
Re: Chapman Stick for sale
Hi Scott, good to hear you are ready to sell your Ironwood.
I would tend to agree with DavidWS. To start, consider that you are charging $300
more than a new instrument.
***Full Stop***
Consider also that this instrument, to start, pre-dates the 3-D bridge, flaps, is a 34" scale instrument and most likely has the antiquated jumbo steel frets. Older instruments lack these modern amenities, so really, the only way you could demand this price is if your buyer knew nothing of the instrument, it's hardware or was just desperate to have an instrument. Stranger things have happened.
You could also swing for the fences and just wait it out like the individual wanting $6k for a
Graphite Stick on Reverb. He lowered it from $8k and it's been available for 9 months. I've heard that Cory challenged him to a duel he was so outraged (inside joke).
There is a reason they no longer make the Graphite or offer the PASV-4, this vintage guitar mindset does
not apply to the Chapman Stick. They are all handmade instruments directly from the manufacturer but the newer models have more features and that's a big deal when dropping $3200 on a instrument one has probably never even seen or played in person.
I would recommend spending some time on Reverb or eBay to get a more realistic price.Here is a
link to Reverb's completed listings. The first 10 there are all under $3500. These older models are averaging (an amazing) $1800 - $2300.
You may find the right buyer given the demand for new instruments, but it is more likely that you will need to lower the price to compete with new instruments as well as used instruments that are more evolved versions of the Chapman Stick.
I hope that helps and that you don't take what I am saying in a negative way. Best of luck with the sale and be sure to post at least 6 - 7 pictures with the case, the back and front of the instrument as well as the bridge, nut and belt hook to give your buyer a more complete view of your Chapman Stick - cheers.