For those passionate about musical equipment, Reverb has likely been a go-to destination for exploring the world of pre-owned gear.Joel Handley, the senior content manager at Reverb, has witnessed the dynamic and exciting shifts within this market.
“Tracking trends is exhilarating,” Handley shares. “If you’re a fan of effects pedals, staying updated on the latest innovations is essential.”
However,it’s important to note that the emergence of new technology doesn’t necessarily mean the end for older models. “New advancements often coexist with classic gear,” Handley explains. “They don’t wholly replace the established favorites.”
When it comes to guitars, iconic models like the Gibson Les Paul, Fender Stratocaster, and Fender telecaster continue to dominate the second-hand market. Even with the rise of amp modelers, conventional tube and solid-state amplifiers remain steadfast. Handley asserts, “The classics are here to stay.”
Current Trends in the Used Gear Market
So, what’s trending in the used gear landscape today compared to previous years? Pedals are a prime example, as they have seen a surge in activity.The boutique pedal boom has introduced a plethora of brands,shifting the focus from the once-dominant trio of MXR,EHX,and Boss to a vibrant array of boutique manufacturers-a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.
Spotting the next big Thing
How does Reverb anticipate future spikes in gear popularity? “We monitor our internal search data closely,” Handley reveals. ”When we notice a surge in searches for something like the DigiTech Bad Monkey overdrive, we often find that it’s sparked by influencers like JHS’s Josh Scott.”
Unexpected Hits and Misses
One notable example of a sudden rise in popularity was the Hello Kitty Stratocaster, which gained traction after Zakk Wylde played one, albeit somewhat ironically. This led to a frenzy in the used market, prompting Fender to reissue the model, making it one of the electric guitars that has appreciated significantly over the past six years.
On the flip side, while classic models like Strats, Les Pauls, and Telecasters continue to sell in high volumes, other models, such as offsets, have not enjoyed the same level of success. Despite their growing popularity over the last decade, they still lag far behind the big three in sales.
The Resale Market Dynamics
Why do certain high-quality brands like PRS and G&L struggle in the resale market? Handley points out that the overwhelming demand for classic models shapes consumer perceptions. “When you envision a guitar, it’s likely a Les Paul, Strat, or Tele,” he notes. “Even a PRS Silver Sky is essentially a refined Strat. Brands like G&L deserve more recognition for their quality and pricing.”
Pedal preferences
What types of pedals are currently in demand? The focus is primarily on drives and distortion effects. By 2024, Reverb’s database boasted around 14,000 unique pedal models, a significant increase from approximately 9,000 in 2019. It’s no surprise that new pedals are consistently hitting the market.
Amplifier Trends
As for amplifiers, modelers have gained immense popularity. In 2024, the Neural DSP Quad Cortex generated more revenue than any other piece of gear. Though, traditional tube and solid-state amplifiers still lead the market even if modelers are standout sellers.
The Future of the Used Gear market
Will the used gear market eventually shift entirely toward pedals and modelers? With the ease of recording and music creation today, many new guitarists may opt for an interface and virtual amp simulations instead of traditional amplifiers. However, Handley reassures that traditional guitar amps are not on the verge of extinction. “Amps and pedals are essential for crafting unique sounds,” he explains. “New technology complements the old, rather than replacing it. Traditional amps will always have a place in the creative process.”
