Charles Double Reed Company has appraised oboes and bassoons for professional players, students, collectors, and institutions across the United States and
internationally for over 40 years.
Every appraisal is prepared personally by Brian Charles, founder of CDRC, and reflects current market conditions based on decades of hands-on experience buying, selling, and repairing double reed instruments in New York City, Kingston, NY and beyond.
Whether you need a valuation for insurance, an estate, a sale, or simply your own records, our appraisals are accepted by insurers and used in professional and academic settings nationwide.
Fee: $125 per instrument
Turnaround: Typically 72 hours once we have everything we need
Who prepares it: Brian Charles, 40+ years of experience in the professional double reed instrument market
For most instruments, we can complete an accurate oboe or bassoon appraisal from photos and details sent by this form or by email — no shipping required. It’s the fastest way to get a valuation that is accepted by major insurance companies.
Once your appraisal is ready, you’ll receive a Square invoice for the $125 fee. After payment, we’ll email your appraisal as a PDF within 72 hours typically. Your appraisal will be kept on file at our shop indefinitely. We can snail mail two printed copies at no extra charge if you’d like.
Please complete the following form or contact Brian via email at brian@charlesmusic.com
Prefer to bring your instrument in? We evaluate oboes and bassoons by appointment at our Kingston, NY studio. Call us at (845) 334-0145 for an appointment.
Here’s how it works: your instrument is examined by Brian Charles in our studio. It typically takes 1/2 hour. Your written appraisal – including a PDF and, on request, two free printed copies – is completed within 72 hours. The original PDF stays on file at our shop. If you prefer us to visit you, this can occasionally be arranged for an added travel fee.
A formal appraisal isn’t always necessary – it depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.
Insuring an instrument, most insurers require a current written appraisal to set your coverage value.
Settling an estate, a dated, professional appraisal establishes fair market value for tax and distribution purposes.
Selling or considering consignment, an appraisal gives both you and a buyer a credible, defensible starting point. We can often advise you on approximate value before you commit to a formal appraisal.
Just curious what an instrument is worth, a quick email conversation with us may answer your question without the need for a full report.
Every instrument you purchase through CDRC already includes a complimentary appraisal – browse our pre-owned oboes and pre-owned bassoons to see current inventory.
Still not sure which situation applies to you? Contact us – we’re glad to point you in the right direction before you spend anything.
If you’re weighing a sale rather than (or alongside) an appraisal, learn more about our Consignment Services and give us a call at (845) 334-0145. We will walk you through the process and let you know what to expect.
Our fee is $125 per instrument.
Appraisals are typically completed within 72 hours of receiving all required information and photos. In-person appraisals in our Kingston, NY studio are typically completed within 72 hours of your visit.
No. In most cases an appraisal can be completed by email using photographs and instrument details. This is often the fastest and most convenient option.
Our appraisals are often used for:
Every instrument purchased at Charles Double Reed includes a complimentary professional appraisal.
Our appraisals are prepared by Brian Charles, founder of Charles Double Reed Company, with over 40 years of experience in the professional double reed instrument market.
