The $30 Billion Problem: How StringTree's Showrooms Could Transform Music's Hidden Instrument Economy

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- StringTree, the fast-growing marketplace for collectible and high-end musical instruments, today launched Showrooms, a powerful new feature that gives musicians, collectors, and gear shops a digital space to manage, showcase, and sell their gear.

With Showrooms, users can upload their full collection, accept private offers, or send items to auction with one click. Unlike conventional resale platforms, StringTree introduces "asynchronous bidding," where each offer must escalate, creating auction-like excitement without countdown pressure.

"Showrooms unlock the full scope of the musical instrument market, not just what's for sale, but everything being held," said Peter Burghardt, CEO and founder of StringTree. "It's a system for showing, selling, and managing gear, connecting the dots between players, collectors, and stores in a way that's never been done before."

The feature taps into a familiar behavior among musicians: showing off gear. Whether it's a 1956 Fender Telecaster or a brand-new Magnatone amp, instruments reflect identity and story. In Showrooms, some items are simply on display, while most are open to offers or can be sent to auction with a single click, allowing users to gain traction, attract followers, and engage the market on their terms.

This launch builds on StringTree's foundation as a curated auction site; now backed by a full ecosystem for showcasing, selling, and managing gear. Users can list items privately or publicly, track collection value, gain followers, and tap into a marketplace designed for both discovery and trusted transactions.

What Makes Showrooms Different:

• No Seller Fees: Sellers keep 100% of every offer, while buyers pay a small 5% premium on each purchase.
• Offers & Auctions: Accept escalating offers or send items to be featured in an auction in one click.
• Designed for Pros & Collectors: Ideal for stores, musicians, and collectors.
• Early Momentum: Hundreds of instruments are already available, many never before listed online.

Since launching in late 2024, StringTree has rapidly grown its user base. The company estimates that Showrooms expands its addressable market to at least $30 billion, tapping into high-value inventory that's long remained offline.

"For decades, the instrument market has been fragmented and offline," said Burghardt. "Showrooms bring it all together—stores, collectors, musicians—into one connected platform where gear can finally be seen, shared, and sold."

To explore Showrooms or create your own, visit StringTree.co, or watch a video demonstration here.

About StringTree
StringTree is the trusted marketplace for rare and collectible instruments. Founded in 2024 and based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the company blends transparent auctions, private offers, and digital showrooms—bringing together musicians, collectors, and stores with curated listings and story-rich sales.

Media Contact:
Gulie Carrington, Marketing Manager
[email protected]
(510) 867-1900

SOURCE StringTree.co