How to sell a cello
With the year coming to an end many of us are reevaluating our skills, goals, and hobbies. If you’re a musician, you may be considering picking up a new instrument or upgrading your current gear. You may even be contemplating buying a new cello. If so, you’re probably also trying to find a way to sell your old one.
Finding a buyer for a cello can be difficult if you don’t know where to sell it. But you also need to know how to prepare your instrument for the sale, including estimating how much it’s worth and making it presentable to potential buyers. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the process alone. We’re breaking down how to sell a cello with the least amount of stress possible.
Your new instrument
Selling a cello isn’t quite as easy as listing it on Facebook Marketplace and letting the Internet do its work. Before you sell, you need to have your instrument appraised. This will provide details including the quality, maker, and value of your cello, all of which help determine the selling process.
You will also want to take into account the size of the instrument and any visible imperfections. Scratches, dents, or other noticeable wear can depreciate the value of your cello, so it’s in your best interest to have them repaired before selling. In addition, we recommend giving your cello a good cleaning and some routine maintenance to return it to its best quality. If you know what to look for in a new cello, think of how you can highlight those qualities in the instrument you want to sell.
After you have refurbished your instrument, it’s time to find a seller. One of the easiest ways to sell your cello is by working or trading with a music shop. But remember to bring any appraisal documents with you and be prepared to negotiate. On the other hand, if you would rather skip the in-person shop, you can also list your cello for sale on sites like eBay or Craigslist. For online listings you’ll need high quality photos of the instrument from different angles, and a detailed description.
Say hello to your new cello
Once you’ve started the process of selling your old cello, you can start thinking about buying a new cello. If you bring your cello to a music store, you may be able to trade your old cello for a new one. However, if the shop you’re selling to doesn’t have what you need, you can also shop cellos online.
At Johnson String Instrument we offer a variety of cellos available for rental or purchase. Browse our catalog and you may just find a new cello to fall in love with.
