How accurate is Item Value Checker?

Estimates are based on recent eBay sold listings for similar items. Results include a range and confidence score—treat them as estimates, not exact prices.

What items can I estimate?

Any physical item: electronics, clothing, collectibles, furniture, toys, and more. Clear photos with good lighting work best.

Is Item Value Checker really free?

Yes, completely free with no hidden fees or premium tiers. No signup required.

How does the image analysis work?

AI-powered image recognition finds similar items on eBay. The system analyzes item type, brand, condition, and demand to estimate value.

Can I use this for selling on platforms other than eBay?

Absolutely. eBay prices are good reference points for any platform—Poshmark, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, or garage sales.

What's it worth?

Musical Instrument Value Checker: Guitars, Keyboards & More

Upload a photo of your musical instrument to get an instant resale estimate from recent eBay listings.

Live eBay sold data • Instant • Free

Click to upload or drag & drop

PNG/JPG up to 10 MB

Clear, well-lit, full item in frame works best.

How it works

1Upload photo→2We match sold listings→3See estimate with range & confidence

Perfect for:

Electric & acoustic guitars•Keyboards & pianos•Drum sets•Brass & woodwinds

Get instant results with real eBay sold data. Free to use, no signup required.

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Musical Instruments value FAQs

Guitar values range from $20 for a basic used beginner model to $500,000+ for rare vintage pieces. The brand, model, year, and condition are the key factors. An American-made Fender Stratocaster holds $600-1,200 used, while a Squier Strat is $80-150. Check eBay sold listings for your exact model — the model name is usually on the headstock, and the serial number (headstock or neck plate) identifies the year.

Most old pianos (pre-1970 uprights from brands other than Steinway) are worth $0-500 and can actually have negative value because of moving costs. Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, and Bosendorfer are the main exceptions that hold value. A common scenario: a 1920s upright piano that "Great Aunt Martha paid $5,000 for" is worth $0-200 today and may cost $300-500 to have removed.

Digital pianos depreciate like electronics — they lose 40-60% within 2-3 years. A $2,000 Yamaha CLP Clavinova might sell for $800-1,200 after 2 years. Budget digital pianos under $500 retail are worth $100-200 used. The exception is high-end stage pianos (Nord, Yamaha CP series) used by professional musicians, which retain 50-60% of retail due to specialized demand.

Look inside the f-holes for a maker label — but be aware that "Stradivarius" labels were placed in millions of workshop violins and do NOT mean it is a real Stradivari (which are worth $2-20 million). Most old violins are worth $200-2,000. A professional appraisal from a luthier ($50-150) is the only reliable way to determine if a violin has significant value. Construction quality, wood figure, and varnish character are the main indicators.

Electric guitars (Fender, Gibson, PRS) and guitar pedals are the highest-volume instrument categories on eBay. Synthesizers and drum machines (Roland, Moog, Korg) have a strong secondary market driven by electronic music producers. Band instruments (trumpets, clarinets, flutes) sell steadily to students and parents shopping for affordable options. Acoustic pianos are the hardest to sell online due to shipping logistics.

Shipping a guitar in a hardshell case via UPS Ground or FedEx Ground costs $40-80 domestically depending on distance and weight. A soft gig bag reduces shipping costs by $10-20 but increases damage risk. Always insure for the full sale price. For basses and larger instruments, shipping costs increase to $60-120. Consider selling locally on Facebook Marketplace to avoid shipping entirely.

Budget Chinese instruments (guitars, violins, brass) are worth $20-80 used regardless of what you paid. Mid-range Chinese instruments from reputable brands (Eastman guitars, Shen violins) hold value better at 30-50% of retail. The exception is high-end Chinese production like PRS SE guitars ($200-400 used) and Yamaha instruments assembled in China ($100-300 used), which benefit from the brand name and quality control.

