Selling a fine instrument can feel uncertain.
Our consignment program is designed to make the process straightforward, transparent, and successful.
How
Consignment
Works
We begin with a brief conversation by phone or email to learn about your instrument and determine whether consignment is the right approach.
We work with you to establish an appropriate and realistic sale price based on current market conditions and recent sales.
Once we examine and play the instrument, we provide a complimentary verbal appraisal and discuss its likely market value.
Each instrument is carefully examined, adjusted, and presented so that it performs at its best for potential buyers.
Your instrument is professionally photographed, described, and presented to serious buyers through our website and established international network of musicians
Interested players may arrange a trial period to evaluate the instrument in their own practice, lesson, and performance environments..
Once the instrument sells, we complete payment processing and promptly send your proceeds.
We welcome all members of the double reed family, including:
Student instruments
Intermediate models
Professional instruments
Rare and vintage instruments
Unusual or hard-to-find models
From the moment your instrument arrives at our shop, it is covered by our specialized comprehensive insurance policy until it is sold or returned to you.
In more than forty years we have never needed to file an insurance claim. Your instrument’s safety — and your peace of mind — are central to how we operate.
Turn your unused instrument into cash
Over 40 years of trusted experience in the double reed community
Frequently
Asked
Questions
After examining and playing your instrument, we will provide an estimate of the time likely required to find the right buyer.
In many cases, several weeks to a few months are needed while interested players arrange financing and complete trial periods. Occasionally the process moves more quickly, while rare or highly specialized instruments may take longer to match with the right musician.
If at any time you would prefer to have the instrument returned, simply let us know. We will promptly send it back to you. The only cost is return shipping.
No long-term commitment is required.
We begin with a complimentary verbal appraisal and work closely with you to establish an appropriate and realistic sale price.
With over 40 years of experience and a proven track record, we represent instruments valued from a few hundred dollars to rare professional models valued near six figures.
Our goal is simple: to match your instrument with the right musician.
We can prepare your instrument for sale right here in our shop. In some cases, a cleaning, adjustment, or repair will help the instrument present and perform at its best.
In other cases, no work is needed at all. Our goal is to present the instrument at its best while keeping any work practical and appropriate.
After examining the instrument, we will discuss our findings with you and outline the available options.
All work is personally performed by Brian Charles, owner of the shop and a double reed repair specialist with decades of experience.
Any cleaning, adjustment, or repair work is billed upon completion, prior to the sale of the instrument.
Your instrument will be presented on our website with professional-quality color photographs and carefully written descriptions.
Thousands of musicians visit our used instrument pages, and new listings are regularly shared with our extensive double reed mailing list.
We also remain closely connected with the international double reed community through conferences, events, and professional gatherings.
Prospective buyers may visit our shop or arrange a ten-day at-home trial.
When an in-person visit is not possible, we secure payment in advance, carefully prepare the instrument for shipment, and send it via insured air delivery.
Your instrument remains fully insured and protected at every stage of the process.
Absolutely. For over 40 years we have safely shipped and received instruments from all 50 states and around the world.
You can review Brian’s detailed instructions below for sending your instrument to us safely and securely.
We will notify you by email as soon as your instrument arrives safely.
After unpacking, we allow approximately 24 hours for the instrument to acclimate to the humidity and temperature controlled environment of our shop before examining and play-testing it.
Brian Charles personally evaluates every instrument. A highly experienced appraiser and double reed repair technician, he assesses the instrument’s condition and value using established industry standards.
Once the evaluation is complete, Brian will send a detailed email outlining his findings, including the instrument’s condition, estimated value, and recommendations for the best way to proceed. Please allow some time for this careful evaluation to be completed.
Your instrument is fully insured against loss or damage from the moment it arrives at our shop until it is sold or safely returned to you.
Our studio is video monitored and maintained in a carefully controlled temperature and humidity regulated environment to ensure maximum protection.
In over 40 years of service, we have never had to file an insurance claim.
Once the sale is finalized and payment has been secured, we will promptly send you an official business check by certified mail, less the agreed upon consignment fee.
Our commission is based on the final sale price of the instrument.
Transparent and fair commission rates – no hidden fees.
$12,000 or more | 18% of the final sale price (minimum $2,200)
$1,500 – $11,999 | 25% of the final sale price (minimum $450, maximum $2,200
$1,499 or less | 30% of the final sale price (minimum $300)
Yes, in some cases. If we reach an agreement, you can expect payment within 96 hours.
Send us detailed information and photos of your instrument by email, and we will review them and provide an estimate.
Email us, call (845) 334-0145, or send the form below.
When sending your instrument, include a physical letter with your name, address, daytime phone number and email address. If you send it without a letter – how will we know who sent it?
Ship the instrument via insured UPS or FedEx (Not USPS)
Charles Double Reed Company
Consignment Department
516 Broadway, Studio 12
Kingston, NY 12401
United States
To ship via USPS Postal Service send to:
Charles Double Reed Company
Consignment Department
P.O. Box 1038
Kingston, NY 12402
United States
Complete the short form below so we know what to expect.
We will review the information and contact you with next steps.
