How is the trade-in value of a musical instrument determined?
You want to trade in your instrument, but you do not know what it is still worth. Facebook Marketplace does not provide clarity.
One advertisement asks double the price of another and in the end you still do not know where you stand. At Adams, it works differently. You bring your instrument, our experts assess it and provide a clear appraisal based on its current condition. No guessing, no negotiating. You immediately know where you stand.
Which instruments do we trade in?
Adams Music Centre specializes in wind instruments and percussion. We trade in instruments from these categories:
- Woodwinds (flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, etc.)
- Brass instruments (trumpet, trombone, horn, tuba, euphonium, etc.)
- Percussion (drum kit, percussion, marimba, vibraphone, etc.)
We do not accept string instruments, pianos, keyboards, or guitars for trade-in, as these fall outside our area of expertise.
Brand and condition: We appraise virtually every wind or percussion instrument, from recognized premium brands (Yamaha, Bach, Selmer, Pearl, Adams) to cheaper entry-level models. The trade-in value depends on the brand, condition, and market value. We are always honest and transparent about how we arrive at the appraisal.
Does Adams accept every musical instrument?+
We trade in all wind instruments and percussion, from woodwinds and brass to drum sets and percussion. The trade-in value depends on the brand, condition, and market value. Instruments from recognized brands such as Yamaha or Bach have a higher value than inexpensive entry-level models. We always appraise fairly and transparently.
Please note: We do not accept string instruments, pianos, keyboards, or guitars for trade-in, as these fall outside our area of expertise.
What if my instrument is worth little?+
We are honest about the value. Due to their condition or brand, some instruments are worth only €20-50 in trade-in. We always explain how we arrive at the valuation, and you are under no obligation whatsoever.
Can I trade in multiple instruments?+
Yes, for example, if you have two student models, we can add the appraised value of both instruments together and deduct it from your new purchase.
What if the trade-in value is disappointing?+
Our in-store appraisal is always 100% no-obligation. Do you disagree with the trade-in value? No hard feelings. You are under no obligation and simply take your instrument back home.
Why does Adams not accept pianos or guitars?+
Adams Music Centre specializes in wind instruments and percussion. We have no expertise in appraising, repairing, or selling string instruments, pianos, or guitars. We deliberately focus on what we do best: top-quality wind and percussion instruments.
Can I also have my instrument appraised via photos or video?+
No. At Adams, quality comes first, and an instrument cannot be fully assessed via a screen.
To determine a fair and definitive trade-in value, our experts must physically handle the instrument. They check things that are invisible on screen: valve compression, pad airtightness, and minor technical defects in the mechanism. Only by testing the instrument live can we guarantee an appraisal that does justice to its actual condition.
Do you also trade in individual accessories such as mouthpieces or cymbals?+
For drummers, we trade in cymbals and high-quality hardware as part of a larger upgrade. For wind instrument players, we trade in instruments and headjoints. We do not accept individual mouthpieces.
Do you have a complete set that you want to upgrade? Bring everything to the store, and we will assess on the spot what we can do for you.
How do we determine the trade-in value of your musical instrument?
The appraisal is carried out by experts who work with musical instruments on a daily basis. They understand the technical condition of an instrument better than a salesperson or a random buyer on a second-hand platform. They immediately see where wear is present, whether modifications have been made and whether maintenance has been properly carried out.
That expertise makes the difference. A trumpet that looks neat on the outside may have serious internal corrosion. A clarinet that plays well may have mechanical issues that could cause problems later. A drum set that appears complete may need new heads or tension rods. Our experts know what to look for and translate that into a fair value.
Prepare your instrument before bringing it in:
Before you visit our experts in Ittervoort or Lummen, you can do a few things yourself to ensure the valuation runs smoothly:
- Clean the instrument. A polished instrument looks better and shows it has been well cared for.
- Gather the accessories. Do you still have the original case, strap or maintenance kit?
- Bring your maintenance history. Invoices from previous repairs or overhauls give a clear picture, especially if the work was done at Adams.
- Check the case. Remove old stickers, clutter or loose parts. A tidy presentation makes a difference.
