Will they really give me a fair appraisal?
“I haven’t been playing much lately…” “It’s sad to part with it, but it’s just been sitting in storage…” If you’re reading this page, you’re probably feeling something like that.
Saxophone Buyback
Saxophone Buyback Examples
Introducing the latest purchase examples from Okubo Gakki
March 18, 2025
Brands Purchased
Yanagisawa S-99BL, manufactured in 1993
Purchase Price
380,000 yen
Representative’s Comment
“Saxophones with a black lacquer finish tend to be selective in terms of playing situations and players, so it often takes time to find a buyer, and their appraisal value generally tends to be lower. However, at our store, the opposite is true. We have fully recognized its rarity and uniqueness.”
January 10, 2025
Brands We Buy
YAMAHA YAS-62 (2016)
Purchase Price
165,000 yen
Staff Comment
“Yamaha’s YAS-62 series of alto saxophones has been in production for over 40 years, from the first generation to the latest models. While appraisal values vary depending on the age and condition, we are currently purchasing them at prices significantly higher than a few years ago.The appraisal value for this item even exceeded the used sales price from 10 years ago.”
November 21, 2024
Brands We Buy
Selmer Paris SERIE II, manufactured in 1991
Purchase Price
515,000 yen
Staff Comment
“Selmer’s classic Series II, produced for over 40 years, has undergone repeated minor changes, so its characteristics vary depending on the year. Although it required significant adjustments, we evaluated the product’s potential—unique to this era—to the fullest extent.”
April 17, 2025
Brands We Buy
C.G. CONN 10M, manufactured in 1936
Purchase Price
580,000 yen
Staff Comment
“While Selmer dominates the vintage saxophone market, our store is also committed to selling vintage saxophones from brands other than Selmer. Among these, C.G. CONN tenor saxophones are few in number, and those in particularly good condition are especially rare.We purchased this instrument at the same price the customer paid for it at another store several years ago.”
July 30, 2024
Brands We Buy
WOODSTONE WST-AF Manufactured in 2012
Purchase Price
220,000 yen
Staff Comment
“WOODSTONE is a brand that has significantly raised the quality standards for saxophones manufactured in Asia through its reliable design and strict production control. Although the instrument required an overhaul, it had no history of major accidents.We purchased this instrument as a trade-in for a vintage saxophone from our inventory.”
May 3, 2024
Brands We Buy
Selmer Paris MARK VII, manufactured in 1975
Purchase Price
490,000 yen
Staff Comment
“In the past, it was common for the Selmer MARK VII to fetch less than half the purchase price of the MARK VI, but at our store, we offer high prices for the MARK VII as well. We did not view the discoloration of the lacquer finish as a negative; rather, we considered it a positive feature that adds to the instrument’s character!”
March 4, 2025
Brands We Buy
Buffet Crampon S-1, manufactured in 1987
Purchase Price
220,000 yen
Staff Comment
“While Buffet Crampon is a household name in the clarinet world, it’s less well-known for saxophones—yet they produce exceptional instruments. Since nearly 40 years had passed, the pads and corks needed replacing, but the body showed no damage, indicating it had been well cared for.”
July 28, 2023
Brands We Buy
A. Selmer MARK VI, manufactured in 1963
Purchase Price
1,070,000 yen
Staff Comment
“Among vintage saxophones, A. Selmer—commonly known as ‘Amesel’—is experiencing a rapid surge in market prices. The owner told us they acquired this instrument about 15 years ago, and we purchased it for 200,000 yen more than their original purchase price.”
Customer Testimonials
Testimonials from Actual Customers
Mr. B, Kyoto Prefecture
“I bought this New item with my first bonus 30 years ago. In my third year at the company, I was transferred to another location. I had no choice but to quit the band I was in, and I ended up stepping away from playing altogether.This time, I consulted with them in the hope that the proceeds could help fund the purchase of an instrument for my son, who plays trumpet in a wind ensemble. I’d heard that instrument prices had been rising, but I never expected to be able to sell it for an amount so close to what I originally paid. Thanks to that, I was able to get my son a trumpet that’s a significant step up from what I’d originally planned.”
