The fastest places to sell a guitar depend on how quickly you need the money and what condition the instrument is in
You have five main routes: local music shops that buy used instruments, online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, dedicated guitar resale sites, pawn shops, and consignment stores. Local shops usually pay less than private sales but handle the transaction in one visit. Online platforms let you set your own price but require shipping and take longer. Pawn shops offer when ready cash but at the lowest price. Consignment stores split the sale price with you but don't require upfront effort to find a buyer.
The price you receive will depend on the guitar's brand, condition, age, and current demand. A well-maintained electric guitar from a known manufacturer in good working order typically sells for 40 to 60 percent of its original retail price. Vintage or rare models can hold value better. Damage to the neck, frets, or electronics drops the price significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Local music shops buy used guitars outright and complete the sale in one visit, but they pay 30 to 50 percent less than you might get from a private buyer.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you sell locally without shipping, but you handle all communication and safety yourself.
- eBay and Reverb reach a national audience and often bring higher prices, but you pay listing fees, shipping costs, and wait one to two weeks for payment.
- Pawn shops give you cash on the spot but offer the lowest prices, usually 20 to 40 percent of resale value.
- Consignment stores take no upfront payment from you but keep 30 to 50 percent of the final sale price.
Local music shops that buy used guitars
Most independent music stores and some chain locations like Guitar Center accept trade-ins and buy used instruments directly. Bring the guitar in its case with any original documentation, cables, or accessories. The shop will inspect it for damage, test the electronics and tuning stability, and make an offer on the spot. You walk out with cash or store credit the same day.
Expect to receive 30 to 50 percent of what the shop would sell it for, not what you paid originally. A guitar worth $400 on the resale market might bring you $150 to $200 from a shop. The shop needs margin to cover overhead, repairs, and the risk that it won't sell quickly. However, this route saves you the time and hassle of photographing, listing, and shipping.
Call ahead to confirm the shop buys used guitars and ask whether they prefer certain brands or styles. Some shops specialize in vintage instruments or high-end models and may not want entry-level guitars. Others focus on trade-ins for customers buying new, so they may have less interest in a standalone purchase.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for local private sales
Both platforms let you list a guitar for free and reach buyers in your area. You set the price, write the description, upload photos, and handle all communication. Transactions happen locally, so the buyer can inspect the guitar before paying and you avoid shipping costs and delays.
Take clear photos of the front, back, headstock, and any damage or wear. List the brand, model, year (if known), and condition honestly. Mention whether the original case, strap, or cables come with it. Set a price slightly higher than what you expect to receive, since most buyers will negotiate. Respond to messages quickly and be willing to meet in a public place during daylight.
The main risk is safety. Meet in a busy location, bring someone with you, and never give out your home address before the sale. Some sellers use a local coffee shop or the parking lot of a busy store. Avoid buyers who ask to pay by check or wire transfer before pickup — cash only protects you both.
eBay and Reverb for national reach and higher prices
Reverb is a dedicated marketplace for musical instruments and typically attracts serious buyers willing to pay more than local shoppers. eBay reaches a broader audience but has more casual buyers and higher competition. Both require you to create an account, photograph the guitar, write a detailed listing, and handle shipping.
On Reverb, you pay a 3.5 percent transaction fee plus payment processing fees (around 2.2 percent). Shipping is your responsibility and cost. The platform handles buyer protection, so if a buyer claims the guitar arrived damaged, Reverb may side with them and you lose the sale. On eBay, fees are similar but the audience is larger and less specialized, so you may reach buyers who don't know much about guitars.
List the guitar as "used" and describe any scratches, dents, fret wear, or electronics issues clearly. Include the serial number if you have it. Reverb buyers expect detailed condition reports and will ask questions before bidding. Expect the listing to stay active for one to two weeks before it sells, and another week for payment to clear after the buyer receives it.
Pawn shops for when ready cash
Pawn shops buy guitars outright and pay you in cash within minutes. Walk in with the guitar, they inspect it, make an offer, and the transaction is done. No waiting, no shipping, no negotiation with strangers online.
