If you spend countless hours browsing used guitar listings on Reverb, then you will most likely come across an instrument that was refurbished by MIRC and purchased by one of their reputable dealers to sell on Reverb.
The MIRC, which stands for Musical Instrument Reclamation Corporation, significantly influences the supply within the used guitar market which gives buyers access to high-quality, used instruments at affordable prices.
If you’re on the hunt for your next purchase we recommend you learn a bit more about MIRC and the instruments they refurbish.
How did the MIRC get started?
MIRC was founded in 1993 in Nashville, TN as a wholesaler of refurbished used guitars. The original opportunity the company seized was to purchase distressed guitars from St. Louis Music, clean them up, and sell them as refurbished to music stores, pawn shops, and other retail outlets.
Beginning as a small operation, the first few years showed that the demand for refurbished used guitars was growing. Consequently, MIRC grew to a network of 100 dealers within its first three years of business.
By the year 2000, MIRC had grown exponentially, dealing with over 30 brands on a regular basis. Fast-forward to today, and MIRC is the world’s largest used guitar wholesaler.
What exactly does MIRC do to the instruments?
MIRC partners with musical instrument manufacturers to refurbish stringed instruments including overstocks, discontinued, blemished, and in some cases instruments in need of repair.
Each instrument is sent through MIRC’s certified shop, where a professional team of luthiers and guitar/stringed instrument techs evaluate each instrument and, if needed, perform any adjustments or repairs.
Each instrument is then categorized accordingly and is distributed to the MIRC family of dealers.
Are these refurbished instruments stamped "used?"
Many MIRC guitars are gently stamped "used." This is an agreement that MIRC has with many of the manufacturers. For many, the "used" stamp is looked at as a sign of quality, giving confidence that a used instrument originating from MIRC has been properly set-up and refurbished by a professional tech.
Why is the serial number reassigned?
As in the case of the "used" stamp, many MIRC instruments are reassigned a serial number. This is an agreement MIRC has with many of the manufacturers and is also looked at as a symbol of quality.
Does every instrument from MIRC get stamped "used" and reassigned a serial number?
No, not all instruments from MIRC receive this treatment. It is dependent on the agreement MIRC has with each individual manufacturer.
Can I contact MIRC to find out what kind of work was performed on my instrument?
MIRC has a detailed inspection process before it leaves their building. Due to the volume of instruments, MIRC does not keep detailed records of repairs performed on any individual instrument.
Does MIRC buy instruments from individuals?
No. As a wholesaler, MIRC partners with musical instrument manufacturers and purchases in bulk.