Time to Face the Music: What to Do with Old Instruments

An old Piano damaged beyond repair, ready for disposal

Musical instruments often bring a special touch to our homes—whether it’s a forgotten trumpet from high school band, a cherished family piano, or a guitar that has seen many adventures. When they aren’t being played, they might start to feel like clutter. So, what wonderful options do you have for giving these instruments a new purpose or finding them a good home?

As a trusted junk removal company, we’re frequently asked what to do with old or unused musical instruments. The great news is, there are several responsible—and often rewarding—options available: sell, donate, or recycle, depending on the instrument’s condition and type.

In this post, we’ll explore the best ways to part with musical instruments you no longer need—and explain how 1-800-JUNKPRO® can help make the process easy and stress-free.

1. Sell It – Turn Instruments into Extra Cash

When the instrument is still in good condition or only requires minor repairs, selling it could be your best bet.

Where to Sell:

  • Online Marketplaces: Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and eBay are popular for local and nationwide sales.
  • Specialty Music Stores: Some local music shops buy used instruments or offer trade-in credit.
  • Reverb.com: A platform specifically for selling musical instruments.
  • Garage or Estate Sales: These work well for bulk or quick sales.

Pro Tip: Take clear photos, note any damage or repairs, and be honest about the condition to get the best response.

2. Donate – Give the Gift of Music

Donating your instrument can be a great way to support your community and inspire the next generation of musicians.

Places That Accept Instrument Donations:

  • Local Schools & Music Programs: Many public schools operate on tight budgets and appreciate donated instruments.
  • Nonprofit Organizations: American Samaritan, Hungry for Music, and The Gift of Music accept gently used instruments and either donate them to individuals in need or use them to support music education programs in under-resourced communities.
  • Churches & Youth Centers: Some community centers and places of worship have music programs that could benefit from your donation.
  • Veterans Organizations: Programs like Guitars for Vets accept guitars for therapeutic use by veterans with PTSD.

3. Recycle – The Last Resort (But Still a Good One!)

If the instrument is broken beyond repair or unsafe to use (e.g., a moldy piano or damaged wind instrument), recycling is the most eco-friendly option.

What You Need to Know:

  • Materials Matter: Many instruments contain recyclable metals, wood, and plastics—but they usually can’t go in your curbside recycling bin.
  • Specialty Recycling Centers: Contact your local recycling center or junk removal service to find out where and how to recycle musical instruments safely.
  • Pianos & Organs: These can be especially tricky due to their size, weight, and internal materials. Professional junk removal companies (like ours!) specialize in piano removal and disposal, ensuring proper breakdown and recycling of parts.

Final Thoughts: Give Your Old Instruments a New Purpose

Whether it’s a dusty guitar in the attic, a broken keyboard in the garage, or a piano that hasn’t been played in years, old musical instruments don’t have to end up in a landfill. With the right approach, you can sell, donate, or recycle them—giving them a second life and freeing up valuable space in your home.

How 1-800-JUNKPRO® Can Help

At 1-800-JUNKPRO®, we make it easy to get rid of unwanted musical instruments—especially large or bulky items like pianos, drum sets, organs, and speaker cabinets that are difficult to move and dispose of on your own.

Here’s how we help customers:

Convenient Pickup – We come to your home, storage unit, or business and remove the instrument safely and efficiently.

Donation & Recycling Support – We work with local donation centers and recycling partners to ensure your items are handled responsibly.

Responsible Disposal – If donation, recycling, or reuse isn’t an option, we ensure your items are disposed of properly.

Fast, Affordable, Eco-Friendly Service – Same-day or next-day scheduling, transparent pricing, and a commitment to sustainable disposal.

Whether you’re decluttering before a move, cleaning out a storage space, or simply ready to part ways with old musical gear, our team is here to help you do it the right way—with minimal effort and maximum peace of mind.

Call 1-800-JUNKPRO® (1-800-586-5776) or book your pickup online at www.JUNKPRO.com today. We’ll help you responsibly remove your unwanted musical instruments—and anything else you’re ready to let go of.

Let us do the heavy lifting while you enjoy a cleaner, more organized space.

WE’RE ON-TIME. WE LOAD IT. WE HAUL IT AWAY®

Share the Post:

Related Posts

1-800-JunkPro Logo

1-800-586-5776

Give us a call at the number above for more details!