How about sharing some tips for good finds?

[safeinOhio]

9. Thanks, I'll check it out.

I started out years ago buying band instruments all summer, had them reconditioned and then sold them in the fall to parents who's kids signed up for band.

Stay away from accordions, hard sell. The only ones I've been able to sell are the small ones. The big fancy ones require expensive repairs and polka music is not that popular.

On guitars, try to find American made ones. Check the strings and make sure that they as close to the fret board (or neck) at the bottom as they are at the top.

I'll pick up any really cheap violin that looks old. I have a buyer that restores are repairs them. Usually doesn't pay more than $100., so I look for, or offer much less.

Ukes are a good seller. Many times I can get them for 15 to 20 bucks. Again, it is fairly easy to learn the good brands, check prices on Ebay, and check for condition.

One of my best, or most fun, buys this year was a guitar case that was empty. I spotted it in an attic on a pick. I saw the patch of cloth in the bottom corner and knew it was a amplifier in the case. Dan Electro made them and also for Sears as Silvertones. I checked and it had the original 2, orange tubes. Got home and it worked. Paid 10 and flipped it the next day for 150. Not the biggest score, but pretty thrilling for me..

Making $ is about knowledge. You have to learn about what you are looking to buy. Next you have to know the market is and what sells fast and is hot. I've been very lucky to find a job and a big antique gallery and get to see everything that goes out and the price it sells for. I broke down an bought a iPhone a month ago and can now do research on the go. I love it. A few days ago a guy wanted to sell me some flatware and said his sister saw it on line for big bucks. I whipped out the phone and said lets take a look. First site showed 10 pieces of the same ones for 6 bucks.

By the way, I'm tone deaf and have no rhythm. I do love music. I have bought and sold hundreds of guitars, only knowing a couple of cords and 2 really simple songs. I'm now having a ball playing around with my new, old, Kay mandolin trying to play some the "easy play" videos on youtube.