Reverb Market: The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selling Music Gear Online
The Reverb market has revolutionized how musicians buy and sell gear online. Whether you're a professional musician looking to upgrade your equipment, a collector hunting for vintage treasures, or someone wanting to clear out unused instruments, understanding how Reverb works can save you time and money while connecting you with the global community of music enthusiasts.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about navigating the Reverb marketplace - from creating your first listing to finding the best deals and understanding the platform's unique features that have made it the go-to destination for music gear worldwide.
What is Reverb?
Founded in 2013 by Chicago music store owner David Kalt, Reverb is an online marketplace specifically designed for buying, selling, and learning about music gear. What began as an alternative to general marketplaces like eBay has grown into the world's largest dedicated music gear website, with millions of users across the globe.
Unlike general marketplaces, Reverb caters exclusively to musicians, producers, and audio enthusiasts. The platform specializes in:
New and used musical instruments
Recording equipment
Amplifiers and effects
Studio gear
Vintage and rare equipment
DJ equipment
Pro audio gear
In 2019, Reverb was acquired by Etsy for $275 million, though it continues to operate as a standalone marketplace focused solely on music equipment.
Why Reverb Has Become the Premier Music Gear Marketplace
Several factors have contributed to Reverb's dominant position in the music gear market:
Specialized Focus
Unlike general marketplaces, Reverb was built specifically for musicians by musicians. This specialized focus means the platform understands the unique needs of its community, from detailed gear specifications to appropriate shipping methods for delicate instruments.
Lower Fees Than Competitors
Reverb typically charges lower selling fees than general marketplaces like eBay. As of 2023, Reverb's basic selling fee is 5% plus payment processing fees, making it more attractive for sellers than many alternatives.
Robust Price Guide
One of Reverb's most valuable features is its Price Guide, which tracks the actual selling prices of items over time. This transparency helps both buyers and sellers understand fair market value for specific gear, reducing guesswork in pricing.
Strong Community Elements
Beyond transactions, Reverb fosters a community through its blog, educational content, and forums where musicians can discuss gear, techniques, and industry news. This community aspect strengthens user loyalty and engagement.
Secure Transactions
Reverb's protected payments system holds funds until buyers confirm receipt and satisfaction with their purchases, reducing the risk of fraud for both parties.
Getting Started on Reverb: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you're looking to buy your first piece of gear or start selling your collection, here's how to get started on Reverb:
Creating Your Account
Setting up a Reverb account is straightforward:
Visit Reverb.com or download the mobile app
Click "Sign Up" in the top right corner
Enter your email address and create a password
Verify your email address
Complete your profile with your location and preferences
For sellers, you'll need to provide additional information including payment details for receiving funds.
Browsing and Buying on Reverb
Reverb's search functionality is powerful and intuitive. You can:
Search by instrument type, brand, model, or keywords
Filter results by condition (new, excellent, good, etc.)
Filter by price range
Sort by distance to find local deals
Save searches to receive notifications when new matching items are listed
When you find something you're interested in, you can:
Make an offer below the listed price
Purchase immediately at the asking price
Ask the seller questions through the messaging system
Add items to your "Watch List" to track them
Creating Effective Listings as a Seller
Successful selling on Reverb starts with creating detailed, honest listings:
Click "Sell" in the top navigation
Select your item category or search for your specific model
Upload high-quality photos (at least 5-8 from different angles)
Write a detailed description including the condition, any modifications, and known issues
Set your price (Reverb will suggest a range based on recent sales)
Choose shipping options or local pickup preferences
Set your return policy
Pro tip: Be transparent about any flaws or issues with your gear. This builds trust and reduces the likelihood of returns or disputes.
Understanding the Reverb Market: Pricing Dynamics
One of Reverb's most valuable features is its transparency around pricing. Understanding how to use these tools can help you make smarter buying and selling decisions.
The Reverb Price Guide
The Price Guide tracks actual selling prices (not just asking prices) for specific gear models over time. This data is invaluable for:
Sellers setting realistic prices
Buyers evaluating if a listing is fairly priced
Everyone tracking market trends for specific instruments or brands
To access the Price Guide, search for an item and click "Price Guide" in the search results, or visit the dedicated Price Guide section on Reverb's website.
Price Trends and Seasonality
The music gear market experiences predictable fluctuations throughout the year:
January-February: Often sees increased selling activity as people liquidate gear after holiday purchases or to raise funds for tax season
Spring: Typically stable with moderate activity
Summer: Can see increased demand for portable instruments and gigging equipment
November-December: Holiday shopping season often brings higher prices and increased demand
Understanding these patterns can help you time your buying and selling for maximum advantage.
