The best place to sell musical instruments?

Do NOT sell that violin without a valuation, or at least a quote. I've got a Maggini, I have no idea how much it's worth, all I've discovered so far is that it's a classic opportunity to rip yourself off. selling to a best price from a dealer when you can get better prices elsewhere. General best option is get some quotes from music shops. Forget pawn shops, however well decorated. They're hardly famous for good prices. Nor are the music shops, but they tend to be in a bracket that will give you some sort of realistic sale price. Collectors are the preferred buyers. You get a good home for the instrument, and a decent price, even if just because your price is better than the other offers. Specialist instruments like mandolins I think you'll get a better hearing from players. They're not in massive demand, but some chamber musicians and folk musicians are fussy enough to be interested in a decent mandolin.