It's always hard to judge value for instruments. Condition, age, size, range, materials, etc. can determine. I always recommend getting as much information about an instrument before trying to assess the value.

Here's a general break-down of mallet instruments:

Marimbas: Most serious students and players are looking for low range instruments (Low A or below). Most older marimbas are not that low. As good as a 4 octave older Deagan is, it will not satisfy a modern player, if the range is not low enough. New Paduk marimbas are available for $2000 and up! Rosewood will always be better, but a modern player may want the range, over the quality of the bars. Selling price range: $100-5000.00 (note: shipping can be $100-400.00, and you better be good at making boxes!!!!)

Vibraphones are a bit different, in that they are mostly the same in range, 3 octaves, (except for very new models, or some unique mini-vibes that are 2 1/2 octaves). Selling price range: $100-3500.00

Xylophones, like marimbas, come in many sizes and ranges. Most very old instruments (before 1940) are probably xylophones, although they might be called "xylorimbas" or "marimba-xylophones". In the end, it doesn't matter, because it's a matter of what the player needs for a range. Only orchestral musicians use xylophones any more. Students can learn on anything, but I usually recommend the lowest range instrument available, because most people like a deeper bass instrument. Selling price range: $100-3000.00 (note: shipping can be $100-400.00, and you better be good at making boxes!!!!)

Bells: Like xylophones, bells are very high in range, and best work for orchestral (or band) literature. Many students are in band or orchestra in school, so getting a set of bells in not a bad idea. Most students may become less excited about bells, because it is such a high range. The thickness of the bar really determines the value of a set of bells. The thicker, the better. Selling price range: $100-1500.00 (note: shipping can be $50-150.00. Bells are small, but heavy!)

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About older Deagan instruments: There have been some lists (published in PAS journals and from Deagan). They don't say much, but a number and a date (or range of dates a model was out). Most instruments can be dated by finding the last patent date on the instrument. (on the frame, lowest bar, etc.) "Naeged" or Deagan backwards means the bars are specially picked by Deagan for warmth of tone. If you see a model, let me know, and I will let you know what I can. We generally don't buy off Ebay. Hearing an instrument is really the biggest deal. Condition, tuning (especially on older instruments), etc. are more important than date to me. I would have a seller play the instrument over the phone, send a video, or ideally try it out personally. Older instruments are not necessarily cheaper than some newer models. Let me know your situation (student, pro) needs (performing, practicing) style of music (classical, contemporary, jazz), etc. Maybe I can give you better info.

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In the end, it's what you want to do with it that's important-keep it, sell it, give it away, etc. Who you sell it to, and how also determines how much you will get (a store will resell, so they will inevitably buy for less. We can consign, buy, or refer). Once value is established, I can give you ideas about selling it.

Consignment: (You get more $$$) Works only if instrument is in the Seattle area. You set a price, and we add a percentage to create a list price The commission is at least 25%, but can be more, depending on the price. The higher the price, the lower the percentage. Keep in mind, that most customers negotiate, so the list price is usually more than the actual selling price.

Selling to The Drum Exchange: (You get less $$$) This usually works, only if an instrument is very inexpensive (under $500) or in the Northwest, because of shipping and needing to hear it. Most retail music stores, try to double their money (that's how most retail works), so the selling price needs to be 1/2 of what it will sell for. This is good if you need to get rid of an instrument fast, and price is not the biggest factor.

Posting your instrument on The Drum Exchange referral page: (You get more $$$) This is idea for instruments not in the Northwest, and of higher value (over $500). We take a 10% commission (can be above what you want) to find a buyer. You are responsible for the sale, and you will send the commission to The Drum Exchange after the sale is made. We will put you in touch with the buyer, and you are responsible for the entire sale and shipping of the instrument. We are only a referral agent.

Ed Hartman