TCGAKKI (Now Accepting Purchases and Consignments)
TCGAKKI specializes in used and vintage instruments. We buy and sell Fender and Gibson electric guitars and basses—primarily from the 1950s through the 1980s—as well as Japanese vintage models such as TOKAI and GRECO, and high-end basses like Ken Smith and Alembic. We also boast the world’s largest inventory of vintage Effectors from Japan and abroad.We also sell new products directly as authorized distributors for both domestic and international brands.
Purchases and Consignment Sales ▶︎
About TCGAKKI
Our store began in 1989 as a small shop called “Smash Hits,” created by renovating the site of a former studio in Yutenji, Tokyo. Originally operating as a sister store to Hyper Guitars, we primarily dealt in Fender, Gibson, and Bizarre instruments from the 1970s onward.Later, when we relocated to Shin-Okubo (our current location), we renamed the store “THE Used Instrument Shop” and operated out of a space created by knocking down the walls between a 6-tatami and a 12-tatami room on the second floor of an old apartment building with a pachinko parlor on the first floor. We changed the name to “TCGAKKI” a few years after moving into our current building.
As a specialty shop for used and vintage instruments, we currently carry approximately 6,500 items, ranging from guitars, Basses, and acoustic guitars to wind instruments and traditional Japanese instruments. Experts with over 20 years of experience are stationed in each sales area, providing professional consultations on used instrument appraisals and addressing customers’ requests, concerns, and inquiries.
“Advance Guitars” is a vintage acoustic guitar specialty store that spun off from TCGAKKI. In 2023, it became the first Japanese music store to publish a reference book on Gibson guitars.
“Okubo Gakki” began as an independent shop in 2013, specializing in used and vintage wind instruments, and now acts as a distributor for products from various countries both domestically and internationally.
“Japan Vintage” is a term coined by our store to distinguish Japanese-made instruments from the U.S. vintage guitars we sourced at American guitar shows in the 1980s. Our staff at the time, who were among the first to recognize the high quality of Japanese-made instruments, began using this name as a mark of respect. Additionally, the “Stone Logo” used by the now-defunct Fernandez Co., Ltd. in the late 1970s originated from our nickname for it at the time: “Stone Nandes.”
Instruments repaired, adjusted, and cleaned by our in-house repair team, “TC-TUNE,” are not only displayed in our store but are also used to adjust, optimize, and even modify instruments owned by professional and amateur players alike, based on our unique perspective and approach.
Our mission is to “Take Your Life to the Next Level with Music.”
To achieve this, we work tirelessly every day to provide the best possible recommendations from our selection of thousands of items—including used, vintage, and new instruments—to customers who are dissatisfied with their current sound or gear, or who are seeking something better. By listening to your requests and circumstances and leveraging the broad, deep knowledge of our specialized staff, we aim to ensure you feel, “I’m glad I asked them” and “I’m glad I consulted with them.”
We currently serve as authorized dealers for U.S. brands such as “TMG Guitar” and “Bob Burt,” as well as Japanese brands like “Organic Sound” and many others, selling new products directly through our store and online.
Sell Your Instrument to Us!
We are actively seeking to buy musical instruments from our customers. Musical instruments are not consumables. A high-quality instrument does not lose value the more it is played; rather, its true worth is revealed through use. It’s not just brand-new instruments that are in demand
. As a store specializing in used instruments, we do not base our valuation solely on cosmetic condition; instead, we strive to maximize the intrinsic value of each instrument. We will responsibly buy the instrument you have cherished so that it can be passed on to its next owner.
“I Wish I Had This” or “I Wish
I Could Do That”
“I’m looking for this, but you don’t have it, do you?” “Would a modification like this be too much to ask…?”
Leave it to us. Please consult “TCGAKKI” even for items you’ve never seen elsewhere, those you’ve been told can’t be handled, or cases where you’ve been turned down. The requests of each and every customer are the driving force and energy behind TCGAKKI. We reflect these in our product lineup and tuning services, evolving every day.
Enriching
Your Musical Life
Our relationship with you doesn’t end with the purchase of an instrument—that’s just the beginning. We also help with promoting live shows, recruiting band members, and other announcements. Whether you’re thinking, “I’m not really in the mood to play anymore,” or “The sound is a little different than I expected,” we’ll do our utmost to support you through any post-purchase challenges or unexpected issues. In addition to long-term tuning guarantees and maintenance, please feel free to consult us about any detailed customizations or concerns you may have.
We’ll Take Responsibility for the Handover
Our store specializes in used instruments. We receive purchase requests daily not only from within Japan but from all over the world. Whether you’re thinking, “I haven’t been using this much lately,
” “I wonder how much this instrument would sell for,” or “I’m a little short on funds to upgrade my instrument,” everyone has their own reasons and timing for parting with an instrument. Please feel free to consult with us based on your specific circumstances.
We buy not only
current models and popular instruments but also vintage pieces and instruments from lesser-known manufacturers. Feel free to reach out via a quick LINE appraisal, message, or phone call.
Welcome
to the TMG Family
Based in the U.S., we’re a manufacturer that pays homage to the craftsmanship and soulful sound of classic vintage guitars. Together with artists who refuse to compromise, we pursue the highest quality in every guitar—from the wood to the hardware.
Electric Guitar Warranty (Up to 5 Years)
If your guitar malfunctions or stops producing sound after purchase, we will address the issue free of charge. Please feel free to contact us. The warranty period varies by product.
