sell or trade your gear

Our commitment is to ensure that both sellers and buyers have a fantastic experience while maintaining a high standard for the gear we accept.

What Types of equipment Are We Interested In?

We focus on acquiring high-end instruments and gear that meet our criteria for quality and craftsmanship. Specifically, we are most drawn to equipment that is:

• Above Average Quality: Gear should exhibit superior build quality, playability, and tonal capabilities.

• Special Provenance or Unique Features: We appreciate gear that has distinctive qualities such as rare woods, custom finishes, or historical significance.

• Great Condition: We are most motivated to acquire gear in excellent condition, with minimal to reasonable wear given its age, and preferably with original parts.

How to Prepare Your Guitar for Trade or Sale

1. Clean and Maintain: Ensure your guitar (including any cases or boxes) are cleaned prior to bringing it into the store.

2. Documentation: Provide any original documents, cases, or accessories that accompany the guitar. This can add value.

3. Honesty About Condition: Be transparent regarding any modifications, repairs, or flaws.

the process

1. Initial Assessment: Bring your guitar into the shop for a quick evaluation by our experienced staff.

2. Offer: For transparency and consistency, we publish our general rates and basic reasoning for appraisals for all transactions.

   We follow industry standards for what we are able to offer in terms of expected retail value (ERV):
   

   • Guitar, bass: 60% ERV, with up to 80% for vintage, limited-run, or artist-owned instruments (e.g., pre-war Martins, ‘50s Les Pauls, custom shop Fenders, notable provenances with documentation)

   • Ukuleles: 45% ERV, with up to 60% for high-end ukuleles (e.g., Kamaka, Kanile’a, KoAloha)

   • Banjos: 50% ERV, with up to 70% for vintage or collector models

   • Mandolins: 50% ERV, with up to 65% for high-end mandolins (e.g., Gibson, Collings, Weber)

   • Amps: 50% ERV, with up to 65% for boutique or premium amps (e.g., Matchless, Two-Rock, Dr. Z)

   • Effects: 50% ERV, with up to 70% for sought-after or boutique pedals (e.g., Klon Centaur, Analog Man)

   • Other: Ukuleles (45% ERV), Banjos (50% ERV)

3. Agreement: If you agree to the offer, we will finalize the transaction in a timely manner.

   • Trades:

     • In New York State, when trading in musical gear, sales tax is only applied to the remaining balance after the trade-in value is deducted, saving you money. For example, if you trade in a $600 guitar toward a $1,500 purchase, you only pay tax on the $900 difference. With Saratoga Springs’ 7% tax rate, this reduces your tax from $105 to $63. This benefit only applies to store trade-ins, not private sales. If you opt for store credit instead of an immediate purchase, tax applies when you use the credit.

     • All trades are final. Once you trade in your instrument for one from our inventory, we cannot return your original item, as it will have already undergone servicing and preparation for resale.

       If for any reason you're not satisfied with your new instrument, we’re happy to offer store credit based on your trade-in value, allowing you to choose another instrument that better suits your needs. For more details, please refer to our return policy.