protect yourself during payment and pickup. Compare at least two selling options before accepting an offer, then choose the path that gives you the right balance of price, speed, and peace of mind.
Ready to sell? Clean your guitar, record its details, take accurate photos, and post it where the right buyers are already looking.
