Musical instruments are some of the best items at a garage sale. Many homes have a guitar nobody plays, a keyboard from old lessons or a school trumpet in the closet. Buyers want them, but only when the price is fair and they can hear the instrument works. Start with our musical instruments price guide, then use the chart and tips below. Use the ranges in your local currency.
Price by brand, condition and whether it plays well. A clean, tuned instrument with its case and cables sells for much more than one with missing parts.
Garage sale price chart for musical instruments
These ranges are for used instruments that work. Start near the low end for worn, damaged or untested items and near the high end for clean, name-brand items with cases and accessories.
| Item | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic guitar | $40-$150 | Tune it and put on fresh strings |
| Electric guitar | $50-$200 | Brand and condition matter most |
| Guitar amp (small practice) | $20-$60 | Plug it in so buyers can hear it |
| Digital keyboard | $25-$100 | Include the power adapter |
| Digital piano with stand | $100-$300 | Weighted keys and a pedal sell higher |
| Upright piano | Free-$300 | Buyer usually pays for moving |
| Drum kit (beginner) | $75-$250 | Sell it as a full set with cymbals and throne |
| Violin (student) | $30-$120 | Include the bow and case |
| Student trumpet, clarinet or flute | $50-$150 | Clean it and include the case |
| Ukulele | $15-$40 | Easy sale for kids and beginners |
| Music stand | $5-$15 | Bundle with an instrument |
| Sheet music and books | $0.50-$3 | Sell by the box or stack for more |
How to show buyers an instrument works
Shoppers will not pay much for an instrument they cannot try. A few minutes of prep before the sale makes a big difference.
- Tune and restring: put new strings on guitars, ukuleles and violins if the old ones are rusty or missing, then tune them.
- Plug in keyboards and amps: have an extension cord or fresh batteries ready so buyers can hear them power on.
- Include power adapters and cases: an adapter, cable, case or bow makes the item ready to play and worth more.
- Let shoppers try it: invite buyers to strum, play a few keys or hit the drums for a minute.
- Put the brand and model on the tag: buyers look up name brands on their phone, and a clear tag builds trust.
Selling a piano: what to expect
Upright pianos are heavy, and moving one safely often costs more than the piano sells for. That is why many used uprights sell for very little or are given away free to anyone who will haul them. Be clear on the tag that the buyer pays for moving.
Tell buyers when the piano was last tuned. A piano that has not been tuned in years may need work, and buyers will ask. Digital pianos are much easier to sell because they are light and do not need tuning.
If you want a serious buyer for a good piano, list it on a local marketplace with photos and the brand name as well. See Garage sale vs Facebook Marketplace to decide where it will sell best.
Best time to sell band and school instruments
Student trumpets, clarinets, flutes and violins sell fastest in late August, right before school band sign-ups. Parents are looking for a cheaper option than renting or buying new, so put these items near the front of your sale.
If you can, plan your sale for that window. See our guide on the best time for a garage sale for more on picking a date.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I sell a used guitar for at a garage sale?
A playable acoustic guitar often sells for about $40 to $150 at a garage sale. Electric guitars usually bring about $50 to $200, depending on brand and condition.
Can I sell a piano at a garage sale?
Yes, but upright pianos are hard to move, so many buyers expect them free or very cheap if they haul it away. Say who pays for moving and when it was last tuned, or list it on a marketplace if you want a serious buyer.
Should I sell instruments at a garage sale or online?
Sell everyday instruments like student guitars, keyboards and ukuleles at your garage sale. List expensive name-brand guitars, digital pianos and good drum kits online too, where more buyers can find them.
How much is a used keyboard worth at a garage sale?
A working digital keyboard usually sells for about $25 to $100. A digital piano with a stand often brings about $100 to $300, especially with the power adapter and pedal.