For vintage guitars and acoustic instruments, the answer is almost always no. Professional restoration can cost $500-2,000 and does not add equivalent value because collectors prefer originality. The exceptions are: refretting (acceptable if done professionally and disclosed), cleaning/conditioning, and fixing structural issues like loose braces. Never refinish, repaint, or replace original hardware on a vintage instrument.

How to Value Musical Instruments

Musical instrument valuation is driven by maker reputation, build quality, age, playability, and provenance. Unlike electronics, well-made acoustic instruments often appreciate with age as the tonewoods mature and the instrument is "played in." A 1960s Martin D-28 is worth significantly more today than when it was new, while a 1960s transistor radio is worth a fraction of its original price. This appreciation effect applies primarily to premium acoustic instruments from renowned makers.

Condition in the instrument market has nuances not found in other categories. A vintage guitar with honest player wear (worn frets, pickguard scratches, belt-buckle rash) is considered charming and loses less value than you might expect. However, repairs, refinishes, and non-original parts severely reduce value. A 1950s Gibson Les Paul with its original finish is worth 2-5x more than an identical model that has been refinished, even if the refinish looks flawless. The mantra in vintage instruments is "originality is everything."

The market for band and orchestral instruments follows different rules than guitars and keyboards. Student-level instruments (Yamaha, Conn, Bach student models) depreciate to $50-200 regardless of age. Professional-level instruments (Selmer, Buffet, Bach Stradivarius) hold value much better at $1,000-5,000 for brass and woodwinds. Stringed orchestral instruments (violins, cellos) are unique — fine antique Italian instruments sell for $50,000-10,000,000, while modern workshop instruments are worth $500-3,000.

Key Value Factors for Musical Instruments

🏷️

Maker & Model

Brand prestige accounts for 50-70% of resale value. Gibson, Fender, Martin, Taylor, Steinway, Selmer, and Yamaha (professional line) all command significant premiums. The specific model within a brand matters enormously — a Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul is worth 5-10x a Gibson Epiphone.

✨

Originality & Condition

Original parts, finish, and hardware are critical for vintage instruments. Replaced pickups, refretted necks, and refinished bodies reduce value by 20-50%. For modern instruments, functional condition and playability matter most.

📅

Age & Era

Pre-CBS Fenders (pre-1965), 1950s-60s Gibsons, and pre-war Martins are the most valuable eras. Japanese instruments from the 1970s-80s (Tokai, Greco, Ibanez lawsuit era) have their own collector market with rising prices.

🎵

Playability & Setup

An instrument that plays well with proper action, intonation, and fresh strings/reeds sells faster and for more. A $500 guitar that has been professionally set up will outsell an identical $500 guitar with high action and buzzing frets.

Most Valuable Musical Instruments on the Resale Market

Gibson Les Paul Standard (1958-1960 "Burst")

$200,000 - $500,000+

The holy grail of electric guitars. Only about 1,700 were made across the three-year run. Sunburst finish, PAF humbuckers, and an unmodified example in good condition starts at $200,000. Exceptional examples with figured maple tops exceed $500,000.

Fender Stratocaster (Pre-CBS, 1954-1964)

$15,000 - $80,000

Pre-CBS Stratocasters with original finish, electronics, and hardware. 1950s examples with the original "spaghetti logo" and blonde or two-tone sunburst finishes are most desirable. Custom color examples (Fiesta Red, Surf Green) command extreme premiums.

Martin D-28 (Pre-War, 1931-1944)

$25,000 - $80,000

Pre-war Martins with Adirondack spruce tops and scalloped bracing are considered the pinnacle of acoustic guitar craftsmanship. The wood aging and construction techniques produce a tone that modern instruments cannot replicate.

Steinway Model D Concert Grand Piano

$40,000 - $100,000

Used Steinway concert grands hold value remarkably well. A 20-year-old Model D in good condition sells for $40,000-60,000, while vintage examples with recent rebuilds command $80,000-100,000+. Steinway is the only piano brand that consistently appreciates.

