Used flutes in New York typically sell for $54 to $335. Flutes sell on whether the pads still seal, so test every key by covering the holes and feeling for suction — leaking pads are what make a cheap flute unplayable.
Selling a flute in New York
Leases turn over constantly and moving day here means whole apartments emptied at once. The supply of used furniture is effectively continuous rather than seasonal, which is why prices stay reasonable even for good pieces.
Almost everything changes hands on the subway or on foot, so agree a station and a time rather than an address. For furniture, the question that decides the sale is which floor and whether there is an elevator — ask it before you agree a price, not when you arrive.
Confirm the floor and the elevator before anything else. A fifth-floor walk-up is the single commonest reason a furniture sale falls apart here, and it is nobody’s fault if it was never asked.
New York has around 8.3 million people, which means a buyer pool big enough that almost anything finds someone, and close enough together that collection is rarely the obstacle. Buffalo, Rochester and Yonkers are close enough that a buyer there may well make the trip for the right thing.
Handing it over in New York
Peer-to-peer payment apps dominate private sales, and buyers will usually offer one before they offer cash. Sales tax does not apply to a private sale between individuals.
What flutes are worth
What lifts the price
- Solid silver head joints
- Case, cleaning rod and cloth included
What pulls it down
- Leaking pads needing a repad
- Student models in plated nickel
Working out what yours is worth
- Press each key and check the pads seal
- Look down the body for dents
Getting it ready
- Note whether the head joint is silver-plated or solid silver, and whether it is open or closed hole.
- Check for dents in the tube, bent keys and the condition of the cork.
Photograph
- The flute assembled, full length, on a plain background
- The keys and pads close up
Put in the description
- Brand, model, and whether open or closed hole
- Whether the head joint is silver plated or solid silver
Brand, keys and material: “Yamaha YFL-212 Flute, Closed Hole, Silver Plated, Case Included”. Open versus closed hole is a real filter, since students need closed and advancing players want open. Say whether the head joint is solid silver, which is a genuine price factor.
Listing is free and there is no selling fee, so the whole amount the buyer pays stays with you. You and the buyer agree the handover between yourselves.
Same region (New York)
Common questions
Where can I sell a flute in New York?
List it free on WishThrift and deal with the buyer direct. Almost everything changes hands on the subway or on foot, so agree a station and a time rather than an address. For furniture, the question that decides the sale is which floor and whether there is an elevator — ask it before you agree a price, not when you arrive.
Is it open or closed hole?
Look at the keys. Closed hole suits beginners and open hole suits advancing players, and buyers know which they need.
How much is a flute worth in New York?
Most used flutes change hands for $54 to $335. Condition and completeness move that figure more than anything else.
More: selling a flute across the United States, what flutes are worth, everything second hand in New York, or Music & Instruments in New York.
Guide range converted from sterling at the 2 August 2026 rate, not a quote — sellers set their own price.