Sell Your Instrument / Cello

Sell your cello

Thinking of selling a cello? Prelude buys used cellos from players across New Zealand. We buy cellos of all sizes — from 1/4 student instruments to full-size professional cellos — to meet steady demand from learners across New Zealand. Send us a few photos and the details below, and we'll come back to you with a fair, no-obligation offer. And rather than gathering dust, your cello gets lovingly restored and rented to a student just starting out — passed on to be played and loved all over again.

Get a free offer

Tell us about your instrument

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

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 your cello could be worth

As a rough guide only, student cellos typically sell for around $150–$600, intermediate instruments $600–$1,800, and professional cellos well beyond that. The right figure for your instrument depends on its make and model, age, condition and how complete it is — which is exactly what our free valuation works out for you.

Brands we're especially keen on

We especially like well-regarded makes such as Stentor, Eastman and Yamaha, along with quality handmade instruments.

What affects the value

Brand and model — recognised makes hold their value better
Age and overall condition, including any cracks, dents or wear
Whether it plays well as-is or needs a service or repair
Whether the bow, case and any accessories are included
Originality and whether it comes with its original fittings

Selling a Cello — FAQs

How much is my cello worth?

The value of a cello depends on its brand, model, age and condition. If you're not sure what it's worth, leave the asking price blank when you submit — we'll assess your photos and details and come back with a fair offer.

How do I sell my cello to Prelude?

Just fill in the form on this page with your cello's details and a few clear photos (front, back, and any wear). We'll review it and email you a no-obligation offer. If you accept, we arrange collection or drop-off and pay you promptly.

Do you buy used or older cellos?

Yes — we buy quality used cellos in good playing condition, from student models through to professional instruments. Older instruments are welcome too, as long as they play well or are worth restoring.

What condition does my cello need to be in?

Ideally your cello should be in good, playable condition. Minor wear is fine — just describe any issues honestly and include photos, and we'll factor it into our offer.

I'd rather rent than sell — can I do that?

Absolutely. If you'd like to keep playing, you can rent a cello from us instead, with flexible monthly plans and NZ-wide delivery.

Selling something else?

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