Selmer Mark VI Saxophone (1954-1974)

$5,000 - $15,000

The most revered saxophone ever produced. Alto versions sell for $5,000-8,000 and tenors for $7,000-15,000. Original lacquer, pads in good condition, and desirable serial number ranges (early 5-digit to 6-digit) command the highest prices.

Yamaha C3X or C5X Grand Piano

$15,000 - $30,000

Yamaha grand pianos are the most liquid piano brand on the secondary market after Steinway. The C-series instruments hold 40-60% of retail value and are popular with teaching studios and serious amateurs.

Compare New vs. Resale Prices on Amazon

Knowing the new retail price helps you calculate resale margins and spot underpriced items. Use these links to check current Amazon prices for popular musical instruments items.

Electric Guitars Acoustic Guitars Keyboards & Pianos Guitar Accessories

* As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Tips for Selling Musical Instruments

•Include the serial number in your listing and state the year of manufacture if you can verify it. Serious buyers research serial numbers to confirm authenticity and production details. Fender and Gibson serial number dating guides are available online.
•Photograph the headstock, body, neck joint, frets, electronics (for guitars), and any damage or modifications. Include a straight-on neck shot to show fret wear. Buyers make purchasing decisions from photos and detailed descriptions.
•Have the instrument professionally set up before selling high-value items ($500+). A $50-80 setup (new strings, action adjustment, intonation, cleaning) can add $100-200 to the sale price and ensures the instrument plays its best.
•Include the original case or gig bag — it adds 5-15% to the sale price and shows you cared for the instrument. For vintage guitars, the original case can be worth $200-500 on its own.
•For pianos, provide the serial number, last tuning date, and any restoration work performed. Piano buyers want to know if it holds tuning and whether the hammers, strings, or soundboard need work.
•Ship guitars in a hardshell case with the strings detuned by one full step. Loosen the truss rod by a quarter turn for long shipments. Pack extra padding around the headstock, which is the most fragile point during shipping.

Common Mistakes When Valuing Musical Instruments

✗Assuming all old instruments are valuable. A 1970s student-level Yamaha acoustic guitar is worth $50-100 regardless of age. Brand tier and model quality matter far more than age alone.
✗Modifying vintage instruments before selling. Replacing tuners, pickups, or bridges on a vintage guitar to "improve" it often reduces value significantly. Collectors want original parts even if they are worn or corroded.
✗Ignoring the cost of piano moving. A grand piano costs $300-800 to move professionally. An upright costs $150-400. Factor this into your pricing because buyers consider moving costs when making offers.
✗Pricing acoustic pianos based on the original purchase price. Most acoustic pianos, except Steinway and a few other premium brands, depreciate to $500-3,000 within 10-20 years regardless of the $10,000-30,000 original price.
✗Not disclosing neck repairs on guitars. A headstock break repair on a Gibson Les Paul reduces value by 40-60%, but failing to disclose it leads to returns, disputes, and potential fraud claims. Honest disclosure builds trust.

Why Use Item Value Checker?

Feature	Item Value Checker	WorthPoint	PriceCharting
Price	100% FREE	$25-30/month	$5-10/month
Signup Required	No ✓	Yes	Yes (for premium)
Upload Photo	Yes ✓	No (text search)	No (text search)
Instant Results	Yes (3 seconds)	Yes	Yes
Categories	All items	700M+ items	Games/Collectibles
Data Source	Live eBay listings	Historical sold data	Historical pricing
Best For	Quick estimates, casual sellers	Professional appraisers	Gaming collectors

Perfect for: Thrift flippers who need quick pricing decisions, casual sellers decluttering, or anyone who wants an instant estimate without monthly fees or lengthy signup processes.

Ready to Check Your Item's Value?

Upload a photo above to get an instant, accurate price estimate based on real eBay sold data.

