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Buying and Selling Gear
Where to sell or buy second-hand instruments and equipment, how to stay safe and avoid scams, what to do about stolen gear, your rights, free and cheap gear, pricing, repairs and insurance.
At A Glance
5%Reverb's selling fee, on top of payment processing
$0A basic listing on Gumtree or eBay as a private seller
3 yrsTime limit to take a private sale dispute to the Local Court
1Where to Sell
ReverbOnline
- WhatReverb is a marketplace built for musical instruments and audio gear, with buyers in Australia and overseas.
- CostListing is free. Reverb takes a 5% selling fee plus a payment processing fee of 3.19% and 49 cents, so you keep about 91.8% of the sale price.
- NoteBuyers who pay through Reverb are covered when an item arrives damaged, arrives not as described or never ships.
- Linkreverb.com
eBayOnline
- WhateBay Australia lets you sell by auction or at a fixed price to buyers around the country.
- CostPrivate sellers with an Australian address and no eBay Pro plan pay no selling fees on up to $25,000 of sales in 12 months. Optional upgrades cost extra, and a 3% fee applies when you post to an overseas buyer.
- NotePro sellers and sellers based outside Australia pay a final value fee of 13.4% up to $4,000 plus 30 cents per order in most categories.
- Linkebay.com.au
GumtreeOnline
- WhatGumtree is a classifieds site where the buyer and seller arrange pickup and payment between themselves.
- CostA basic ad is free in most categories, and paid bundles push an ad higher in results. Only pets and some vehicle categories carry a compulsory listing fee.
- NoteGumtree advises keeping all messages inside Gumtree Messenger and asking the other person for fresh photos of the item.
- Linkhelp.gumtree.com.au
Cash ConvertersStores
- WhatCash Converters buys musical instruments and equipment and pays on the spot after staff test the item.
- HowYou must be 18 or over and bring 100 points of ID. The offer depends on the item's condition, age, local demand and the store's location.
- NoteThe store resells what it buys at a profit, so its offer sits below the price you could get by selling the item privately.
- Linkcashconverters.com.au
Cash Converters pawn loansStores
- WhatA pawn loan lets you borrow cash against an instrument in full working order and get it back when you repay the loan and interest.
- WhenLoans run for one to three months depending on the state, and you can extend by paying one month's interest at a time.
- NoteThe store keeps the item if you stop paying interest and do not respond to contact. The page does not publish the interest rate, so ask for it in store.
- Linkcashconverters.com.au
2Sydney Shops That Buy, Trade or Hire
Dr GearNewtown
- WhatDr Gear sells new, used and vintage gear and takes good quality used gear on consignment or as a trade-in.
- CostConsignment commission is 25% on sales up to $2,000. Sales from $2,000 to $3,999 cost $500 plus 20% of the amount over $2,000, and sales from $4,000 cost $900 plus 15% of the amount over $4,000.
- NoteDr Gear does not take drums, PA systems or budget large amps on consignment. The shop is a licensed second-hand dealer and asks for photo ID.
- Linkdrgear.com.au
Fretboard JungleBy appointment
- WhatFretboard Jungle sells vintage, collectable and rare guitars, basses and equipment on consignment in Sydney.
- CostThe commission is 18% of the sale price with a minimum fee of $250 per item. You are paid 7 days after the buyer receives or collects the item.
- NoteThe business has no shopfront and works by appointment. A consignment runs for six months and can be renewed.
- Linkfretboardjungle.com
Joel's Vintage GuitarsGladesville
- WhatJoel's Vintage Guitars buys vintage guitars and sells them on consignment, with a focus on instruments from the 1950s and 1960s.
- HowSend the make, model and photos through the form on the site and ask for a sale or a valuation.
- NoteThe Gladesville showroom opens by appointment.
- Linkjoelsvintageguitars.com
Haworth GuitarsWollongong and Shellharbour
- WhatHaworth Guitars sells gear on consignment and handles the listing, enquiries, negotiation, sale and shipping.
- CostHaworth charges nothing when an item does not sell. The page does not publish the commission rate.
- NoteThe two stores are in Wollongong and Shellharbour, and the shop takes consignments from Sydney sellers.