Item Purchased
Selmer Paris Alto Saxophone
Purchase Price
300,000 yen
Mr. K, Tokyo
“I’ve loved jazz since I was a student, and I’m a huge fan of Charlie Parker in particular. When I heard this was the model Parker used, I bought it five years ago. However, it handled differently from the Selmer I usually use, so I couldn’t get the hang of it and decided to sell it.However, other stores turned me down, saying they wouldn’t buy vintage saxophones unless the neck was original, so I was at a loss. But at Okubo Gakki, they showed interest, saying, ‘That neck is rare,’ and were able to purchase it.”
Item Purchased
C.G. CONN Alto Saxophone
Purchase Price
150,000 yen
Mr. Y, Saitama Prefecture
“A fellow musician I’d played with for a long time passed away, and I was asked by his family to sell his instrument. Of course, I’d have preferred to get the highest possible price, but since the family’s wish was for the instrument to be put to good use, I decided to look for a specialty shop that would properly tune it. I visited several places, but the buyback prices were all pretty much the same.I decided to sell to them because they provided the best service.”
Item Purchased
Selmer Paris Tenor Saxophone
Purchase Price
550,000 yen
Mr. S from Okayama Prefecture
“I really liked it during the trial play and decided to buy it, but when I tried it out in my usual performance settings, it felt different. Since it was a major purchase, I tried my best to adjust to the instrument, but I just couldn’t shake that feeling, so I took the plunge and reached out to them. I knew I couldn’t return it since more than half a year had passed, but to my surprise, they bought it back for an amount close to the purchase price.”
Item Purchased
Selmer Paris Tenor Saxophone
Purchase Price
550,000 yen
We’ll handle your instrument with the utmost care
It’s only natural to feel hesitant about selling an instrument you’ve cherished for so long. As fellow musicians who share your love for instruments, we understand your feelings very well. And what if that instrument is “the one you’ve been searching for” for someone out there who’s waiting to discover it?
Saxophone Buyback Price List
Here are the latest buyback prices for popular manufacturers and models
Selmer Paris
, Manufactured in 1977, No. 97 (=MARK VI)
Baritone Saxophone
Purchase Price
560,000 yen
A. Selmer
1957 MARK VI
Tenor Saxophone
Purchase Price
1,300,000 yen
A. Selmer
1963 Soprano Saxophone MARK VI
Purchase Price
1,680,000 yen
Selmer Paris
2007 Reference 36
Tenor Saxophone
Purchase Price
420,000 yen
YAMAHA
2018 Model YSS-875EXHG GP
Soprano Saxophone
Purchase Price
510,000 yen
YAMAHA
2004 Model YTS-82ZUL WOF
Tenor Saxophone
Purchase Price
310,000 yen
YAMAHA
, Manufactured in 2021, YAS-875EX
, Alto Saxophone
, Purchase Price
, 252,000 yen
YAMAHA
2018 Model YBS-62II
Baritone Saxophone
Purchase Price
390,000 yen
Yanagisawa
S-WO3
Soprano Saxophone
Purchase Price
420,000 yen
Yanagisawa
2022 T-WO2
Tenor Saxophone
Purchase Price
310,000 yen
Yanagisawa
1974 Model S-6
Soprano Saxophone
Purchase Price
131,000 yen
Yanagisawa
, manufactured in 2000, S-992PGP
Soprano Saxophone
Purchase Price
500,000 yen
C.G.CONN (Conn)
1926 New Wonder Series II
Alto Saxophone
Purchase Price
200,000 yen
C.G.CONN
, 1922 New Wonder Series I GP
Alto Saxophone
Purchase Price
250,000 yen
C.G.CONN
1924 New Wonder Series I
Soprano Saxophone
Purchase Price
250,000 yen
C.G.CONN
, manufactured in 1941, 6M “Lady Face”
Alto Saxophone
Purchase Price
290,000 yen
Purchase prices are subject to change based on market conditions at the time of purchase. Please feel free to contact us for the latest purchase prices.
💬 Feel free to consult us right here
→ Chat with us now
📨 If you’d like to discuss this in detail:
→ Inquire via the form
📱 Just send a photo from your smartphone
→ Get a valuation via LINE
Why Choose Okubo Gakki?
With over 35 years of experience and expertise, we take responsibility for safeguarding your precious instruments
We’ll Hand Them Over with Care
We’ll work with you to accommodate your specific needs, restore your cherished instrument to the best possible condition, and pass it on to its next owner.
Our expert staff conducts thorough appraisals
Based on over 35 years of experience, we assess not only the model, year, and condition but also the hidden value within each instrument.
