Resale value of a 1977 Muramatsu model ST?

[Anna]

Hi! I'm so happy to have found you here at Fluteland and hope your expertise can shed some light on my questions about selling my flute.

I have a Muramatsu ST (solid silver construction of headjoint, body and keys) which I have had since fall of 1977. I purchased it through my teacher, Murray Panitz, who selected the model and ordered it for me when I was a student at the Curtis Institute of Music. He recommended it enthusiastically (he played one himself)! I understand this model was retired in 1981. Muramatsu tells me the insurance replacement value is $8,900.00, so I assume it is closest to the modern DS model. (Of course I understand it's an entirely different instrument, but as far as Muramatsu flutes go, this is the closest approximation amongst today's models.)

As to the condition of the instrument, here is what I can tell you: I am the original owner, and the flute had about 3 years of constant use and good care, but has not really been used since about 1981. It has been carefully stored and is in very good condition, other than a few small scratches and a very small indent on the head joint.

Now I am looking to sell it, and would love any advice I can get! These are my main questions and concerns:

1. I know it's impossible to determine resale value sight unseen/unplayed, but does anyone have a general notion of what such an instrument would go for today at fair market value? I would appreciate any range, no matter how broad, as I am completely clueless about this! I would like to go into this with at least a modicum of general knowledge of what to expect.

2. I am not especially comfortable making the sale myself, so I am looking at consignment. I was impressed with Flutefinders.com and am thinking of approaching them. Has anyone dealt with them or have any thoughts about this? I would also be interested to hear of any other good consignment options out there, as I think I should look into more than one option.

3. As it has been sitting around so long, I know it will need some work to bring it up to "shipshape". How much does something like this cost?

4. Now I will only ask, do you have anything else I ought to know you can shed on this process? I'm sure there are aspects of this I am completely missing and would appreciate any advice you can give me!

Thank you so much in advance! I truly appreciate it and look forward to hearing what you have to say.

[pied_piper]

Usedflutes.com has some Muramatsu ST models listed (both current and historical sales) . This link shows a search of that site and should give you some idea of asking prices but it doesn't show actual selling prices, only if it sold.

http://search.freefind.com/find.html?id ... mit=Search

For consignment flute sales, I would suggest that you check with Carolyn Nussbaum (http://www.flute4u.com) or J.L. Smith (http://www.jlsmithco.com). Both of these companies are very reputable flutes dealers with a large customer base. I have dealt with both as a customer and have always been very satisfied with them. Your best chance of safely getting a good price is to go through one of them. Both stores also have repair departments and they could tell you what work might be needed to put your flute in tip-top shape. Since your flute has been stored for many years, I would guess that at a minimum, your flute would need a clean, oil, and adjust (COA). Those can run around $200 assuming that no other repairs are needed.

I hope that helps.

[Anna]

Thanks! I'm going to look into these sites.