Expert: Kenton Scott - 11/8/2005

Question
Dear Friend,
In 1969, my father bought me a flute which I only played for about 6 months at the most.  It's 36 years old.  It's probably been taken out of it's case no more than 3 or 4 times since 1969.  Last spring, I took it to a local music store who deals primarily in band instruments and had all the pads replaced.  It's in perfect condition.  It's a Yamaha nickel plated beginners flute and I am told it is a C-foot.  The flute has been stored in the closet all these years.  The man at the store told be I should ask $275.00 for it, but sounds a little steep to me.  It is in perfect condition, still nice and shiny and seems to play perfectly after having the new pads put on.  It really does act brand new as far as the operation of all the keys.  Any suggestions on what I should ask for it?  Thanks so much for your help!

Answer
Hi Geri,

It sort of depends on where you want to sell it.  If you are going to put it on eBay, I'd suggest a starting price of the minimum you would be willing to let it go for.  If it is worth more, the eBay bidders will move it up.  Most always you will get a fair price on eBay, if you describe it completely and accurately and have good photography of it.  

My area is really brass instruments, but the newer Yamahas are well respected (my wife plays one).  I don't know about one that is as old as yours. But, $275 certainly doesn't sound unreasonable to me.

kms