The trade-off is price. Pawn shops typically offer 20 to 40 percent of what the guitar would sell for on the used market, sometimes less. They need to resell it quickly and account for the risk that it may sit on the shelf for months. A guitar worth $400 might bring you $80 to $120 at a pawn shop. If you need cash urgently and the guitar is not rare or high-end, this is the fastest route.
Call ahead to ask whether they buy guitars and what condition they prefer. Some pawn shops focus on jewelry or electronics and have little interest in instruments. Others specialize in musical equipment and may offer slightly better prices.
Consignment stores that sell on your behalf
A consignment store takes the guitar, lists it for sale, and gives you a percentage of the final price when it sells. You don't pay upfront and don't handle the sale yourself. The store keeps 30 to 50 percent of the sale price as commission.
This works well if you're not in a hurry and want a price closer to what a private buyer would pay. The store handles photography, listing, and customer communication. You check back in a few weeks to see if it sold. If it doesn't sell within 60 to 90 days (terms vary by store), you pick it up or the store donates it.
Find consignment shops in your area by searching "musical instrument consignment near me" or asking at local music stores for referrals. Ask about their commission rate, how long they keep items, and whether they handle shipping for online sales. Some consignment stores also list items on eBay or their own website, which can expand your reach.
Comparing price, speed, and effort across all options
| Option | Price Range | Speed | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local music shop | 30–50% of resale value | Same day | Low — one visit |
| Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist | 60–80% of resale value | 1–2 weeks | Medium — photos, messaging, meetup |
| Reverb | 70–90% of resale value | 2–3 weeks | Medium — listing, shipping |
| eBay | 60–85% of resale value | 2–3 weeks | Medium — listing, shipping |
| Pawn shop | 20–40% of resale value | Same day | Low — one visit |
| Consignment store | 50–70% of resale value | 4–12 weeks | Low — drop off and wait |
How to prepare your guitar for sale
Clean the body, neck, and fretboard with a soft cloth. Wipe down the tuning pegs and bridge. If the strings are old or rusty, replace them — new strings cost $10 to $30 and make the guitar look and sound better to a buyer. Check that all tuning pegs turn smoothly and the neck is straight when you sight down it from the headstock.
Test every fret by playing up and down the neck to listen for buzzing or dead spots. Plug in an electric guitar and test all three pickup positions, the volume and tone controls, and the output jack. If there are problems, mention them in your listing or tell the shop inspector. Honesty about damage builds trust and prevents disputes later.
Gather any original documentation, the case or gig bag, cables, strap, or accessories that came with the guitar. These add value and make the sale more attractive. If you have the original receipt or paperwork showing the brand and model, include photos of those too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my guitar has a crack in the body or a broken headstock?
A structural crack or break significantly lowers the price — expect 20 to 40 percent of what a guitar in good condition would bring. Be upfront about it in any listing or when you bring it to a shop. Some buyers specifically look for damaged guitars to repair as a project, so you may still find a buyer, just at a lower price.
Do I need the original case to sell a guitar?
No, but a case or gig bag adds $30 to $100 to the sale price depending on quality. If you don't have one, mention that in your listing. Buyers often factor in the cost of a case when they negotiate, so you may lose more by not having one than the case is worth.
How do I know what price to ask for?
Search for the same brand and model on Reverb, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace to see what similar guitars are selling for. Adjust for condition — a guitar with heavy fret wear or cosmetic damage should be priced lower than one in excellent shape. Start 10 to 15 percent higher than your target price if you're selling privately, since most buyers will negotiate.
Is it safe to ship a guitar through the mail?
Yes, if you pack it correctly. Use a hard case or a sturdy cardboard box with at least 2 inches of padding on all sides. Loosen the strings slightly to reduce neck tension during transit. Use a carrier that offers insurance and signature confirmation, like UPS or FedEx. The cost is usually $30 to $80 depending on distance and guitar weight.
What should I do if a buyer on eBay or Reverb claims the guitar arrived damaged?
Document your packing with photos before you ship. If the buyer opens a dispute, provide those photos to the platform. If the damage was clearly caused by shipping, the carrier's insurance may cover it. If the buyer is dishonest, the platform will review the case, but you may lose money. This is why detailed condition descriptions and good packing matter.