Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. There’s a new instrument that’s catching your eye, whether that’s a guitar, bass or keyboard, but you don’t have the funds for it. All the while, you’ve got some old equipment that you never use that’s been collecting dust. It could be your first electric guitar that you’ve since upgraded. Or a synth with a sound that isn’t right for your music anymore. If only there was a way to easily get rid of your dusty gear and buy the shiny new equipment you’ve had your eye on… That’s where we come in. At GAK, we take the hassle out of selling second-hand gear and help you get that new instrument, pedal or amp you want sooner.
There’s no doubt that the logistics behind privately selling your old equipment can be off-putting. Sourcing packaging, taking quality photos, writing product listings, arranging deliveries, relentless hagglers, messages of interest that lead nowhere – does this sound familiar? You don’t need to worry about any of that when exchanging your gear with us. We make the process of getting cash or trading in your unwanted equipment as simple and straightforward as possible.
This article covers all the major questions we’re asked about selling or trading in your second-hand gear with us. Keep reading to learn how you can part with your unused equipment today!
JUMP AHEAD:
- What equipment do you take in?
- What if my instrument is dirty or not set up?
- Can I sell or trade in more than one item?
- How do I start the process?
- I’m happy with my quote, what’s the next step?
- How do I receive my payment?
- Any other questions?
- What if I want to buy some second-hand gear?
What equipment do you take in?
We’re interested in a huge range of gear, including:
- Electric Guitars
- Bass Guitars
- Acoustic Guitars
- Folk Instruments (Banjos, Ukeleles, Mandolins etc.)
- Amplifiers (Guitar Amps, Bass Amps, Keyboard Amps)
- Drums, Cymbals and Percussion
- Electronic Drums
- Effects Pedals
- Keyboards
- Synthesizers
- Digital Pianos
- DJ Equipment
- Studio Gear
- Microphones (due to hygiene reasons, we only take unused/new microphones)
- Vintage Gear
- And loads else, feel free to let us know if you’ve got something interesting!
We don’t accept:
- Electronic Drum Kits
- Orchestral Instruments (Violins, Cellos, Double Bass etc.)
- Brass and Wind Instruments
- Organs
- Acoustic Pianos
- Used Microphones
- Headphones
- Faulty items
- Sundries (Accessories, Cables, Straps etc.)
What if my instrument is dirty or not set up?
Our in-store technicians professionally set up all the gear that we buy so there’s no need to worry if your instrument hasn’t been cleaned or played in a long time. If the instrument is in full working order, we’re happy. Change your mind about an old guitar or bass that you’ve thought about getting rid of? Our Guitar Repair & Maintenance Service can give it a new lease of life.
Can I sell or trade in more than one item?
You certainly can! When you exchange your gear with us, you can get rid of it all at once. This saves you from having to find multiple buyers if you have more than one thing you need to shift. Whether it’s an entire pedalboard of stompboxes, a complete guitar rig or a collection of hardware synths – we’ll take it all.
How do I start the process?
Once you’ve decided what you’d gear you’d like to part with, the next step is to get in touch for a valuation. Our friendly and knowledgeable second-hand department is ready to hear from you.
There are a few ways you can contact us:
- Fill in the form at the bottom of this page
- Email – [email protected]
- Phone – 01273 665425
After you’ve reached out to our second-hand team, they’ll get back to you as soon as possible (usually within a day). You’ll be asked to provide clear photos of the items you want to sell or trade in. After the team has taken a look at the photos, you’ll be given a ballpark valuation based on the condition of the items.
This initial quote is subject to change after the items have been thoroughly tested and inspected in person. Your gear doesn’t have to be in mint condition, some cosmetic damage is acceptable but it will affect your quote. Above all, your gear has to work as it should!
I’m happy with my quote, what’s the next step?
You have a few ways you can proceed if you’re happy with your valuation:
Trade-In, Trade-Up
You can use your old equipment to offset the cost of a brand new piece of gear. This is a great way to upgrade an instrument or streamline your setup. For example, if you have Epiphone Les Paul or a Squier Strat and want to step up to a Gibson or Fender – you can!
Sell For Cash
You also have the option of selling your unwanted gear to us for cash. If you’ve got something taking up space and not being used, you can find it another home and get some cash in your pocket at the same time.
What if I can’t drop off my unwanted gear at the store?
We offer a free collection service if you aren’t able to get your old gear over to our store.
Please note!
- To set up a collection, please mention to the team that you would like your gear to be collected when you first get in touch.
- This service is only available in the UK and is provided at the discretion of the second-hand team.
- Very large or heavy items (such as valve amps, cabinets and big keyboards) aren’t eligible for collection.
I’ve decided to sell my gear, how do I receive my payment?
There are three ways you can receive payment:
- Cash – You can walk out with cash on the same day if you bring something into our store.
- PayPal – PayPal payments take up to 48 hours to process.
- Bank Transfer – Bank transfers can take 7-10 days to process.
Any other questions?
We hope we’ve shown you how easy we’ve made it to part with your unwanted gear. If you want to get some extra cash, reduce clutter or buy the instrument of your dreams, our second-hand department is raring to go. They’re more than happy to give you a fair price for your old equipment and answer any questions that aren’t covered here. Drop them an email at [email protected] or give them a call on 01273 665425.
What if I want to buy some second-hand gear?
We don’t just buy second-hand gear, we sell it too! At GAK, we offer a wide range of pre-loved equipment from a variety of brands. We always have interesting pieces and bargains coming in so it’s well worth keeping an eye on our second-hand page for any new additions.
All our second-hand instruments are professionally set up by our technicians so they’ll play and feel great right away. Everything is also extensively inspected and tested by our team before it’s bought in. Our 14-Day Returns Policy gives you time to test your new purchase yourself or return it if you aren’t happy – no questions asked! Second-hand items are also covered with a 28-day warranty so you can enjoy your pre-loved gear with confidence.