I'm trying to do "spring cleaning" with my old keyboards and other music equipment. That is...toss out whatever I could. It's not working. At this point, I have one room completely filled with equipment that was top of the line in it's day (DX7 II FD, Roland Jupiter 6, Roland U-20, 3 Yamaha PSR series professional arrangers, numerous rack mount processing units, etc). Sadly, they all still sound pretty good to my ears. I say sadly because if they sounded "cheesey" it would be easier to give them the boot.

My days of carrying all that gear around for a job are behind me. So, my question is to those of you who DID manage to do "spring cleaning"......what advice can you give me that I can mull over to make my task easier? I'm not one to hang on to anything, but I'm having a hard time parting with this equipment. Sometimes it only takes a change in mindset to get the job done (and reclaim my "music room" back for re-settlement).

Mark

I guess you just have to make up your mind and list it on ebay &/or craigslist. For ebay, I didn't really understand how it worked initially, so I sold and bought something cheap for under $10. Once I saw how it worked and how easy it was off I went. Once the money starts coming in I think you will be happy about the whole process.

This is how I got into my first psr2000. Sold some stuff on ebay and got a lot more for it then I would have expected. My thinking is you will get more for it on ebay because you will have a larger market and increased interest will drive up the price.

I once sold a trumpet mouthpiece on ebay for over $500. An unheard of price. Turned out to be a lead trumpet player, from Japan, that had played with Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, etc, etc.

Local newspapers generally want way too much money to run ads with marginal results.

Local shopper tabloid size aren't great either. The people there are looking for cheap stuff.

hmmmmmm the Jupiter 6 has some appeal for me. I really like that era of Roland synths.

there is a strong market for vintage keys and effects units. Ebay is superb for disposing of anything that is no longer required, in fact two years running my annual holiday was virtually paid for by disposing of 'stuff' laying around.

The trick is don't start too high, don't use a reserve and don't use buy it now.

here is a brief description of my method of selling

1) If you are new to ebay, open an account (and also a paypal account) and buy some small things you need (guitar strings, music books, sd card for your camera etc). This will give you some 'feedback' which is vital as a seller if you want people to trust you. Ebay won't let you sell for a couple of weeks.


2) CLEAN the item thoroughly and take two or three GREAT photos (the sort of photo you would expect to see on a brochure). if its a keyboard; one overhead shot, one panel view (showing some keys) and if there is an LCD display a good photo of the screen. a rear view is also good (of the keyboard I mean). DONT USE FLASH as it makes the gear look scruffy, instead use natural light from a window. Use the best camera you can lay your hands on....DONT USE YOUR CAMERA PHONE!

3) Start the Auction low, be honest with the potential buyers and test everything you can. If anything has been serviced, is particuarly good (upgrades, clear screen etc) mention it in the auction and also list any faults. Start it at the ammount you would be willing to let someone walk away with it if they handed you x ammount of cash. Paypal should be preferred payment method as it is easier for people to pay: and because of this you will get more bids.

4) work out shipping costs first and also state collection is ok (but make sure they pay cash on collection). Don't pack anything until the auction is finished though - someone may ask you a question that requires turning on the unit.

Ebay does have its drawbacks, but as long as you play by the rules there should be no problems. For example, if someone makes you an offer midway through an auction...ignore it. If someone asks you to deliver to a different address to the one registered with ebay...refuse. Always be honest with buyers, both in the description and with any questions asked (they are going to find out at the end of the day anyway).

FIRST of all, list all the things you want to sell on the For Sale section of the Synth Zone; it's FREE!

As for eBay, you have to start somewhere so don't even worry about feedback scores if you are an honest person to begin with. When you list your items (I suggest, individually) write up THE BEST description you can and mention that you are a newbie but that you are fair and honest. Post with pictures, I think you get 6 for $.75; do that. Ship for FREE, it works. So you list the item a few dollars higher, the psychology works. List your item as a Buy It Now or Best Offer; it may cost you an extra 50 cents, but you have a lot of flexibility in accepting bids. Sell something you can afford to take a small loss on first. This will get you into the swing and you can use it as a learning tool. Ask any of us to help you set up an ad; email me if you feel the need. And of course, set up a PayPal account. And don't forget that all sales transactions cost you add'l money from eBay and PP; it's how they make their money. :-)

Do you have a used equipment store nerby? You normally won't get as much for your equipment, but maybe you can sell it on consignment and build a relationship with the owner. Maybe trade for something you can use now. I bought my new Mackie PA system that way -- got $1600 of equipment for $200 and two Toa 3-ways.

My only criticism of Craigslist is that the ad gets buried very quickly by newer ads. The same goes for the Sweetwater ad site. I've had success with Sweetwater and a few nibbles from Craigslist.

Lastly, be wary of everyone. You have to take chances and assume most buyers are honest, but there are always the scurrilious individuals who will try to cheat you out of your item and your money. eBay and PP really help make things more secure.

Good luck.

Good Morning, Mark:

You have all the options as expressed by others... or, if you don't care to go through the advertising and tire-kicking phase and just want to get rid of all that gear... consider donating to a local school with a good music program... or just locate an underprivileged kid with a desire for creating or playing.

Good luck.

Dave Rice

I know it's hard to let go of stuff but if you aren't using it why keep it? I'm sure there are lots of people out there that could make good use of your old gear.

I just dumped all my old gear mostly on ebay...look forward to the future now! ...Ahhhhhhh feels good to start new again!!!! refreshing......
"as I take a deep breath"

Just sold several old synths and a Multivox delay to "Old Synth Guy".He's easy to find and buys all kinds of old keys, pedals, etc.

Nice kid, too!


Russ

Just because new gear comes out, doesn't necessarily mean that's it's better than the older gear, I wish I had some older synths that no longer are made and because of no parts available or price or for some kind of reason , I cannot purchase.