The following cases will incur a fee
: • Requests for modifications or special adjustments
• Replacement of consumable parts such as batteries
• Repairs or modifications performed by a third party other than our store
• Damage caused by customer negligence or intentional acts
• Processing or modification of components
• Scratch repair, repainting, or polishing
• Replacements or repairs required
for custom setups • Products
not covered by warranty
Please
note the following in advance: • Non-warranty items, such as junk items, are not covered
. • Repairs may not be possible in some cases, such as when certain parts are difficult to source; additionally, the tone or playing feel may change after repair
. •Used items do
not come with a manufacturer’s warranty or similar coverage. You
are responsible for shipping costs incurred when sending in and returning repaired items. Depending on the instrument’s condition or structure, we may not be able to achieve your desired setup or sound
. If you do not present the warranty certificate, the item will not be covered by the warranty
. If the item cannot be repaired or if the repair cost exceeds the purchase price, we will offer an exchange for an item of equivalent value.
Warranty coverage is
limited to the original owner who purchased the item. Items that have been resold are not covered, even if they are within the warranty period.
◎Please click here for information on trade-ins, returns, and replacements ▶︎
Returns
The following policy applies to returns of used items purchased from us.
We will accept returns if you contact us within 6 days, including the day the item arrives. Please note that for returns due to customer convenience, you are responsible for round-trip shipping costs (including handling fees for cash-on-delivery orders) and bank transfer fees.
If we cannot confirm that the return shipment has been sent within 7 days of the product’s arrival date, we will be unable to accept the return or issue a refund.
For returns due to an error on our part, we will refund the purchase price and shipping costs once we confirm receipt of the returned item.
Please note that returns and cancellations are not accepted for items ordered specifically for you, custom-made items, items modified at your request (such as refretting), or New items that have been opened.
Trade-Ins (Replacement Purchases) Don’t worry if you no longer
like the item or have simply grown tired of it.Please let us buy it back from you!!
If you return it within one month of purchase, we’ll buy it back at 80% of the purchase price (excluding tax).
(This applies to items with a sales price of 20,000 yen or more excluding tax that are in the same condition as when purchased, and provided the price of the new item you’re purchasing is equal to or greater than the value of the item being traded in. Shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility.)
*Even if the period has passed, that’s okay—we’ll buy it back anytime. We’re also happy to simply purchase the item from you.
Regarding Repair and Adjustment Requests
・We only repair instruments that are owned by the customer.
・Once you have agreed to the estimate and we have begun work, cancellations are not permitted.
・If we are unable to contact you for more than two weeks after accepting your repair request and sending you a quote or notification regarding additional repairs, we will cancel the repair and return the instrument to you via cash-on-delivery. Additionally, if any work has been performed up to that point, we will bill you for the corresponding labor costs via cash-on-delivery.
・If you do not pick up your instrument within one month of being notified that the repair is complete, we will return it to you via cash-on-delivery.Nevertheless, please be advised that if the item is returned to our shop and we send an email to the email address you provided requesting pickup, but we do not receive a reply or a response specifying the specific method of pickup within 10 days (the same applies if a cash-on-delivery shipment is returned twice), we will deem this an abandonment of ownership and dispose of the item at our discretion.You agree to leave the disposition of the item in our sole discretion. (The same applies if we are unable to reach you by phone or if we do not receive a reply to the email we sent.)
・If other defects or issues are identified during the repair process, we may contact you regarding a change to the estimate. ・Depending on the nature of the
repair, a separate estimate fee may apply.
・If an estimate fee is charged, you will be responsible for paying that fee even if you decide not to proceed with the repair.
・While we will take the utmost care during repairs, we cannot be held responsible for minor damage resulting from the repair process (such as small scratches, dents, slight changes in condition, or discoloration).
・Delivery dates may change due to various factors, such as the repair process. ・For repairs requiring
part replacement, we may be unable to source certain parts. In such cases, we will proceed using an equivalent substitute part.
・Parts deemed unusable as a result of replacement will be disposed of unless you specifically request otherwise. If you wish to retrieve these parts, please indicate so on this form.
・In the event of damage occurring while the item is in our possession due to unforeseen natural disasters or accidents, we will perform repairs but cannot accept any further liability.
・If a defect occurs in the repaired area, we will perform a re-repair. The repair warranty period is, in principle, 90 days from the date the repair is completed.
・Parts other than those repaired, as well as materials provided by the customer, are not covered by the warranty.
Media & Corporate Partners
We are happy to accommodate various requests, such as assisting with TV filming.
Please use this form
or feel free to contact us via the “Contact Us” link in the lower right corner!
New Products & Direct-to-Consumer Items from Authorized Distributors
Unique private brands from Japan and abroad
From little-known independent workshops to handmade brands from around the world
Recruit
A music store where we can say “thank you” to one another from the bottom of our hearts
We always respect one another, genuinely care for each other when needed, and work together to envision a positive future through our ideas and actions
TCGAKKI is currently hiring. No experience necessary! Of course, we also warmly welcome experienced musicians and those currently working in the field.
This is your chance to explore new possibilities for yourself; for experienced candidates, we’ll be happy to discuss terms and conditions.
We provide the joy of discovering an instrument that makes you exclaim, “I’ve found my ideal sound!” or that makes you think, “Playing has suddenly become so much fun!”
We don’t want you to think, “I made a mistake” after joining us, and we believe it’s a waste to give up on a job that you find fulfilling.
Within the company, ideas often lead to the development of unique products—like when an employee introduced a hobby yo-yo to the president over drinks, and he actually collaborated with the store to create it. There are also plenty of moments of joy through our work, such as “finding the instrument a customer was looking for and high-fiving them!”
Our current employees are still learning too—why not grow with us as we build up those “thank yous” from our customers?
Job Description, Job Details, and Messages from Future Colleagues ▶︎
TCGAKKI
1-11-23 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Business
Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays; Open on National Holidays)
Location: 15 seconds on foot from JR Shin-Okubo Station