- Linkhaworthguitars.com.au
Musicians MarketNewtown
- WhatMusicians Market sells new and second-hand guitars, amps, pedals and studio gear and repairs guitars.
- NoteThe shop has traded in Newtown for more than 35 years. Its site does not say whether it buys gear, so ask the shop directly.
- Linkmusiciansmarket.com.au
Guitar Factory rentalsParramatta
- WhatGuitar Factory in Parramatta offers rental on many items through Studio19, and a RENT NOW price shows under the purchase price when an item qualifies.
- HowStudio19 rents to approved customers and charges each month. You can buy the item at any time, and the buyout price drops the longer you rent.
- NoteA minimum term of 6, 12 or 36 months applies when you plan to return the item, and a $16 fee applies to a missed payment.
- Linkguitarfactory.com.au
Turramurra Music hireTurramurra
- WhatTurramurra Music hires out PA speakers, mixers, microphones, keyboards and amps, and runs a hire-to-buy program for students.
- CostPublished hire rates include $15 for a Shure SM58 with stand and lead, $100 to $120 for a pair of powered speakers and $80 for a Fender Twin valve amp.
- Linkturramusic.com.au
Big Music instrument hireCrows Nest
- WhatBig Music hires guitars, basses, keyboards and electronic drum kits by the week, and amps are available with some instruments.
- CostRates start at $20 a week for an acoustic guitar, $25 a week for an electric guitar or bass and $45 a week for an electronic drum kit.
- NoteThe minimum hire is one week, and you can return the instrument at any time during business hours.
- Linkbigmusic.com.au
MGB BacklineArtarmon
- WhatMGB Backline hires drums, guitars, amps, keyboards, pianos, DJ gear and wireless microphones for gigs.
- CostPrices are by quote. Send your gear list and dates through the contact page.
- Linkmgbbackline.com.au
Sydney HireEastern suburbs
- WhatSydney Hire rents guitars, basses, keyboards, drum kits and saxophones, with pickup or delivery for an extra fee.
- CostAn electric guitar or bass costs $60 for one day, $49 a day for two to six days and $35 a day for seven days or more. A drum kit costs $179 for one day.
- Linksydneyhire.com.au
3Scams and Staying Safe
Buying and selling scamsScamwatch
- WhatScamwatch warns about buyers who overpay and ask you to refund the difference, and about sellers who ask for payment to several PayIDs or by pre-loaded card.
- HowScamwatch advises inspecting big-ticket items in person before you pay.
- NoteScammers set up accounts on popular marketplaces such as Facebook, Gumtree and eBay.
- Linkscamwatch.gov.au
Fake PayID emailsWA ScamNet
- WhatA fake buyer says they will pay by PayID, then sends an email made to look like it comes from PayID. The email says you must upgrade to a business account or reimburse a payment before the money is released.
- NotePayID never asks you to upgrade your account or pay a fee. Check your own banking app to confirm the money has arrived before you hand over any gear.
- Linkscamnet.wa.gov.au
Meeting and paying safelyNSW Police
- WhatNSW Police advise meeting in a busy public place and taking a friend or family member with you.
- HowDeal in person, in public, with cash or with a payment method that has buyer protection such as PayPal. Inspect the item carefully before you pay.
- NoteNever send money to someone you don't know.
- Linkpolice.nsw.gov.au
If you have been scammedScamwatch
- WhatContact your bank or card provider straight away and ask it to stop the transaction.
- HowReport the crime to police online through ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au and report the scam to Scamwatch. IDCARE gives free support on 1800 595 160.
- NoteYou can complain to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority when your bank's response does not resolve the problem.
- Linkscamwatch.gov.au
4Stolen Gear
SerialCheckOnline
- WhatSerialCheck is a free Australian community register where you can search a serial number before you buy and record your own instruments.
- HowSearch by serial number, brand or model. To register gear, add the serial number, brand, model and a photo.
- NoteSerialCheck is a community project and runs separately from police, so a clean search does not prove an item is legitimate.
- Linkserialcheck.com.au
Report a theft onlineNSW Police
- WhatYou can report a theft online when it is over, nobody is hurt or in danger and there was no confrontation with the offender.
