Old Songs Festival 2012, Should I sell instruments

Subject: Should I sell instruments @ Old Songs?
From: Bettynh
Date: 17 May 12 - 11:52 AM

Well, I'm definitely headed to Old Songs Festival this year. Hotel room has been reserved. I'm cleaning out this old barn of a house slowly, and there are music instruments I'm never going to use:

A Homer Ledford dulcimer, bought through the mail via the Whole Earth Catalog (they listed Jean Richie, but she replied that she no longer made dulcimers, and recommended Homer). It has a top made of poplar from Howard Hall at Berea College, 4 strings, heart shaped soundholes, and friction pegs. Frankly, the friction pegs frustrated me beyond measure. I moved away from people who could help, and I doubt that I'll ever actually play this dulcimer. It's really beautiful, but very lightweight and obviously fragile. It scares me a bit. When I saw and felt it, I immediately mailed back for a case, so it's in a fitted case made by Homer. I have to smile every time I look at it. Rather than use veneer, he used a wood-grain plastic - maybe practical, but I think of that kind of plastic as shelf paper. On the internet, folks are offering Ledford dulcimers for one to three thousand dollars. I'm not sure what they're actually selling for, but I do know that the local music shops in this town wouldn't know the value or be able to sell my dulcimer (except on the net, of course). I don't want to go through the hassle of shipping it. If I sell at Old Songs, it's likely to go to someone who knows what it is and will actually play it.

and

An apprentice model Dusty Strings hammer dulcimer, made on 1986. It's in its original case, with a table leg, chair leg, tuning wrench, and a couple hammers. I don't really know why we bought this, but I suspect this was my husband's idea (he left for good the next year). It hasn't been played. It looks like the going price is about $600.

Old Songs takes a 20% commission, which seems fair. Has anyone had experience buying or selling there?

Subject: RE: Should I sell instruments @ Old Songs?
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 17 May 12 - 12:10 PM

I sold a fretless banjo there. It worked out well, and I felt good helping out Old Songs.

The only concern is the building in which instruments are sold - an un-airconditioned corrugated metal building, and it gets quite hot in the sun. I remember Nick Apollonio being quite nervous about that a couple of years ago.

Dan

Subject: RE: Should I sell instruments @ Old Songs?
From: Midchuck
Date: 17 May 12 - 12:27 PM

I've had very good luck selling a couple of less valuable instruments there.

For the reason Dan mentions, plus security questions, I doubt I'd put one of my more valuable instruments up for sale there.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Should I sell instruments @ Old Songs?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 May 12 - 07:33 AM

Me, to, what Dan and Peter said!
Check your PM, I may have a customer for one of your instruments.

Also, why do we both have to go 150 miles out of state before we get to spend some time together???! *grin*

Subject: RE: Should I sell instruments @ Old Songs?
From: beachcomber
Date: 18 May 12 - 07:50 AM

Sorry to be a "thread creep" but I met old Homer here in Ireland once or twice, a lovely old guy. I wonder if he is still with us , anyone know ? His banjo player was Rollie Carpenter, a real "Southern Gentleman" as well. Any news of them ?

Subject: RE: Should I sell instruments @ Old Songs?
From: Bettynh
Date: 18 May 12 - 10:20 AM

Homer died in 2006. I don't know about Rollie. One of Homer's instruments is on display in the Smithsonian museum. From what I'm seeing, mine won't be on sale at Old Songs.

I'm still inclined to sell the hammer dulcimer. What is considered *expensive" in the instrument world? LOL, $600 seems like a lot of money to me, but I see folks talking about spending twice that on a guitar.

Subject: RE: Should I sell instruments @ Old Songs?
From: Gurney
Date: 18 May 12 - 04:45 PM

I've sold several instruments at our local FF, who don't charge commission, it's a bring-and-buy, but I've always asked a realistic price, and felt good when I see them being played later.

Subject: RE: Should I sell instruments @ Old Songs?
From: CupOfTea
Date: 19 May 12 - 12:24 PM

Last year there were some interesting instruments for sale there that made me regret not having the funds to indulge. At Old Songs, you know you've got an audience of educated potential buyers who are very likely to appreciate (and crave) vintage instruments.

Joanne who will miss Old Songs this year to hang out with the Autoharpers

Subject: RE: Should I sell instruments @ Old Songs?
From: EBarnacle
Date: 19 May 12 - 10:01 PM

I have seen many instruments there from total trash to vintage pieces to Nick's guitars. Lady Hillary really enjoyed trying his instruments there and will certainly get one when our finances improve.

I have never heard of anyone being ripped off. If you want knowledgable buyers, bring your instruments. The prices are usually a bit low but not very and you will find a good home for the instruments.

Subject: RE: Should I sell instruments @ Old Songs?
From: Bettynh
Date: 20 May 12 - 06:10 PM

I think I'll bring along a little thumb piano, as well. It's got a gourd back, 11 keys, and is tunable, so it should find a user. And since it'll be less than $100 I'll bet it sells. ;-)