Should You Repair Your Old Instrument Before Selling It?

If you have an old guitar, keyboard, drum set, saxophone, speaker, amplifier, or another musical instrument you no longer use, you may be wondering:

“Should I repair it before I try to sell it?”

The answer is: sometimes.

Repairing an instrument before selling can increase its appeal and potentially improve its selling price. However, spending too much money on repairs can also reduce your profit—or even leave you spending more than the repair adds to the instrument’s value. So, before you take that old instrument to a repair technician, here are some things to consider.

1. Start With the Actual Condition

First, determine what is wrong with the instrument.

Is it simply dirty? Does it need new strings? Are some keys not working? Is there an electrical problem? Is the body damaged? Does it need a major repair?

Not every problem requires an expensive repair. For example, replacing old guitar strings, cleaning the instrument, polishing it, or fixing a loose component may make a noticeable difference without costing too much.

2. Compare the Repair Cost With the Selling Value

This is one of the most important things to consider.

Imagine you have an old keyboard that could sell for ₦150,000 in its current condition. If repairing it properly will cost ₦100,000, you should think carefully before spending that money.

On the other hand, if a ₦15,000 repair could make the instrument significantly easier to sell, repairing it may make more sense.

Don’t repair blindly. Know the numbers first.

3. Minor Repairs Can Make a Big Difference

Some inexpensive improvements can make an old instrument look and feel much better to a potential buyer.

Depending on the instrument, these could include:

• Cleaning and polishing
• Replacing guitar strings
• Fixing loose knobs or hardware
• Replacing worn accessories
• Basic setup and adjustment
• Cleaning electrical contacts
• Fixing minor cosmetic issues

These repairs may help a buyer feel more confident about the instrument.

4. Major Repairs Require More Careful Consideration

Major problems are different.

For example, an instrument may have a severely damaged neck, cracked body, faulty electronics, missing components, water damage, or other expensive problems. In such cases, don’t automatically assume that repairing everything will give you a better return.

Sometimes, selling the instrument as-is and clearly disclosing its condition is the more practical option.

5. Don’t Hide Existing Problems

If you decide to sell the instrument without repairing it, be honest about its condition. Tell potential buyers what works, what doesn’t, and what repairs may be required. A transparent description can help you attract serious buyers and avoid disagreements after the sale.

So, Should You Repair It Before Selling?

There is no single answer for every instrument.

The right decision depends on:

The instrument’s current value + repair cost + expected selling price + demand for the instrument.

Before spending money, find out what the instrument is worth and what the repair will actually cost.

At Marvin Empire, we understand that many musicians and instrument owners have old equipment sitting unused because they don’t know whether to repair, sell, trade, or keep it.

If you have an old guitar, keyboard, drum set, saxophone, speaker, amplifier, or other musical equipment, you can have it assessed before deciding what to do with it.

Don’t let your old instrument gather dust. Find out what it’s worth and explore your options!!!.

👉 Click Marvin Empire for a free consultation – Quick response, Pickup or Same-day delivery