Setting the Stage
Gibson stole the spotlight in Q3 2024 resale. In just one quarter, the guitar brand jumped from 30th place to the #1 spot in average price per item (PPI), climbing from $143.37 to $684.83.
This surge is part of a bigger story. The secondhand guitar market is booming, valued at $1.4 billion in 2020 and projected to reach $2.1 billion by 2025. Driving that growth is the rising demand for vintage models and the accessibility of online platforms. Reverb, for example, sold $200 million in used instruments in 2019, with guitars accounting for the majority.
And yet, musical instruments remain one of resale’s quieter categories. Gibson’s surge in average PPI shows that this niche holds real, untapped potential. The data makes it clear that instruments are worth watching closely as sellers position themselves for success in Q3 2025.
Gibson’s Q3 Standout Secondhand Performance
Gibson dominated Q3 for average PPI. After sitting in 30th place the previous quarter, the brand catapulted to the top of Upright’s resale rankings.
Data spotlight from our Q3 Top Brands Guide:
- Average PPI: $684.83 (nearly a 5x increase from $143.37 in Q2).
- Ranked #1 for average PPI, surpassing Cartier and Leica in resale value.
- High-Value Item: Brand new Gibsons retail for $2,000–$6,000, which makes secondhand models a lucrative find.
Gibson has been a gold standard in guitar craftsmanship for decades, earning a reputation for unmatched quality. Some of the world’s most influential musicians like John Lennon, Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Taylor Swift, Eddie Van Halen, and Bob Marley have all played Gibsons.
Demand spans generations, from hobbyists picking up their first instrument to professionals who rely on Gibson as their go-to. Plus, there’s a collector appeal for vintage and rare models. For resellers, knowing which guitars hold the strongest reputation is key. Some of the most iconic Gibson models include the Les Paul, SG, ES-335, J-200, and Flying V.
Gibson is a perfect mix of steady demand and high-value opportunity in the secondhand market.
Musical Instrument Trends in Secondhand Retail
Musical instruments don’t get as much attention as clothing or electronics in resale, but the consumer demand exists. Outside of casual players and seasoned musicians, students and parents during the back-to-school season are actively searching for affordable, high-quality options. Interest spikes again during the holiday season, when instruments become popular gifts (specifically guitars, drums, and keyboards).
High-value instruments like Gibsons deliver greater profit margins than everyday resale items. Their surge proves these items can compete head-to-head with luxury brand prices in the secondhand space.
Success in this market comes down to knowing the right brands, models, and how to verify condition and authenticity. The learning curve may be steeper than mainstream categories, but with fewer sellers and strong demand, the payoff can be substantial.
Tools to Help You Stay Ahead
Selling secondhand instruments requires the knowledge to spot condition, authenticity, and even past repairs for maximum profitability. Upright has the resources you need to tap into this market confidently and successfully.
Master Class: “Gigs to Gains: Maximize Profits with Musical Instruments”
This is your insider guide to profiting from musical instrument resale. Packed with invaluable strategies and expert insights, it covers everything from spotting high-demand brands to evaluating condition and pricing for maximum returns.
You’ll learn how to:
- Source and spot value in high-demand brands like Gibson, rare models, and hidden gems at thrift stores and auctions.
- Determine condition and authenticity by checking for quality, wear, originality, and modifications that impact value.
- Price and list effectively to drive stronger profits on every sale.
Maximize Profits with Musical Instruments
Access our free 30-minute Master Class recording and slide deck to improve your musical instrument resale.
Q3 Top Brands Guide
We analyzed over 400,000 products and $14 million in sales data across eBay, ShopGoodwill, Shopify, and more to deliver to you the Q3 Top Brands Guide. It ranks brands sold by Upright Labs users in Q3 2024 to help you source, list, and price stronger in Q3 2025.
Gibson’s rise is just one story. The guide reveals the full list of categories and brands driving real profit.
📥 Click Here to Download the Q3 Top Brands Guide for Instant Access
Riding the Momentum
Gibson’s breakout performance highlights the untapped opportunity in musical instrument resale. With seasonal demand rising for back-to-school and holiday shopping, now is the perfect time to focus on this niche market. Upright Labs provides the data and expertise resellers need to stay ahead, from insights on top-performing brands to practical strategies for sourcing, pricing, and listing.
Ready to turn this momentum into results? Schedule a demo with Upright Labs below and see how our platform can help you maximize profits and streamline your secondhand business.