I am looking to sell my Haynes flute, a LJD (Deveau) model, .016" sterling silver body, in-line G, B footjoint, open hole, with gold riser.
It was made in 1994, purchased in 1995, and completely repadded by Haynes in 1999 (have documentation available).
I am trying to find out its' estimated worth. One dealer offered me $1800 for it (cash upfront), while the used department at flute world estimated it could sell for @ $6K, since bought new, it would cost @ $9K. Quite a bit of a difference there!
It is in excellent condition, save for a bit of tarnish, primarily on the footjoint.
Surfing the internet, I am unable to find any legitimate information on its' worth... but it seems as though $3K would probably be reasonable. Don't want to overprice it, but certainly not under price it though either!
Any advice or feedback would be much appreciated!
- M
Value of Haynes flute?
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fluteguy18
- Posts: 2311
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm
Re: Value of Haynes flute?
Okay. So let's be blunt and honest here. This flute was made during a period in which many Haynes flutes were regarded as being sub-par in comparison to their 'golden years.' Haynes has recently made a big come back by completely redesigning their entire lineup. That's something to take into consideration. Haynes flutes manufactured prior to the 1960s and their current lineup sell very well. It's that iffy period in the middle that some people are wary about.
The replacement value (to buy a new one) is between $9-11k I am guessing. Flutes never resell for that kind of money. Many flutes of this caliber (like a Powell or Brannen) would realistically sell for $6-8k (assuming it's just a plain flute without anything extra, and depending on its condition and age). Haynes from this time period I have seen usually sell in the $3-5k range. Seeing as how it has been a decade since it has been serviced/repadded, adjustments are most definitely in order. I would say that it is probably reasonable to expect $3-4k in its current condition, or if it gets serviced between $4-5k. If you list it with Fluteworld or a similar company you could probably sell it for a bit more, but keep in mind that they don't have anything running on this sale other than their commission. If you choose to go that route it may or may not sell faster, and you could possibly get more money out of it. I do think that they require that it be in good working order (as in, having had a recent checkup by one of their techs).
Without pictures and seeing it in person it is hard to say to be honest. This is just rough estimations of what I've seen on Ebay and other sources over the past 4-5 years. If it were me, I would probably try to sell it for about $4-4.5k and be prepared to bargain downward. But, I'm not necessarily an aficionado on used flute sales. This flute is probably worth the $6k (especially considering gold prices in regards to the gold riser), but you probably won't sell it for that much considering that an overhaul is needed and they usually run for $900+.
The replacement value (to buy a new one) is between $9-11k I am guessing. Flutes never resell for that kind of money. Many flutes of this caliber (like a Powell or Brannen) would realistically sell for $6-8k (assuming it's just a plain flute without anything extra, and depending on its condition and age). Haynes from this time period I have seen usually sell in the $3-5k range. Seeing as how it has been a decade since it has been serviced/repadded, adjustments are most definitely in order. I would say that it is probably reasonable to expect $3-4k in its current condition, or if it gets serviced between $4-5k. If you list it with Fluteworld or a similar company you could probably sell it for a bit more, but keep in mind that they don't have anything running on this sale other than their commission. If you choose to go that route it may or may not sell faster, and you could possibly get more money out of it. I do think that they require that it be in good working order (as in, having had a recent checkup by one of their techs).
Without pictures and seeing it in person it is hard to say to be honest. This is just rough estimations of what I've seen on Ebay and other sources over the past 4-5 years. If it were me, I would probably try to sell it for about $4-4.5k and be prepared to bargain downward. But, I'm not necessarily an aficionado on used flute sales. This flute is probably worth the $6k (especially considering gold prices in regards to the gold riser), but you probably won't sell it for that much considering that an overhaul is needed and they usually run for $900+.
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afterweawake
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2011 8:58 pm
Re: Value of Haynes flute?
Ah, thank you so much for your knowledgeable response!
I knew that the brand name had been tarnished, but was making a comeback after the company was sold. The one vendor said that there still wasn't much of a market for used Haynes flutes these days, but I wasn't sure if that was completely accurate. The distinctive Haynes sound may not be for everyone, but those that like it, love it.
Unfortunately I am in a bit of a bind- the only reason I am selling my beloved flute is because I am having financial problems. Spending money on it to sell for a higher price is simply not an option right now, and of course, I would not have it tuned up by anyone that is not completely reputable. Haynes charges $300 to clean, oil, and adjust. Perhaps that is doable, but anything more than that...
Good to know that my flute has maintained its value pretty well.
Thank you again for your speedy response, it is much appreciated!
I knew that the brand name had been tarnished, but was making a comeback after the company was sold. The one vendor said that there still wasn't much of a market for used Haynes flutes these days, but I wasn't sure if that was completely accurate. The distinctive Haynes sound may not be for everyone, but those that like it, love it.
Unfortunately I am in a bit of a bind- the only reason I am selling my beloved flute is because I am having financial problems. Spending money on it to sell for a higher price is simply not an option right now, and of course, I would not have it tuned up by anyone that is not completely reputable. Haynes charges $300 to clean, oil, and adjust. Perhaps that is doable, but anything more than that...
Good to know that my flute has maintained its value pretty well.
Thank you again for your speedy response, it is much appreciated!
Re: Value of Haynes flute?
I have one of those same model flutes, the LJD. Personally, I love the sound but had upgraded to a fully handmade of a different brand a few years later.
I have thought of selling mine as well; I would think you could get around $5K for the flute if you have it adjusted, etc. but that is only my opinion. I have found with those years of models it really depends on the instrument itself. Personally I think 3 is low, but I would compare it to the ones on used flute sites--that might give you a better idea. I have decided for now to keep mine, as it is my "backup" instrument, but if I sold mine, I think I would start between 4 and 5.
I have thought of selling mine as well; I would think you could get around $5K for the flute if you have it adjusted, etc. but that is only my opinion. I have found with those years of models it really depends on the instrument itself. Personally I think 3 is low, but I would compare it to the ones on used flute sites--that might give you a better idea. I have decided for now to keep mine, as it is my "backup" instrument, but if I sold mine, I think I would start between 4 and 5.