Check Values in Related Categories

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Acoustic, electric & bass

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Musical Instruments value FAQs

How to Value Musical Instruments

Key Value Factors for Musical Instruments

🏷️

Maker & Model

✨

Originality & Condition

📅

Age & Era

🎵

Playability & Setup

Most Valuable Musical Instruments on the Resale Market

Gibson Les Paul Standard (1958-1960 "Burst")

$200,000 - $500,000+

Fender Stratocaster (Pre-CBS, 1954-1964)

$15,000 - $80,000

Martin D-28 (Pre-War, 1931-1944)

$25,000 - $80,000

Steinway Model D Concert Grand Piano

$40,000 - $100,000

Selmer Mark VI Saxophone (1954-1974)

$5,000 - $15,000

Yamaha C3X or C5X Grand Piano

$15,000 - $30,000

Compare New vs. Resale Prices on Amazon

Knowing the new retail price helps you calculate resale margins and spot underpriced items. Use these links to check current Amazon prices for popular musical instruments items.

Electric Guitars Acoustic Guitars Keyboards & Pianos Guitar Accessories

* As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Tips for Selling Musical Instruments

•Include the serial number in your listing and state the year of manufacture if you can verify it. Serious buyers research serial numbers to confirm authenticity and production details. Fender and Gibson serial number dating guides are available online.
•Photograph the headstock, body, neck joint, frets, electronics (for guitars), and any damage or modifications. Include a straight-on neck shot to show fret wear. Buyers make purchasing decisions from photos and detailed descriptions.
•Have the instrument professionally set up before selling high-value items ($500+). A $50-80 setup (new strings, action adjustment, intonation, cleaning) can add $100-200 to the sale price and ensures the instrument plays its best.
•Include the original case or gig bag — it adds 5-15% to the sale price and shows you cared for the instrument. For vintage guitars, the original case can be worth $200-500 on its own.
•For pianos, provide the serial number, last tuning date, and any restoration work performed. Piano buyers want to know if it holds tuning and whether the hammers, strings, or soundboard need work.
•Ship guitars in a hardshell case with the strings detuned by one full step. Loosen the truss rod by a quarter turn for long shipments. Pack extra padding around the headstock, which is the most fragile point during shipping.

Common Mistakes When Valuing Musical Instruments

✗Assuming all old instruments are valuable. A 1970s student-level Yamaha acoustic guitar is worth $50-100 regardless of age. Brand tier and model quality matter far more than age alone.
✗Modifying vintage instruments before selling. Replacing tuners, pickups, or bridges on a vintage guitar to "improve" it often reduces value significantly. Collectors want original parts even if they are worn or corroded.
✗Ignoring the cost of piano moving. A grand piano costs $300-800 to move professionally. An upright costs $150-400. Factor this into your pricing because buyers consider moving costs when making offers.
✗Pricing acoustic pianos based on the original purchase price. Most acoustic pianos, except Steinway and a few other premium brands, depreciate to $500-3,000 within 10-20 years regardless of the $10,000-30,000 original price.
✗Not disclosing neck repairs on guitars. A headstock break repair on a Gibson Les Paul reduces value by 40-60%, but failing to disclose it leads to returns, disputes, and potential fraud claims. Honest disclosure builds trust.

Why Use Item Value Checker?

Feature	Item Value Checker	WorthPoint	PriceCharting
Price	100% FREE	$25-30/month	$5-10/month
Signup Required	No ✓	Yes	Yes (for premium)
Upload Photo	Yes ✓	No (text search)	No (text search)
Instant Results	Yes (3 seconds)	Yes	Yes
Categories	All items	700M+ items	Games/Collectibles
Data Source	Live eBay listings	Historical sold data	Historical pricing
Best For	Quick estimates, casual sellers	Professional appraisers	Gaming collectors

Perfect for: Thrift flippers who need quick pricing decisions, casual sellers decluttering, or anyone who wants an instant estimate without monthly fees or lengthy signup processes.

Ready to Check Your Item's Value?

Upload a photo above to get an instant, accurate price estimate based on real eBay sold data.