Factors Affecting Item Value
Beyond the make and model, several factors influence an item's value on Reverb:
Condition: Mint or excellent condition items command premium prices
Originality: Original parts and finishes typically preserve value better than modified instruments
Provenance: Documentation, original cases, and complete accessories enhance value
Rarity: Limited editions, discontinued models, and vintage items often appreciate over time
Seller reputation: Established sellers with positive feedback can sometimes command slightly higher prices
Selling Strategies for Maximum Success on Reverb
Whether you're a casual seller or building a business on Reverb, these strategies can help you maximize your success:
Optimizing Your Listings for Visibility
Reverb's search algorithm prioritizes listings based on several factors:
Accurate categorization: Make sure your item is listed in the correct category
Detailed titles: Include the brand, model, year (if relevant), and color/finish
Keyword-rich descriptions: Include terms buyers might search for
Complete specifications: Fill out all relevant fields in the listing form
High-quality photos: Clear, well-lit images from multiple angles
Remember that many buyers use specific filters when searching, so including accurate details about your item's condition, year, and specifications ensures it appears in relevant search results.
Pricing Strategies That Work
Finding the right price point is crucial for selling success:
Competitive pricing: Check recent sold listings for similar items to gauge the current market
Offer flexibility: Enable the "Make an Offer" option to encourage negotiation
Consider bundles: Selling related items together (like a guitar with a case and accessories) can attract buyers looking for value
Limited-time promotions: Reverb occasionally offers promotional periods with reduced selling fees
Shipping included: Many buyers prefer listings with shipping costs built into the price
Building Your Seller Reputation
A strong reputation on Reverb leads to more sales and better prices:
Respond quickly: Answer questions promptly and professionally
Ship fast: Process orders quickly and provide tracking information
Package properly: Invest in quality packaging materials to ensure items arrive safely
Be honest: Accurately describe condition issues to avoid returns and negative feedback
Follow up: Check in with buyers after delivery to ensure satisfaction
Positive reviews build credibility that makes future buyers more confident in purchasing from you.
Smart Buying Tactics on the Reverb Market
For buyers, Reverb offers numerous ways to find great deals and ensure you're making smart purchases:
Finding the Best Deals
Several strategies can help you discover bargains:
Saved searches: Create alerts for specific gear to be notified when new listings appear
Make offers: Many sellers accept reasonable offers below their asking price
Check recently listed: Sort by "Newest Listings" to catch fresh deals before others
Local pickup: Filter for items near you to avoid shipping costs and potentially negotiate in person
Watch items: Add items to your watch list and wait for price drops
Bundle deals: Message sellers about combining multiple items for a discount
Evaluating Sellers and Listings
Before making a purchase, take time to evaluate both the listing and the seller:
Check seller ratings: Look for established sellers with positive feedback
Review the photos carefully: Look for signs of wear, damage, or repairs
Ask questions: Don't hesitate to request additional photos or details
Verify authenticity: For high-value items, ask for serial numbers or other verification
Review the return policy: Understand your options if the item doesn't meet expectations
Negotiating Effectively
Successful negotiation on Reverb is an art:
Research comparable sales: Use the Price Guide to make informed offers
Be respectful: Extremely low offers may be ignored or declined
Justify your offer: When making a lower offer, politely explain your reasoning
Consider timing: Sellers may be more flexible at month-end or after an item has been listed for a while
Bundle negotiations: Offers on multiple items often receive better responses
Shipping and Logistics on Reverb
Proper shipping is crucial for successful transactions on Reverb, especially for delicate musical instruments.
Shipping Best Practices for Sellers
Protect your reputation and avoid claims by shipping properly:
Use appropriate boxes: Instruments need boxes with ample room for protective padding
Double-box valuable items: For high-value gear, use a box-in-box method with padding between layers
Secure moving parts: Use bubble wrap or foam to prevent components from moving during transit
Remove or secure knobs: Protect protruding controls that could break during shipping
Loosen strings: For stringed instruments, reduce tension to prevent neck damage
Document condition: Take photos before shipping as evidence of the item's condition
Insurance: Always purchase shipping insurance for valuable items
Reverb offers discounted shipping labels through their platform, which often include insurance and tracking.
International Shipping Considerations
Selling internationally expands your market but comes with additional considerations:
Customs documentation: Accurately declare item value and description
Restricted materials: Be aware of regulations regarding materials like rosewood, ivory, or other protected materials
Longer transit times: Set appropriate expectations for delivery timeframes
Currency conversion: Reverb handles this automatically, but be aware of current exchange rates
VAT and import duties: Buyers typically pay these, but it's good to mention this in your listing
Specialized Markets Within Reverb
Reverb hosts several distinct submarkets, each with its own characteristics and community:
Vintage and Rare Gear Market
The vintage market on Reverb is particularly active, with collectors and players seeking specific years and models:
Pre-CBS Fender instruments (made before 1965)
1950s and 1960s Gibson guitars
Vintage tube amplifiers from manufacturers like Marshall, Vox, and Fender
Rare Soviet-era synthesizers and electronic instruments
Discontinued effects pedals with cult followings
For vintage gear, provenance, originality, and condition are paramount. Documentation, original cases, and complete accessories significantly enhance value.
