What music gear holds its value best?

Which instruments keep their price over time?

Guitars and certain keyboards tend to keep value best. Solid-body and vintage-style electric guitars often resell for 30–60% of original retail after several years if cared for.

Do vintage acoustic guitars really hold value better than new ones?

Yes, the right vintage acoustics can gain value. Well-known maker guitars, with good playability and little repair history, often trade between $800 and $4,000 in the used market — sometimes more for rarer examples.

What types of electronic gear lose value fastest?

Small, trendy synths and low-cost practice amps drop quickly. Expect consumer keyboards and cheap practice amps to lose 40–70% of value in 1–3 years.

What should you check physically before buying used gear?

Look at playability, finish condition, and electronics. Test for dead frets, sticky keys, and crackling pots (noisy volume/tone knobs). If buying from a pawnshop or private seller, use this red-flag ladder to decide fast:

• Major cracks in the body or neck warp

• Missing or non-original electronics or hardware

• Heavy water or smoke damage smell

• Serial numbers that don't match paperwork

• Nonfunctional pickups or dead speakers

• Evidence of botched repairs (glue, mismatched parts)

Which brands and models keep value well?

High-end, legacy makers in good condition hold value. Quality acoustic and electric models, professional synths, and tube amps from well-known lines often drop far less than budget gear.

Is there a simple rule to decide whether to buy, pawn, or sell an instrument?

Yes — think condition, demand, and service cost. If it’s in great shape, in-demand, and needs less than $100 in work, sell or buy; if it needs more work than 30% of likely resale, consider a loan instead.

How do you judge demand quickly in the store or at a pawnshop?

Watch how many people test the same model, or ask the clerk how often it moves. Micro-moment: you try a late-90s synth at A-1 Trade & Loan on Commercial Drive, and another customer asks to try it while you’re still playing — that tells you it’s in demand and will hold value.

Should you buy used pro gear as an investment?

Only if you know the market and can store it properly. Instruments that are rare, in original condition, and desirable to players and collectors are the best bets.

How much should you expect to get if you sell a used mid-range electric guitar?

For mid-range, expect roughly $200–$800 depending on age and condition. Higher-end models commonly fetch $800–$3,500 used when cared for and properly presented.

Where can you get a fair price or a loan on used instruments?

Pawnshops that test gear and describe faults openly give clearer pricing. A-1 Trade & Loan on Commercial Drive will often pay more for clean, working instruments and offer short-term loans if you need cash without selling.

One slow pass across every fret can save you from a repair bill that kills the deal.