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[C K LIGHT]

Hi all,

Of course there is no set answer to this, but I've never sold on a melodeon so I've no idea even what one can expect as 'value' for a second hand instrument.

I'm learning on a fantastic two voice Sandpiper D/G and as I get more out of the instrument I become more interested in the idea of fourth button starts, the sound of three voice instruments etc etc.

When the day comes that I'd like to upgrade the instrument, should it still be in perfect condition 2 years or so after purchase, can anyone advise how much less than I paid I could expect to receive for it? I know some dealers do part exchange, is that something I should consider, or should I sell privately?

Any thoughts most gratefully received!

[Theo]

Have a look here for the melnet policy on valuations.

You can look in our completed sales or on eBay to see how much similar instruments have sold for.  For trade in value you should consult the dealer concerned.  How much you might be offered can vary widely. 

[Rob2Hook]

Depreciation seems to depend a lot on the exact model and current fashions.  I'm pretty certain that there are adherents to every type of box, but certainly there are surges of interest in each type, sometimes fueled by famous performers' latest offerings demonstrating the ability of that type.  There is also the question of availability of a new equivalent.  Particular models with long waiting lists can mean that a mint secondhand example will sell for the new list price!

Rob.

[Tufty]

You will get the best financial deal if you sell privately and buy as a cash buyer but part ex can be an easy option. I have done both. Some dealers will also sell on commission, charging a % of the sale price. Better instruments hold their value much better than tat! All in all, much like selling cars. Try lots before buying your new box or you could end up suffering  severe wallet pain as you have to sell again! (I still have the scars  ).

[richard.fleming]

If you buy second hand instruments of the right quality you may not get depreciation. I'm pretty sure all my Paolo Sopranis from the 1950s are worth as much as or more than when I bought them.

[boxcall]

If you buy second hand instruments of the right quality you may not get depreciation. I'm pretty sure all my Paolo Sopranis from the 1950s are worth as much or more than when I bought them.

True!  but I don't think you can compare a Paolo Soprani from that era with a Sandpiper that the OP is trying to get a idea about. Also it would depend on what key that PS is in, I would think.

I bought a Beltuna one row for almost 40% off original price. It was in great condition minus a small chip in the bottom of keyboard and pallets needed a little work because the decorative tape had fallen off. I think it was two or three yrs old when I got it.
It would be about fifty percent off today's pricing,  the seller was motivated to sell so I benefited.
So as others have said it varies and depends on different factors.

[Grape Ape]

Here’s my 2 cents.  Decide the price you would like to see yourself get for it, and then list it at halfway between that price and the price of a new one (people love to haggle).

If it doesn’t sell after a bit of time, lower the price.

Should time pass, still with no sale, lower the price again and post an enticing video. 

Should time pass and still no bites, lower one last time.

Still no bites?  %#*! it and keep it as a backup or campfire model...

[richard.fleming]

My comment was aimed more at his next purchase when he sells the Sandpiper.

[Steve_freereeder]

Sandpipers are currently manufactured for SqueezeBoxes - a partial spin-off from the now defunct Music Room. Their price list for new 2-row, 2-voice instruments varies from £845 to £950, depending on the specification (number of buttons, stop to remove thirds, etc). See here:
https://squeezeboxes.co.uk/collections/melodeon/brand_sandpiper

For a two year old modern but basic instrument like this, there will inevitably be some depreciation; you definitely won't get back what you paid for it. If selling privately, perhaps work on an approximate figure of 50% - 60% of the current new price at the time of sale, and depending on condition, and you would probably be not too far out. If selling through a dealer, there will be a commission to pay too.

[C K LIGHT]

Thank you everyone for your most enlightening answers!

I'd not had any previous conversations on the subject so i was completely in the dark as for what to expect; I'm in a much better place to make the decision when the time comes now.

And so i shall continue my attempts to stick with what I've got for a while longer...

[george garside]

a couple of thoughts on second hand prices.

it is not just the make and model aand its age that governs values but also the all important matter of condition,  If at all possible or unless it is ridiculously undervalued  try before you buy if possible or buy from a reputable dealer.

look at sales websites  eg ebay, gumtree etc other second hand adverts  and dealers second hand lists to establish a 'range' of prices for the same make and model  but bear in mind that if the seller bought it 30 years ago and hasn't  used it for years  he may have no idea of current prices and you could get a bargain..   I once bought a 15 year old virtually brand new pokerwork for the asking price of £40 in a local paper ad!  This example demonstrates that it can be the sellers circumstances as much as the make and condition of the box that governs the price.

Don't be afraid to 'haggle'  , paarticulary if buying privately

george

 

[Steve C.]

And don't forget, like anything well used, may need tuning, minor repair, etc.
If you can do it yourself, you have the cost of parts.
If you need a fettler/dealer, need to build that into the price.
Note:  DO NOT STIFF MEMBERS OF MELNET!  KARMA and WORSE SHALL BEFALL THEE.

[Theo]

Depreciation is probably not the right word to use here.  Yes there can be a drop in price from new to secondhand. But it’s not like cars where most will be worth nothing after10 to 15 years. A good box (or any musical instrument) will find its price level which can stay pretty much the same for many years as long as it’s looked after.

[Chris Rayner]

At some point Trigger’s Broom begins to be relevant.

[Steve C.]

(thanks Chris for new entry to my British-pedia...never heard of Fools and Horses previous...)

[boxer]

getting about 50%-60% of new price back is a reasonable expectation.  Make, model and condition may affect it.

if you sell the box by commission sale through any but the smallest dealer, there's be 20% VAT to come out of the selling price before you get your share of what's left.

if you're offered a dazzlingly good part-ex price for your box against a new instrument, have a very close look at what you're buying and how much you're being asked to pay to get it - remember, there's no such thing as a free lunch, and the dealer who's selling you the new box still has to turn a profit and cover the cost of the VAT on your old box, when he sells it.  He'll be selling it into the same marketplace - the one where you were only expecting the box to be worth 50-60% of its new price.  He's not a charity.

the big advantage of selling to or through a dealer is that as long as the dealer's happy to buy it from you at the agreed price, you don't have to worry whether the box's next owner is pleased with it or thinks he's been fleeced.  The dealer has to take care of that and a lot of people think it's a service that's worth paying for.

[Chris Rayner]

(thanks Chris for new entry to my British-pedia...never heard of Fools and Horses previous...)

Ah!  I believe the US example is a Grandfather’s ax(e).  The USA and Britain, two nations divided by a common language.

[Lester]

(thanks Chris for new entry to my British-pedia...never heard of Fools and Horses previous...)

Ah!  I believe the US example is a Grandfather’s ax(e).  The USA and Britain, two nations divided by a common language.

Goes back to Plutarch in Life of Theseus from the late first century

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_Theseus

[syale]

Ship of Theseus - I get wiser every time I visit Melnet!

Stephen