Antique Instrument Business

Antique Instrument Business Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: October 7th, 2024

There’s a timeless allure in vintage sounds. An antique instrument business offers the opportunity to connect people with the history and soul of classic string, wind, and percussion instruments.

This niche venture involves sourcing rare and vintage instruments from various places, including auctions, estate sales, and private collectors. Your role is to identify, authenticate, restore, and sell these pieces. The market is selective, but passionately dedicated to preserving the rich tones and craftsmanship of yesteryears.

For enthusiasts and collectors, it’s not just about owning an instrument; it’s about holding a piece of history. The allure of antique instruments is their unique character and storied past, creating meaningful connections for the buyer.

Starting an antique instrument business requires dedication to the craft, knowledge of music history, and skill in restoration. If you’re passionate about music and history, this could be a fulfilling path that combines business with cultural preservation.

In this list, you'll find real-world antique instrument business success stories and very profitable examples of starting a antique instrument business that makes money.

1. Flute Center of New York ($6.6M/year)

Phil Unger founded the Flute Center of New York after pivoting from his Radio-TV degree to musical instrument repair, influenced by his musician father. By specializing in professional flute repair and building personal relationships, he grew the business to $7M in sales by 2019.

How much money it makes: $6.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 16

How I Started A $550K/Month Flutes And Piccolos Online Store

Flute Center of New York is the largest flute-centric company in the world, servicing musicians globally with an impressive retail level sales of over 7 million USD in 2019 by selling flutes and piccolos ranging from $500 to an astonishing $75,000.

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