Reverb is where musicians go to buy and sell new, used, vintage and handmade music gear. When Reverb launched in 2013, it was founded on the principle that buying and selling musical instruments should be easy and affordable. Since then we’ve become a thriving community that connects millions of people around the world to the gear and the inspiration needed to make music.From beginner musicians to collectors, mom-and-pop shops to large retailers, and popular manufacturers to boutique builders and luthiers, millions of buyers and sellers use the site and app. You might even run into some of your favorite rock stars on Reverb!
Is Reverb legit?
Reverb (reverb.com) has a 3.9 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 200 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Hobbies & Crafts and its reputation is mixed. 23% of reviews are 1 star, a relatively high share; The business has replied to 75% of negative reviews; Reviews mostly discuss Product, Price, User experience. Last updated 2026-08-12.
What reviewers say
AI generated
Reviewers had a great experience with this company. People frequently mention that the website is wonderfully designed, making it effortless to browse and locate unique musical instruments and equipment from trusted sellers. Buyers frequently mention finding fantastic bargains, accurate item descriptions, and remarkably smooth transactions that make purchasing musical gear both enjoyable and completely reliable.
However, some customers also noted that platform service fees can feel quite steep and burdensome for regular sellers. A few other people also felt frustrated when occasional shipping complications arose or when resolving delivery damage proved particularly challenging with support.
Auto-generated from all reviews of this business. For reference only.
Sellers have figured out how to game the Reverb system to off load lemons and conceal problems with gear. Reverb needs to basically have a questionnaire for each listing that automatically sets fields like item condition. Sellers may want something to be Mint or Excellent, but Reverb needs to ask the relevant questions to help the seller understand what that means. Getting rid of reviews on return items is majorly problematic in enabling bad sellers as well. Reverb needs to explain to people to specifically list areas of damage and to picture it in listings. Reverb also needs to do a far better job explaining how to ship items, because I rarely have items shipped to me with correct packaging that you describe.
Had another problem with a seller that described the item incorrectly/falsely. Reverb doesn’t care and says it will be over a week before anyone in the resolution department will be in contact. From experience, they take months and constant pressure to fix anything and you are stuck paying interest on something they eventually refund when a 5 second look would show obvious fraud. Reverb is the absolute worst
Reply from Reverb2026-07-13
Hi Dave, thank you for the feedback. We're sorry to hear about the trouble with this seller and the wait for a resolution. We've shared this with our team to look into further.
Only purchased one item, I will never purchase here again. The item came extremely damaged, the return process was so horrible that I gave up trying to return it. Now I'm out of hundreds of dollars and an unplayable guitar.
Reply from Reverb2026-07-13
Hi, thank you for letting us know. We're sorry to hear about the damaged item and the trouble with the return process. We've shared this with our team to look into further.
Art LawsonUnited States · 2 reviews · Experienced 2026-06-30 ·
★★★★★
Reverb is a very reliable source for new and used musical equipment!
Reverb has become my "go-to" spot to "window shop" for and purchase great used equipment.
My recent experience in purchasing a beautiful maroon metallic Yamaha Pacifica PAC112 was perfect! The guitar is in excellent shape and is just as Mill River Music described it to be! Great purchase and great Reverb seller!
Reply from Reverb2026-07-13
Thanks so much for the kind words, Art! We're glad to hear that Pacifica PAC112 lived up to the listing and that Mill River Music took great care of you. Glad to have you as part of the Reverb community!
Michael is a really good man. I had attempted to purchase a guitar from him, but due to an unexpected tragedy and a family member passing away, I had to cancel my order and he responded immediately. He was both courteous and professional, and I never felt like I was out of the loop. Thank you so much for that Michael.
Reply from Reverb2026-07-13
Thank you for sharing this, Robert, and we're sorry for your loss. It's wonderful to hear Michael handled things with so much care during a difficult time. We appreciate you being part of the Reverb community.
Reverb used to promote small luthier/builders but they have forgotten where they came from, please return to your roots that made reverb what it was. small builders made reverb, but now it's all about the big corporate guitar companies, we've been forgotten...so sad.
Also the seller rates and bump rates are ridiculous!
heed the warning and look at history, this is what ebay did too and then they lost everything.
Reply from Reverb2026-07-13
Hi Mike, thank you for sharing your feedback on seller rates and bump rates. We've shared this with our team to review.
Used Reverb to buy and sell gear, including to the EU.
App is pretty flawless (could have better filters in My Collection), checkout and shipping work really well.
Large selection of instruments and gear and lower fees that other platforms. The music only approach ensures by and large no time wasters or being spammed with stuff you aren't interested in.
In this particular case got a lovely vintage bass at a keen price and effortless shipping.
Reply from Reverb2026-07-13
Thanks for the thoughtful review, John! Glad the checkout and shipping worked smoothly for you, and that you found a great vintage bass at a good price. We'll pass along the feedback on My Collection filters too. Thanks for choosing Reverb!
Waited 2 weeks and what I finially recievied was not what I purchased!
Reply from Reverb2026-07-10
Hi Roger, thank you for the feedback. We're sorry to hear the item you received didn't match what you ordered after such a long wait. We'll be following up with our management team to look into this further and get it resolved.
An unfair site that abuses its position as a leader in the field.
Reply from Reverb2026-07-10
Hi Miguel, thank you for sharing your feedback. We're sorry to hear you had this experience. We'll be following up with our management team to look into this further.
poor customer service and treatment. You have to beg for your money after you sell something. My 10th sale and 2 were paid out late-AFTER the buyer received the item. I was given conflicting and unclear answers from support when asking about the payout. It became my responsibility (?) to prove delivery of the item when it was clear with the tracking number- which was issued the day of the sale nearly 3 weeks ago. After a 5 star feedback from the buyer was given and proven, still no clear news about the payout. I understand this is the policy on your first sale, normal and I am fine with that. But not on the 10th sale of a 5-star seller.
Reply from Reverb2026-07-10
Hi Earl, thank you for letting us know. We're sorry to hear about the difficulty getting your payout. We'll be following up with our management team to look into this further.
Sweetwater
MUSIC STORE professional
Gear4music.com
Canva
Andertons Music Co.
Thomann Music
MyHeritage
Etsy