Which factors determine the value?
The trade-in value depends on several criteria. The brand plays a role. A professional brand with a good reputation retains its value better than an entry-level model.
The technical condition is the most important factor. An instrument without dents, with all original parts and with regular maintenance scores higher than an instrument with visible damage or replacement parts.
The experts examine the mechanism, the finish, the valves, the key position and the overall condition. They test the airtightness and check whether repairs are needed before the instrument can be resold. Cosmetic damage that does not affect function weighs less heavily than technical defects.
The year of manufacture plays a role, but is not always decisive. A well-maintained instrument from 2010 can be worth more than a poorly treated model from 2020. Age truly becomes significant only when it concerns very old instruments that no longer meet current standards.
Comparison with Facebook Marketplace
On Facebook Marketplace or Reverb you sell the instrument yourself. You create a listing, wait for responses and negotiate the price. It can take weeks before you find a buyer. And once the instrument is finally sold, you still have to start looking for a new one.
At Adams, you arrange both steps at the same time. You trade it in, receive a fair appraisal and can immediately continue with your upgrade. No waiting time, no separate sales process.
Would you prefer to sell without upgrading immediately? That is also possible. We purchase instruments that are in good condition and fit within our assortment. The appraisal always takes place in the store, where our experts can assess the technical condition.
Online trade-in form
Would you like an indication before visiting the store? Complete the online trade-in form based on brand, type and year of manufacture. You will receive an initial estimate by email.
Please note: the final value mainly depends on the technical condition. Our experts can only assess this on site in the store. The online indication does provide a realistic picture of what you can expect, so you know whether the upgrade is financially worthwhile.
Ready for the next step?
Feeling like your current instrument is holding you back?
Book a no-obligation test session in Ittervoort or Lummen and hear the difference for yourself.
Which instruments are covered by the arrangement?
The trade-in arrangement applies to brass and woodwind instruments and to drums. Trumpets, trombones, euphoniums, tubas, saxophones, clarinets, flutes, oboes and bassoons are included. Drum kits and hardware such as cymbals and stands as well.
We also purchase and accept trade-ins of concert percussion such as marimbas and xylophones. For ensembles wishing to trade in or sell concert percussion, please contact us for the possibilities.
Visit us for the final appraisal
The online indication helps you prepare, but the actual value is determined in the store. In our branches in Ittervoort and Lummen, repair experts are available daily for appraisals. Bring your instrument, they will assess it on site and immediately provide you with a clear amount. You then decide whether to trade it in or not. There is no pressure, no obligation to purchase. You simply receive the information you need to make a well-informed decision.
Request an indication via our online appraisal form or visit us directly in Ittervoort or Lummen.
Music Centre Ittervoort (Netherlands)
At Adams Music Centre in Ittervoort, you'll find an extensive stock of percussion and wind instruments. We're located just off the A2 motorway at the Grathem exit, with free parking directly outside. Ideal when travelling with a drum kit or tuba. You can purchase instruments and test them at your leisure in our dedicated testing rooms. Our advisers are here to help you make the right choice.
In addition to instruments, we stock accessories and parts for all brands. Our repair department ensures your instrument stays in top condition. We've been helping musicians of all levels for over 50 years.
Meet the team Contact / Opening Hours Route planner Take a look
Music Centre Lummen (Belgium)
At Adams Music Centre in Lummen, you'll find an extensive stock of wind instruments and percussion. We're located directly on the E313/E314, with free parking outside. Ideal when travelling with a drum kit or tuba. Musicians from Hasselt, Antwerp, Leuven and across Belgian Limburg come here to try instruments in our specialised testing rooms.
You can purchase instruments and test them at your leisure. Our advisers will help you make the right choice. In addition to instruments, we stock accessories, parts and offer a professional repair service. We've been helping musicians of all levels since 1975, and have been based in Lummen since 2018.
Meet the team Contact / Opening Hours Route planner Take a look
Google Reviews
We are proud of the appreciation of our customers.
Customers from all over the Benelux and Germany rated our service in the stores with 4.6/5 stars on Google Reviews.
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Thank you for your trust and support! #TogetherInMusic