- HowHave your details, the time and place of the theft and a description of each item ready. Serial numbers and photos make the description more useful.
- NoteCall 000 if the theft is happening now.
- Linkservice.nsw.gov.au
If you find your stolen gearNSW Police
- WhatDo not approach the person who has your property.
- HowContact the local police station for the area where you found it.
- Linkpolice.nsw.gov.au
Crime Stoppers NSWNSW
- WhatCrime Stoppers takes information about any crime, including gear you believe is stolen, and you can stay anonymous.
- HowCall 1800 333 000 or make a report online.
- Linknsw.crimestoppers.com.au
Report a listing on ReverbOnline
- WhatEach Reverb listing has a Report this Listing button that flags a listing to Reverb's team when it breaks the rules or looks wrong.
- NoteYou need to be signed in to a Reverb account to report a listing.
- Linkhelp.reverb.com
5Your Rights
Buying second-hand from a businessNSW Government
- WhatConsumer guarantees cover second-hand goods bought from a business, with the item's age and condition taken into account.
- HowAsk the business to fix the problem first. If it will not, lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading using its online form.
- Linknsw.gov.au
Buying from a private sellerACCC
- WhatMost consumer guarantees do not apply to a sale between two people when the seller is not running a business.
- NoteA private seller still guarantees that they own the item, that you can keep it undisturbed and that it carries no hidden debts or charges.
- Linkproductsafety.gov.au
When a private sale goes wrongLegal Aid NSW
- WhatThe NSW Sale of Goods Act applies to private sales as well as sales by businesses.
- HowA dispute over a private sale can go to the Local Court of NSW, because the consumer guarantees do not cover it.
- Linklegalaid.nsw.gov.au
NCAT consumer claimsNCAT
- WhatThe NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal decides consumer claims under the Australian Consumer Law up to $100,000.
- WhenApply within 3 years of the problem, and the goods must have been supplied within the past 10 years.
- Linkncat.nsw.gov.au
Reverb buyer protectionOnline
- WhatReverb covers purchases that arrive damaged, arrive not as described or never ship.
- HowContact the seller or Reverb within 7 days of delivery with photos or video. Attempting a repair first cancels the protection.
- Linkhelp.reverb.com
6Free and Cheap Gear, and Donating
City of Sydney librariesKings Cross and Green Square
- WhatLibrary members can borrow ukuleles from Kings Cross and Green Square libraries, and MIDI keyboard controllers and mini keyboards from Green Square.
- HowMembers can borrow one musical item for up to 3 weeks. Fees apply for lost or damaged items.
- NoteThe Green Square Library music room has guitars, keyboards and amps to use when you hire the room.
- Linkcityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Sutherland Shire LibrariesKirrawee
- WhatKirrawee Library+ lends Squier electric guitars and basses with amps, acoustic and classical guitars, keyboards, a MIDI keyboard, a DJ controller and ukuleles.
- HowYou borrow and return the instruments at Kirrawee Library+, and they cannot be sent to another branch.
- Linklibraries.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au
Australian Children's Music FoundationDonate
- WhatThe ACMF runs music programs for children from low income homes, schools and youth justice centres.
- HowOffer an instrument in good working order through the online form with photos. Scratches, dents and broken strings are fine.
- NoteThe ACMF does not take acoustic pianos, organs, recorders, piano accordions, sheet music or instruments that need repair.
- Linkacmf.com.au
Music for RefugeesDrop-off points
- WhatMusic for Refugees collects small instruments in working order for people in immigration detention and refugee communities.
- HowThe site lists NSW drop-off points in Chatswood, Woollahra, Balmain and Randwick and at refugee services in several suburbs.
- NoteCheck the current list before you go. Large instruments such as pianos cannot go to drop-off points.
- Linkmusicforrefugees.org
Grow the MusicCoffs Harbour
- WhatGrow the Music runs music projects with remote communities and accepts donated instruments in good, playable condition from across Australia.
- Linkgrowthemusic.org
Support ActCrisis relief
- WhatSupport Act pays bills and debts directly to creditors for music workers in crisis through illness, injury or another unexpected problem.
