We buy instruments

Sell your instrument to Prelude

Got an instrument gathering dust? Prelude buys quality used instruments from players across New Zealand. Tell us what you have, add a few photos, and we'll come back to you with a fair, no-obligation offer. Best of all, your instrument won't sit forgotten in a cupboard — we lovingly restore it and pass it on to a student just beginning their musical journey. Your old instrument becomes someone's first.

Get a free offer

How it works

Submit

Tell us about your instrument and add a few photos — takes a couple of minutes.

We value it

Our team reviews the details and works out a fair price.

Our offer

We email you a no-obligation offer. Happy? Just say the word.

Get paid

We arrange collection or drop-off and pay you promptly.

Why it matters

Your instrument, played again

When you sell to Prelude, your instrument doesn't disappear into a cupboard or a classifieds listing. We clean it, service it, and rent it to a student just beginning their journey — often a child picking up their very first instrument. The cello that carried you through school could be the one a beginner learns to love. That quiet handing-on, from one player to the next, is a beautiful thing — and it's the heart of what we do.

Tell us about your instrument

The more detail and photos you share, the more accurate our offer.

Instrument type

Brand / maker

Model

Condition

Approx. year (optional)

Your asking price (optional)

Not sure what it's worth? Leave it blank and we'll make you an offer.

Description

Photos (1–8, required)

Clear photos of the front, back, and any wear help us give you the best offer. JPG, PNG or WEBP, up to 10MB each.

Your name

Phone (optional)

Region (optional)

No obligation — we'll email you a free valuation. By submitting, you confirm you own the instrument and agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

What we buy

We buy quality instruments across every family. Selling something specific?

Sell your flute Sell your clarinet Sell your saxophone Sell your oboe Sell your bassoon Sell your trumpet Sell your trombone Sell your french horn Sell your cornet Sell your euphonium Sell your baritone horn Sell your tuba Sell your guitar Sell your ukulele Sell your piano Sell your drums Sell your violin Sell your viola Sell your cello Sell your double bass

Frequently asked questions

How does selling my instrument to Prelude work?

Fill in the form with your instrument's details and a few photos. We'll review it and email you a fair, no-obligation offer. If you're happy, we arrange collection or drop-off and pay you promptly.

What kinds of instruments do you buy?

We buy quality string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments — from student models to professional instruments — as long as they're in good playing condition. If you're not sure, submit it anyway and we'll let you know.

How much is my instrument worth?

Value depends on the brand, model, age and condition. Not sure what it's worth? Leave the asking price blank and we'll make you an offer based on the photos and details you provide.

How quickly will I hear back?

We usually review submissions within a couple of business days and email you with an offer or any follow-up questions.

Is there any obligation?

None at all. Our offer is free and no-obligation — you're under no pressure to accept.

Want more detail? Read our guide: How Much Is My Used Instrument Worth? A New Zealand Seller's Guide