Are you questioning the worth of your instrument and its market potential?
Our consignment system eliminates uncertainty:
• Now is a great time to turn your used instrument into cash
• We are trusted advisors with a stellar track record
• Organized methods proven over decades
• Better return, quicker sales, no long commitments
• Thousands of daily visits to our used instrument site
• We can spiff up your instrument for a captivating presentation
• We’re ready when you’re ready
We Make Finding A New Home For Your Instrument Easy And Quick.
We handle all the details so you don’t have to. We’ve successfully sold consigned instruments to people and institutions in over 160 countries. With over 40 years of professional experience, thousands of players depend on us as their trusted advisors
Is This Safe?
You can rest easy knowing that we maintain a specialized, comprehensive insurance policy covering your instrument from the time it arrives here until it is either sold or returned to you. We’ve never had to make an insurance claim. Your peace of mind is our priority.
Which Instruments Can I Consign?
All double reed instruments are welcome, from basic student models to top professional instruments. Rare, unique, and vintage instruments, as well as basic student models are enthusiastically welcomed. We have customers looking for every level and type of double reed instrument.
How Long Will It Take To Sell My Instrument?
Upon examining and playing your instrument, we provide an estimate of the time it will take to sell. A few months are often needed to get the word out as interested players arrange financing and trial periods. Sometimes the process is much quicker. It can also take longer than a few months to sell your instrument. If you feel we’re taking more time than you would like, we will quickly return your instrument at no charge except return shipping costs. No long-term commitment required.
How Much Is My Instrument Worth?
We begin with a free full verbal appraisal and collaborate with you to arrive at an agreeable sale price. With a stellar track record, we handle instruments valued from a few hundred dollars to those approaching one hundred thousand dollars.
What If My Instrument Needs Some Work?
We can spiff up your instrument right here. Sometimes repairs are needed, sometimes not. You probably already know whether your instrument is playing and looking its best. When we examine your instrument we’ll discuss our findings with you and present you with options. Brian Charles, our owner, is a double reed repair specialist with decades of experience. He personally handles all repairs. The cost of cleaning, adjustment, or repair is due upon completion, before the sale.
How Do You Market My Instrument?
Your instrument will be featured on our website with professional-quality color photos and expertly written descriptions. Thousands visit our used instrument pages daily, and we send out regular emails to our extensive double reed mailing list. We stay connected with our international community through conferences and shows.
How Does Someone Try My Instrument?
Prospective buyers can visit our shop or opt for a ten-day at-home trial. If they can’t visit, we secure payment in advance, pack the instrument with care, and ship it via insured air delivery. Your instrument remains safe and insured throughout the process.
Is It Safe To Ship My Instrument?
Absolutely. We have safely shipped and received instruments from around the world and all 50 states for nearly 40 years. Check out these detailed instructions on how to get your instrument to us safely:
What Happens Once My Instrument Is Received By You?
We let you know that it arrived safely by email. After unpacking, we allow 24 hours for your instrument to adjust to our humidity and temperature controlled shop before examining and play-testing it.
Brian Charles personally evaluates every instrument. He’s an extremely qualified appraiser and repair tech and determines the condition and value of your instrument using industry standard principles. When the condition and value assessment is complete, Brian will send a detailed email with his findings on the condition and value, plus recommendations and advice on the best way to move forward. Please allow some time for him to complete the evaluation.
How Do You Protect My Instrument?
We are fully insured against loss or damage from the moment we receive your instrument until it is sold or returned to you. Our facility is video-monitored, temperature, and humidity-controlled, ensuring maximum protection. We have never had to file a claim in our almost 40 years of service.
How Do I Get Paid?
Upon sale agreement and finalized payment, you receive an official business check via certified mail, minus the agreed-upon consignment fee.
What Does This Cost Me?
Transparent and fair rates. No hidden fees of any kind.
- $0.00 to $1,200 – 30% (minimum $300 fee)
- $1,201 to $10,000 – 25% (minimum $360 fee)
- $10,001 and above – 18%
Do You Buy Instruments Outright?
Yes, sometimes. Share detailed information and photos via email, receive our estimate, and upon agreement, expect a check within 96 hours.
I’m Ready To Proceed. Now What?
Email us, call (603) 356-9890, 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, USPS, or FedEx to:
Charles Double Reed Company
Consignment Department
1976 White Mountain Highway
North Conway, New Hampshire 03860
United States
Please fill out the form, and let us know what to expect!