- HowApplicants need at least 5 years of work in the music industry, two professional referees and Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
- NoteThe Support Act Wellbeing Helpline gives free counselling to anyone in music 24 hours a day on 1800 959 500.
- Linksupportact.org.au
7Pricing and Repairs
Reverb Price GuideOnline
- WhatThe Reverb Price Guide shows what gear has sold for on Reverb.
- HowSearch for the item in the Price Guide, or run a search on Reverb and choose Sold Listings under Show Only.
- Linkhelp.reverb.com
eBay sold itemsOnline
- WhateBay's sold items filter shows the prices buyers paid for items like yours.
- HowEnter the product name in the search bar, then choose Sold Items under Show only in the filter menu.
- Linkebay.com.au
Dr Gear repairsNewtown
- CostA full setup costs $150 plus strings, and a regular restring costs $30 plus strings.
- NoteThe bench fee for amp, synth and pro audio repairs is $150 and covers the first hour of labour. Pedal repairs start with a $75 fee that covers the first half hour.
- Linkdrgear.com.au
Gladesville Guitar Factory repairsGladesville
- CostA setup and service costs $185 to $195 plus strings, and a restring costs $75 to $85 plus strings.
- NoteLuthier work includes a pro setup at $225 plus strings and parts and refrets from $880 to $1,080. Check the page for the workshop's current booking status.
- Linkguitarfactory.net
Guitar Factory repairsParramatta
- WhatGuitar Factory repairs guitars, amps, keyboards, PA gear, drums and percussion, with most work done in house.
- WhenSmall guitar repairs and setups usually take about three days, and amp and electronics repairs take up to two weeks.
- NoteThe page does not publish prices, so ask for a quote.
- Linkguitarfactory.com.au
8Insuring Your Gear
Marsh instrument and equipment insuranceOnline
- WhatMarsh covers instruments and gear against accidental loss, damage and theft in storage, in use and in transit, with worldwide cover apart from a few excluded countries.
- CostA 12 month policy costs $220 for up to $5,000 of cover and $325 for up to $10,000 of cover. The standard excess is $250 per claim.
- NoteMarsh is the principal risk partner of APRA AMCOS, and the policy also covers gear you borrow or hire up to 10% of the sum insured.
- Linkau.marsh.com
WSC Musicians InsuranceCaringbah and Bowral
- WhatThis broker offers equipment cover for accidental loss, damage and theft, including transit and worldwide cover, plus public liability for musicians and singers.
- HowGet a quote online by entering the amount of cover you need and your state.
- Linkmusiciansinsurance.com.au
Home contents portable coverMoneysmart
- WhatPortable contents cover is an optional extra on a contents policy that protects some belongings away from home, and each insurer sets a value limit per item.
- HowList each item with its serial number, receipt, photos, condition, purchase date and replacement cost at today's prices.
- NoteMarsh says standard home and contents policies may not cover gear used for professional work, so check the policy wording before you rely on it.
- Linkmoneysmart.gov.au
9A Few Things to Know
- Record your serial numbers. Write down the serial number of every instrument and piece of gear, and keep photos and receipts with it. Police, insurers and stolen gear registers all rely on these details.
- Check the money has arrived. Open your own banking app and confirm the payment has landed before the gear leaves your hands. An email that claims to come from PayID is a sign of a scam.
- Test before you pay. Plug in amps and pedals and play the instrument before any money changes hands. NSW Police advise inspecting items in person so any issues are known upfront.
- Keep messages on the platform. Gumtree advises keeping chat inside its own messenger and asking for fresh photos of the item. Gumtree also warns buyers against sending PayPal payments marked as gifts.
- Price from sold listings. Base your price on sold listings on Reverb and eBay, which show what buyers paid. Allow for fees and postage when you set the figure.
- Know what a shop will pay. A shop that buys outright resells the item at a profit, so its offer is lower than a private sale price. Consignment pays you after the item sells, and the shop keeps a commission from the sale.
- Ask about help with bills. Support Act can pay bills directly for music workers in crisis. Check whether you qualify before you sell gear you need for work.
- Check your contents policy. A standard contents policy may not cover gear you use for paid work. Read the policy wording or ask your insurer before a gig.