Every instrument deserves the right next chapter…
Selling a historical keyboard instrument is rarely as simple as placing it on the market. Understanding what an instrument is, assessing its condition and significance, determining a realistic market position and presenting it to the right audience all require specialist knowledge.
Keyboard Farm offers owners the possibility to place selected historical keyboard instruments with us on consignment.
Every instrument is considered individually. We look at its maker, period, authenticity, condition, musical qualities, restoration history, provenance and current market relevance before determining whether and how it can be represented by Keyboard Farm.
More than simply offering an instrument for sale
When an instrument is accepted for consignment, Keyboard Farm can take care of the entire process.
This may include:
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Initial assessment and valuation
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Research, identification and documentation
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Advice on condition or necessary preparation
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Professional photography and presentation
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Determination of an appropriate asking price
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Presentation through Keyboard Farm and its network
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Contact with potential buyers
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Organisation of viewings and opportunities to play the instrument
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Negotiation and guidance throughout the sale
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Coordination of the final transfer and, where required, specialist transport
Our background in historical performance is an important part of this process. A historical keyboard instrument is not simply an object with a maker, date and price. Its sound, touch, musical possibilities and historical context can be essential to understanding its significance.
This allows Keyboard Farm to present instruments to an appropriate audience of musicians, collectors, specialists, institutions and other potential buyers, both nationally and internationally.
A selective approach
Keyboard Farm does not aim to list every instrument that is offered to us.
Consignment is deliberately selective. An instrument should fit the identity and quality standards of Keyboard Farm and there must be a realistic possibility of representing it properly.
Depending on the instrument and circumstances, different approaches are possible. An instrument may be physically presented at Keyboard Farm, represented through our website and international network, or offered more discreetly to selected potential buyers.
The objective is not simply to place an instrument online.
It is to understand what we are representing, present it properly and find the right next owner.
Commission & Agreement
Before an instrument is accepted for consignment, the commercial arrangements are discussed transparently with the owner.
Keyboard Farm works on the basis of an agreed commission on the final selling price. The commission is determined in advance and may vary depending on the instrument, its value, the scope of representation and the services required.
The asking price, agreed commission, duration of the consignment and any additional costs or services are established before the instrument is offered for sale.
Where additional work is required — such as specialist transport, technical preparation, tuning, external expertise, restoration, photography or other services — this can be discussed separately and agreed beforehand.
All financial arrangements are agreed in advance and confirmed as part of the consignment agreement.
How it works
1 — Tell us about your instrument
Send us photographs, maker and model information where available, dimensions, location and everything you know about its history and condition.
2 — Initial assessment
Keyboard Farm makes a first assessment of the instrument and determines whether it may be suitable for consignment.
3 — Examination & valuation
Where appropriate, the instrument is examined more closely. Its identity, condition, historical relevance, musical qualities and market position can then be assessed.
4 — Consignment proposal
Together we establish the proposed asking price, commission, duration, presentation strategy and any additional services required.
5 — Preparation & presentation
The instrument is documented and prepared for presentation through the appropriate Keyboard Farm channels and network.
6 — Representation
Keyboard Farm handles relevant enquiries, potential buyers, viewings and negotiations.
7 — Sale & transfer
Following a successful sale, the financial settlement takes place according to the agreed consignment terms and Keyboard Farm can assist with the practical transfer of the instrument to its new owner.
Considering selling an instrument?
Whether you already know exactly what you have or have simply inherited or acquired an instrument you would like to understand better, the first step can be very simple.
Tell us about your instrument.
OFFER AN INSTRUMENT →
