Wholesale Music Instruments

Taking up music has become a hobby for many people these days which has increased the demand for musical instruments.

As of 2023, the global musical instruments market is valued at $43.46 billion and is projected to expand at an annual rate of 7.93% through 2028.

Several factors contribute to this growth including advancements in technology, more live performances, & music courses being offered as part of the curriculum in schools or colleges.

And with 52% of U.S. households having at least one person, aged 5 or older, playing a musical instrument, there’s a BIG market for retailers to explore.

Here’s a glimpse into the top categories:

String Instruments: Guitar, violin, harp, etc.
Key Instruments: Piano, organ, accordion, etc.
Percussion Instruments: Drums, xylophone, tambourines, etc.
Electrical Instruments: Electric guitar, theremin, synthesizer, etc.
Wind Instruments: Flute, tuba, saxophone, harmonica, etc.

Each category is a small market on its own. You can either choose to specialize in one category or offer a mix of products, depending on your budget and customer preferences.

Notably, string instruments led the global market in 2022, grabbing 49% of the global market revenue, showing a high demand.

So, with the right wholesaler by your side, you can keep up with consumer demand and do well in this booming market.

String Along With The Trends

Whether in retail or wholesale, you should keep an eye out for trends like:

Electronic Instruments

More people are joining music classes nowadays, maybe to try something new or just for fun.

This new interest has boosted the sales of electronic instruments, with electric guitars being the most popular choice, especially among young adults aged 18-24.

In fact, they make up 58% of sales in the US.

This upward trend has helped the global market for electronic and electromechanical musical instruments market grow to $8.67 billion in 2023.

Ukuleles

Ukuleles, also known as mini guitars, have become quite popular because they’re small, easy to carry around, and simple to play.

Famous singers like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Ed Sheeran are using them on stage and in their song recordings. This makes people like this instrument even more.

In the US, ukulele sales went up by 14.5% in 2021 from the year before.

The demand is still strong. As more people want them, the global market is expected to grow from $5488.78 million in 2022 to $9640.94 million by 2028.

What to Look for When Buying Musical Instruments in Bulk?

While sourcing, you should prioritize:

Quality

It’s important to pick high-quality instruments, preferably those made from eco-friendly raw materials.

To gauge quality, look at the important details like the string tuning, drum tightness, etc. depending on the instrument.

Also check for structural weaknesses like cracks, dents, and scratches before making a bulk purchase.

Note: It's possible to do these checks in-store, as musical instruments are too bulky for sample orders.

Range

Explore your supplier’s portfolio to see what kind of instruments they offer. Get the ones you want like guitars, pianos, etc., in different colors, designs, and sizes.

This will help attract customers with different music preferences to your store

Pro Tip: With specific instruments, you can also offer accessories like a guitar pick for guitars or a drum key for a drum set.

Legal and Regulatory Guidelines

If you plan to sell pre-owned or second-hand instruments, then you will need to get a license or registration to operate legally.

And if you're considering sourcing instruments from outside the US, China and Germany are solid choices as they are major exporters of musical instruments.

But before you start importing, you need to familiarize yourself with the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) policies to avoid any trouble.

The Future of Music Instruments

The future of musical instruments is bright, with innovation and creativity at its core.

Here’s what you should look forward to:

Wearable instruments like the Mictic wristband that turns gestures and body movements into musical tones and sound effects in real-time.
Hybrid instruments like a guitar with a classic feel but with digital sound options, giving users more ways to play music.
Smart instruments with gesture and motion control sensors that can change the pitch and note being played.

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