Frequently Asked Questions


Note that the Reed Organ Society maintains a freqently asked questions list at http://sponsor.globalknowledge.nl/ros/faq.htm. Please read this list as well as that given below!
Where can I sell my reed organ?
You can always send an e-mail to the Reed Organ Society mailing list to advertise your organ - this is where you'll reach a lot of reed organ enthusiasts. Please be as descriptive as possible. Another method is to place a "want to sell" ad with the Organ Classifieds. Note that this includes all organs, not just reed organs. If you need to get that organ out of the house, try having it sold on consignment with an antique store in your area.

How much is my reed organ worth?
Simple. The average reed organ is worth $52.50, with values being slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
Oh, you really want to know the answer to this question? Economics 101: when a buyer and a seller agree upon a value, then that is how much the article involved is worth. A reasonable value can be anywhere from $100-$500, depending on playability, workmanship, overall condition, etc. Special conditions (i.e. two manuals + pedal, very ornate cases, historical significance) would increase the value; in other instances the reed organ is in such poor shape (rodent damage, missing parts, etc.) you'll be lucky to give it away. You can value your organ to be whatever you want, such as the individual in Georgia (the country, not the state!) who is valuing a Crown Organ as being worth an estimated $150,000 to $200,000. Good luck trying to find a buyer if you're insisting upon making a killing! Reed organs rarely sell for more than $1000 when they are in the best of shape.

Please note that this is a work in progress; more questions and answers will be entered as I have the time...


John K. Estell - 7 September 1999