Buying Used Music & Instruments: What to Check

21 guides to buying music & instruments second hand — what to check, what a fair price looks like, and the questions to ask before you pay.

What goes wrong buying music & instruments used

Neck and truss-rod problems on stringed instruments, and undisclosed repairs — especially a repaired headstock break, which permanently changes what an instrument is worth.

Misrepresentation and fakes

Counterfeits of premium guitars exist and usually show in the headstock shape, the logo decal and the serial format.

How to verify before you pay

Ask for the serial number and where it was made, whether anything has ever been repaired or replaced, and for a photograph sighting down the neck from the headstock.

WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or grade anything, and does not hold funds. You are buying on the seller’s description and photographs, so ask directly — a seller who has the item will answer in minutes.

What you should expect to pay

Across this category, guide prices run from about £15 to £800 (approximately $20 to $1,066) depending on the item and its condition. Grades run New with Tags, Like New, Good, Fair and For Parts — what each one means.

Sterling guide ranges with an approximate US dollar equivalent at £1 ≈ $1.33 (July 2026).

What each one typically costs

The most-searched items in this category, with the guide range a buyer should expect:

Item	Good condition	Full range
Digital Piano	£78–£390	£120–£600 (~$160–$799)
Electric Guitar	£52–£292	£80–£450 (~$107–$599)
Bass Guitar	£52–£260	£80–£400 (~$107–$533)
Keyboard Piano	£32–£195	£50–£300 (~$67–$400)
Acoustic Guitar	£32–£162	£50–£250 (~$67–$333)
Guitar Pedal	£16–£117	£25–£180 (~$33–$240)
Cello	£98–£520	£150–£800 (~$200–$1,066)
Electronic Drum Kit	£98–£455	£150–£700 (~$200–$932)

Every music & instruments buying guide

Frequently asked questions

What should I check before buying music & instruments second hand?

Ask for the serial number and where it was made, whether anything has ever been repaired or replaced, and for a photograph sighting down the neck from the headstock.

What goes wrong most often?

Neck and truss-rod problems on stringed instruments, and undisclosed repairs — especially a repaired headstock break, which permanently changes what an instrument is worth.

Does WishThrift check the item for me?

No. WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or grade anything, and does not hold funds or offer buyer protection. Condition is described by the seller against five grades and the photographs are what you are buying on — which is why these 21 guides exist.