Where to Buy/Sell a Used Guitar in Boston (2025 Edition)
Students in my Boston lessons studio often ask me where to buy or sell a used guitar locally.
Why Guitar Stores Aren't the Best Option
It's probably best not to go into a guitar store for this kind of thing. As a guitar dealer, I am able to buy brand new guitars from the factory at a significant wholesale discount; I then mark them up a bit and resell them to my students. For me to buy a used guitar from you, and then resell it at a profit to myself, I'd have to give you much less than the instrument is worth, perhaps refurbish it a bit, and then try to sell it at a higher price.
You might be surprised to find that even when I do this, it's still a better deal for me to buy and sell new instruments. The economics of it are the same no matter where you go.
For that reason, if you'd like to sell a guitar, I recommend you take a picture of it and post it on social media. If you belong to any kind of group (D&D Dungeon Masters of North Shore! Asian-American Skateboarders Association! Poodle Dog Moms of South End, etc) you could try posting it there; people often look first where they have existing social trust.
Best Platforms for Buying/Selling Used Guitars
Otherwise, most towns have a "Yard Sale" Facebook page and it seems that the platform is still active for these kinds of posts. There are also apps you can use to sell stuff, but they tend to attract low ball offers. It's best to find a forum specifically for musical instruments so you'll find a buyer with an idea of what the fair value is. And that is also where I'd recommend you look if you want a second hand instrument.
Recommended Options:
- Any app or forum that serves a community you belong to
- Your local "Facebook Yardsale" page
- Offer Up and similar apps
- A Facebook page dedicated to gear
Specific Facebook Groups & Resources
Facebook Marketplace & Groups
Local Yard Sale Groups
Gear-Specific Groups
Important Note About Buying Used
You should have some idea how to check a guitar's condition before buying; and it's usually best to take it to get setup and restrung.
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