Our double reed consignment service takes the guesswork out of selling. We handle everything from evaluation to final sale with the same care we’d want if it were our own instrument.
With 40+ years buying, selling, and repairing oboes and bassoons, we know what a fine instrument is actually worth – and we know the players and buyers who are looking for exactly what you have. This kind of specialized knowledge is not found at a general instrument shop, and it’s why double reed players from across the country trust us with their instruments.
From your first appraisal to the moment you’re paid, our process is clear and straightforward: we evaluate your instrument, set a fair asking price based on real market knowledge, list it to the right buyers, and handle the sale securely from start to finish. You’ll always know exactly where things stand.
We start by discussing your instrument and determining whether our consignment program is the right fit for you.
We start by discussing your instrument and determining whether our consignment program is the right fit for you.
Together, we set a realistic asking price based on current market conditions and recent comparable sales.
Each instrument is carefully examined, adjusted, and presented so it performs at its best for potential buyers.
Your instrument is professionally photographed, described, and presented to serious buyers through our website and our established international network of musicians.
Interested players may arrange a trial period to evaluate the instrument in their own practice, lesson, and performance settings. Your instrument remains protected throughout the trial period, fully insured and covered by a clear return policy, so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Once the instrument sells, we process payment promptly and send your proceeds without delay.
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
Whether you are selling a student oboe, a professional bassoon, or a vintage double reed instrument, we are happy to discuss your options and help determine if consignment is the right fit.
From the moment your instrument arrives, it is fully covered under our specialized insurance policy.
For more than forty years, we have handled valuable oboes and bassoons with exceptional care and attention.
We prioritize your instrument’s safety and your peace of mind at every stage of the consignment process.
Selling an oboe or bassoon privately can feel stressful and time-consuming. Our program simplifies the process while putting your instrument in front of serious buyers nationwide.
We handle the details, so you don’t have to.
After examining and playing your instrument, we’ll give you an estimate of how long it’s likely to take to find the right buyer. In many cases, this takes several weeks to a few months, as interested players arrange financing and complete trial periods. Occasionally the process moves faster, while rare or highly specialized instruments may take longer to match with the right musician.
If at any point you’d prefer to have your instrument returned, just let us know. We’ll send it back promptly, with return shipping as the only cost.
No long-term commitment is required.
We begin with a complimentary verbal appraisal and work with you to establish a realistic sale price.
With over 40 years of experience, we represent instruments ranging 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. Sometimes a cleaning, adjustment, or repair helps it present and perform at its best; other times, no work is needed at all.
After examining your instrument, we’ll discuss our findings and outline your options. All work is personally performed by Brian Charles, owner of the shop and a double reed repair specialist with decades of experience, and is billed upon completion, prior to the sale.
Your instrument is presented on our website with professional color photographs and carefully written descriptions.
Thousands of musicians visit our used instrument pages, and new listings are shared with our extensive double reed mailing list.
We also stay closely connected to 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 isn’t possible, we secure payment in advance, carefully prepare the instrument for shipment, and send it via insured air delivery.
Your instrument remains fully insured at every stage.
Absolutely. For over 40 years, we’ve safely shipped and received instruments from all 50 states and around the world. You can review Brian’s detailed instructions below for packing and sending your instrument safely
We’ll notify you by email as soon as your instrument arrives safely.
After unpacking, we allow about 24 hours for it to acclimate to our shop’s humidity- and temperature-controlled environment before examining and play-testing it.
Brian Charles personally evaluates every instrument, assessing its condition and value using established industry standards. He’ll then send a detailed email outlining his findings, including condition, estimated value, and recommendations for how to proceed.
Please allow some time for this careful evaluation.
Your instrument is fully insured against loss or damage from the moment it arrives until it’s sold or returned to you.
Our studio is video monitored and maintained in a temperature and humidity-regulated environment.
Once the sale is finalized and payment secured, we’ll 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, with transparent, fair rates and 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.
Send detailed information and photos of your instrument by email, and we’ll review them and provide an estimate.
If we reach an agreement, you can expect payment within 96 hours.
Email us, call (845) 334-0145, or send the form.
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?
To ship via insured UPS (please don’t use Fedex)
Charles Double Reed Company
516 Broadway, Studio 12/Second Floor
Kingston, NY 12401
United States
To ship via USPS Postal Service send to:
Charles Double Reed Company
P.O. Box 1038
Kingston, NY 12402
United States
Complete the form to start the process.
We will review the information and contact you with next steps.