Boutique and Handmade Market
Reverb has become an important platform for independent builders and small manufacturers:
Boutique guitar and amplifier builders
Custom pedal and effects makers
Handcrafted acoustic instruments
Small-batch synthesizer and electronic instrument creators
This market segment often features higher prices but offers unique designs, premium components, and personalized customer service.
Recording and Studio Equipment
Beyond instruments, Reverb hosts a robust marketplace for recording gear:
Microphones (vintage and modern)
Preamps and channel strips
Mixing consoles
Outboard processors (compressors, EQs, etc.)
Studio monitors
Audio interfaces
This segment attracts professional studios, home recordists, and collectors of vintage recording equipment.
Reverb's Additional Features and Services
Beyond basic buying and selling, Reverb offers several additional services worth exploring:
Reverb Bump
For sellers looking to increase visibility, Reverb offers a paid promotion service called Reverb Bump. This feature gives listings priority placement in search results and browse pages for a fee based on the item's price.
Reverb Preferred Seller Program
High-performing sellers can qualify for the Preferred Seller Program, which offers benefits including:
A badge on listings indicating preferred status
Priority placement in search results
Dedicated support
Occasional reduced selling fees
To qualify, sellers need to maintain excellent feedback, quick response times, and consistent sales volume.
Reverb News and Content
Reverb produces a wealth of educational content through its blog and YouTube channel, including:
Gear reviews and demos
Artist interviews
Market trend analysis
Buying guides
Technical tutorials
This content helps build community while educating users about gear and market trends. For independent musicians, this educational content complements other resources like guides on building a free musician website to establish your online presence.
Reverb vs. Other Marketplaces
How does Reverb compare to other options for buying and selling music gear?
Reverb vs. eBay
Advantages of Reverb:
Lower selling fees (typically 5% vs. eBay's 10-12%)
Music-specific audience and features
More detailed categories for music equipment
Community of knowledgeable buyers and sellers
Advantages of eBay:
Larger overall user base
More visibility for unusual or non-music items
Potentially faster sales for common items
Reverb vs. Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist
Advantages of Reverb:
National/international audience vs. local only
Secure payment processing
Seller protection policies
Feedback system builds trust
Advantages of Facebook/Craigslist:
No selling fees
Cash transactions
No shipping required
Immediate pickup/delivery
Reverb vs. Guitar Center Used/Music Go Round
Advantages of Reverb:
Higher potential selling prices (no middleman markup)
Greater control over listing details and pricing
Wider selection of brands and models
Advantages of retail used departments:
Immediate payment
No shipping hassles
No need to create listings or respond to inquiries
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Even on a well-designed platform like Reverb, challenges can arise. Here's how to handle common issues:
Dealing with Returns and Disputes
If a transaction doesn't go as planned:
Communicate first: Most issues can be resolved through direct communication
Document everything: Take photos and save all messages
Know Reverb's policies: Familiarize yourself with the terms of service
Contact Reverb support: If direct communication fails, Reverb's support team can mediate
Be reasonable: Sometimes a partial refund or return is the best solution
Avoiding Scams and Fraud
Protect yourself from potential scams:
Stay on platform: Never take transactions off Reverb
Beware of too-good-to-be-true prices: If it seems unrealistic, it probably is
Check seller history: New accounts with expensive items deserve extra scrutiny
Verify serial numbers: For valuable items, check serial numbers with manufacturers
Use secure payment methods: Never use wire transfers or non-reversible payment methods
Managing Shipping Damage
If an item arrives damaged:
Document immediately: Take photos before opening completely
Contact the seller: Notify them of the issue
File shipping insurance claims: If the item was insured
Keep all packaging: The carrier may need to inspect it
Work with Reverb support: They can help navigate the resolution process
Future Trends in the Reverb Market
The music gear marketplace continues to evolve. Here are some trends to watch:
Growing Vintage Market
Vintage instruments continue to appreciate in value, with particular growth in:
Japanese-made instruments from the 1970s and 1980s
Vintage synthesizers and electronic instruments
Previously overlooked brands gaining collector interest
Sustainability and Circular Economy
The used gear market contributes to sustainability by:
Extending the lifespan of instruments
Reducing demand for new manufacturing
Preserving vintage instruments as cultural artifacts
Reverb has embraced this aspect of their business model, highlighting how buying used gear is environmentally responsible.
Integration with Artist Ecosystems
Increasingly, Reverb is becoming integrated with artists' broader digital presence:
Official artist shops selling personal gear
Integration with streaming platforms
Connections to other musician resources
For independent artists, platforms like Reverb complement other essential tools like independent music distribution services that help get your music to listeners worldwide.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Reverb Experience
Whether you're a buyer, seller, or both, Reverb offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with the global music gear community. By understanding the platform's features, market dynamics, and best practices, you can save money on purchases, maximize returns on sales, and connect with fellow music enthusiasts worldwide.
The Reverb market continues to grow and evolve, but its core value remains the same: creating a specialized marketplace where musicians can find the tools they need to make music while giving instruments new life in the hands of appreciative new owners.
By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the Reverb marketplace with confidence and success. Happy buying, selling, and most importantly, music-making!