You can sell your used flute for a variety of reasons, including the fact that you no longer play it, you need to upgrade to a new flute, or you’re switching to a different band instrument.
Your flute is highly likely to have a second life with a potential buyer and player, depending on the circumstances. We’re talking about one of the most popular instruments at the moment, so there’s a good probability that will happen.
You may be wondering how much a used flute is worth. And where do you go to sell it? Below, we’ve provided answers to those questions.
What Is the Value of a Used Flute?
There are many variables that affect the price of a used flute, including its current condition, its materials (such as wood or metal), the brand, and the quality of its craftsmanship. It’s important to keep in mind that a well-made flute will play better and last longer.
If you’re talking about a used beginner flute, a fair measure to use is 50% off what a new flute would cost.
You may get a rough idea of the cost by conducting a quick search on the most popular online marketplaces for the sale of secondhand musical instruments (such as Reverb.com, Facebook Marketplaces, eBay, or Craigslist).
In general, depending on the type of flute and the skill level of the musician, you should expect to get anywhere from:
Please be aware of this.
Depending on the condition of the instrument, the brand, and the material, the price can be lower or greater.
Price Ranges for used Flutes
- From $80 to $400 for a student’s flute,
- Between $200 and $600 is the price range for intermediate/step-up/open hole flutes
- A professional flute can cost anywhere from $900 to more than $10,000.
An old Yamaha flute is worth how much?
Yamaha YFL 221 Student Flute
Yamaha is one of the most well regarded musical instrument brands and is a popular choice for musicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
Yamaha used flutes can be found in the following price ranges, depending on their condition, material, and level (student, intermediate, or professional):
- You can get used student Yamaha Flutes in the $200 to $600 range. The Yamaha YFL-221 Student Flute and the Yamaha Advantage Student Flute is an example of this.
- You can get used Yamaha Intermediate Level Flutes in the price range of $400 – $1,700.
- You can get used professional Yamaha Flutes between $1000 and $3000. The Yamaha YFL-677H is an example.
What Is the Value of a Used Gemeinhardt Flute?
Gemeinhardt Flutes is another excellent alternative for flutes that has a solid reputation and is frequently in high demand.
- You can get used Gemeinhardt Student Level Flutes ranging from $120 to $700. The Gemeinhardt 1SP and the Gemeinhardt 2BLK, is an example.
- You can get used Gemeinhardt Intermediate Level Flutes from $400 to $1500. An example of this would be the Gemeinhardt 3.
- You can get used Gemeinhardt Professional Level Flutes Price ranging from $600 to $3000. An example of this would be the Gemeinhardt 33OSB
Factors Affecting the Value of Your Used Flute
If your flute falls into one of the categories listed above, you already have an idea of how much it is worth.
If you’re still confused about the instrument’s condition or have a model that isn’t listed above, here’s what should you take into account when calculating its value? In addition to the flute’s current condition, there are four more criteria to consider when determining its true market value.
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The level
Student flutes, intermediate flutes, and professional flutes are among classifications that are commonly used to categorize flute models. Their cost is proportional to the degree of difficulty:
The more advanced the flute, the more expensive it is. Professional flutes, on the other hand, can cost as much as several thousand dollars.
Quality improves as levels rise. Flute makers often improve the uniformity, usability, and durability of their instruments in order to appeal to more advanced players and musicians (intermediate to professional).
Consider this, someone who is looking for intermediate to professional level flutes would already know what they can expect from such flutes and have a good deal of experience in that instrument. Be honest about the flute’s true condition.
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Materials
Flutes can be made from a broad variety of materials. Nowadays, you may choose from a wide range of materials, from the more expensive and high-quality gold to wood and even plastic.
The thickness of the material has an effect on the sound quality and timbre. In addition, they can have a significant impact on the instrument’s lifespan. Cheaper flutes are far less common than higher-priced versions (except for the plastic flutes).
Do old flutes hold any monetary value if you happen to own one?
It is vital to keep in mind that the older your flute is, the less likely it is to sell for a lower price. It’s more crucial that the flute is in good working order. Even while new flutes are normally more expensive than used flutes, there are some circumstances in which older flutes actually become more valuable as they get older such as the vintage ones or the ones used by a renowned musician.
Best Flute Brand to buy from
Some of the most popular flutes are made by Gemeinhardt, Yamaha; Pear; Selmer; Altus; and Miyazawa. Those also tend to be more expensive and of higher quality.
Where Can I Sell a used Flute?
The best answer nowadays is probably online in markets like eBay, Facebook Marketplaces, Craigslist, Amazon or internet businesses specialized in musical instruments like Reverb.com.
Is Your Used Flute Damaged or Broken? Before you sell, consider repairing it.
If you have a broken or damaged flute and are wondering if it has any worth, consider the following before selling it:
- Is it something that has to be fixed by a professional?
- Is the damage affecting the sound quality?
- What part of the flute is damaged? Is it apparent?
- Is it in need of extensive repairs?
If the instrument is still in reasonably excellent condition, but has some damage or isn’t performing as well as it used to, you might want to consider having it checked out or having it overhauled. Recovery and inspection could result in a higher price for the flute and additional years of use for it.
This should be done by an expert in the field of flute care. The price of an instrument can vary substantially based on the musician’s skill level and the instrument’s design.
