How to Sell Musical Instruments on Mercari Japan
Medium ➡️
Demand
5–14 days
Avg. Sell Time
Mercari
Best Platform
How to Price Musical Instruments
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Electric guitar (Japanese brand, good) | ¥20,000–¥100,000+ |
| Acoustic guitar (mid-range) | ¥5,000–¥30,000 |
| Keyboard / Digital piano | ¥10,000–¥80,000 |
| DJ controller | ¥10,000–¥60,000 |
| Effects pedal (Boss, Roland) | ¥3,000–¥20,000 |
| Wind instrument (trumpet, etc.) | ¥5,000–¥50,000+ |
How to Photograph Musical Instruments
- 📸 Full instrument at a flattering angle
- 📸 Headstock / serial number plate
- 📸 Fret condition close-up (guitars)
- 📸 Key / pad condition (keyboards, drums)
- 📸 All included accessories (cables, case, power adapter)
- 📸 Any dings, scratches, or hardware issues
Writing the Listing
Japanese Title Template
[メーカー] [型番] [楽器名] [状態] [付属品の有無]
Description Template
[メーカー] [型番] を出品します。 【型番】[ABC-123] 【製造年】[購入年や製造年] 【状態】[美品/使用感ありなど] 【付属品】[ケース/ケーブル/ペダルなど] 【動作確認】済み 【発送方法】[たのメル便 / 手渡し] (English: [Brand] [Model] [instrument]. Year: [year]. Condition: [good/fair]. Includes [case, cable, etc.]. Tested and working.)
Best Shipping Method
Common Mistakes
Not including the exact model number — collectors and musicians search by model number
No mention of fret wear for guitars or key condition for keyboards — these are the first things serious buyers ask about
Skipping the "tested and working" confirmation — always play it before listing to confirm no issues
Undervaluing Japanese-made instruments — Yamaha, Roland, Boss, and Korg products from Japan hold value extremely well and are sought globally
FAQ
Q: Are Japanese musical instruments worth more abroad?
Yes. Japanese-made instruments (Yamaha Japan factory, vintage Roland, Boss Japan editions) often fetch significantly more on eBay or Reverb from international buyers. Consider cross-listing for rare or vintage pieces.
Q: How do I ship a guitar safely?
Pack it in the original case or a hard case, bubble-wrap the neck and body separately, and ship via 100-size Rakuraku Mercari-bin. For very valuable guitars, offer local pickup to avoid shipping risk.
Q: What is the best price for used Boss effects pedals?
Boss pedals hold their value very well in Japan. Search Mercari for your exact model filtered by "sold" to see recent prices. Common pedals like the DS-1, BD-2, or TU-3 typically sell for 40–60% of new retail price.