For a musician, used music equipment can be a fast and easy way to increase the quality and versatility of your gear without having to empty out your wallet in the process. However, there are things to watch for, and things to be wary of. The equipment will have been used before, and so it could have some defects or problems with it that you will want to identify. At the same time, some of it will be selling for used prices but will be in nearly mint condition. Finding the differences between the two can be an art form, and with a little practice and knowledge you will be able to succeed.
Know the Market Value of Used Music Gear
When looking for any used music equipment, the first step is to get a good idea of the market value. You should start by looking up the current prices on the new equipment, even if you know you do not want to buy it. This will give you a solid starting point. You should then begin watching the prices of the used equipment online. However, you should not buy right away. Take a while first and chart the prices. See if they are trending up or down, and calculate a general average that you should be able to expect to pay. Use this average as your goal; do not buy anything that is more expensive than it, and try to find the equipment that is farthest below it to get the best deal.
Always Inspect Used Music Gear
As far as looking at the equipment is concerned, there is an art to this as well. First, inspect it for cosmetic damage. Even if you do not care about the looks of the equipment but only the functionality, say in the case of used music keyboards, you will want to check. Large cosmetic damage can mean that the equipment has been abused. It may have been dropped, something that would crack the shell and could then have an unseen impact on the inside. You will want to stay away from used music keyboards with large amounts of cosmetic damage, because they could have loose wires or other problems. You should always ask to play them before you buy, to catch any more of these problems.
If you follow these rules, you will be able to buy great used music equipment every time. You will find the very best prices and always take home high-quality gear.