Maintaining Top Condition Through Our Dedicated Repair Team
Our team of wind instrument repair specialists will inspect and adjust your instrument, ensuring it’s in top condition so the next owner can start playing right away.
High-Value Buyback You Can Count On
We serve customers in-store, online, and nationwide. Appraisals, shipping, and on-site service fees are all free. We’re the top choice for those who want to “sell to a shop that truly understands value.”
Bonus for Higher Appraisals
Purchased from other reputable stores:
+10%
Instruments purchased from other reputable dealers receive a “10% increase” in appraisal value
Buyback:
+10%
We also offer a “10% increase” on the buyback price for instruments you previously sold to us.
Trade-in:
+10%
Get a “10% increase” on your trade-in value when purchasing a new instrument
[Participating Stores] Ishibashi Music, Ikebe Music, Kurosawa Music, Shimokura Music, DAC, Hyper Guitars, Shimamura Music, Miki Music, Yamano Music, Uemura Music, Ishimori Wind Instruments, Nagae Music, Dolce Music, Gakki-do, Hattori Wind Instruments, Winds Lab, Cremona Music, Yamaha Authorized Dealers nationwide, etc... Please inquire at the counter if you’d like to trade in at other music stores.
*The appraisal bonus is limited to one of the following conditions (up to 10%)
Peace of Mind Guarantee
What Are the Special 80% Trade-In Terms?
It’s okay if you change your mind or get tired of it. Please let us buy it back!
Buyback Guarantee
If you trade in within one month, we’ll buy it back for 80% of the purchase price (excluding tax).
Terms and Conditions
・Items with a sales price of 20,000 yen or more (excluding tax)
・In the same condition as at the time of purchase
・The purchased item must be of equal or higher quality than the trade-in item
*It’s okay even if the period has passed—please let us buy it back anytime. We’re also happy to simply purchase it outright!
*Due to their nature, New items are not eligible for the 80% buyback, but trade-ins and outright purchases are possible. Please feel free to contact us.
How to Sell Your Saxophone
We offer three options to suit your schedule
In-Store Purchase (Free Appraisal)
Store Information
3F, Okubo Gakki, 1-11-23 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 167-0073
Business Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
In-Store Process
- Visit the Store & Check-in
- Appraisal
- Price Offer & Agreement
- Cash Payment
In-Store Purchases
On-Site Appraisal (Free Service)
How to Make a Reservation
- Inquiries / Advance Price Estimates
- Pickup of Items
- Appraisal Amount at the Store
- Bank Transfer
On-Site Buyback
Mail-in Purchase (Shipping Costs Covered by Us)
Mail-in Purchase Process
- Inquiry / Preliminary Price Estimate
- Packing and Shipping
- Appraisal and Notification
- Bank Transfer
Just send it via Yamato Transport on a collect-on-delivery basis!
Shipping Address:
1-11-23 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Buyback Appraisal Department
*We’ll send you a free packing kit upon request!
Mail-in Buyback
Saxophone Appraisal Process
Steps from Appraisal Request to Completion of Purchase
❶
Request an Appraisal
Request an appraisal by phone, online, or via LINE
(Same Day)
❷
by Experts
Detailed Appraisal by Specialized Staff
(15–30 minutes)
❸
Price Quote
Explanation of Appraisal Results and Price Offer
(Immediate)
❹
Purchase Completed
If you’re satisfied, we’ll pay you in cash or via bank transfer the same day
(Same Day)
💬 Feel free to consult with us right here
→ Chat with us now
📨 If you’d like to discuss this in more detail, visit
→ Inquire via the form
📱 Just send a photo from your smartphone
→ Get a valuation via LINE
Frequently Asked Questions About Saxophones
Questions We Often Receive from Customers
Q1. I have an old vintage saxophone. Does it still have value even if it looks worn out?
A1. Yes, depending on the model, it can be very valuable. In particular, models like the Selmer Mark VI can still command a high appraisal value even if the lacquer is peeling. Please don’t judge it solely by its appearance—feel free to contact us for a consultation.
Q2. I’ve replaced the neck with a custom one instead of the original. How will this affect the appraisal?
A2. We’ll thoroughly evaluate the value of both the body and the neck together. Popular custom necks may even increase the appraisal value, so if you have the original neck, please be sure to bring it along.
Q3. Does the presence or absence of “engravings” on the bell affect the appraisal value?
A3. Yes, it does. Even among the same model, instruments featuring beautiful hand-carved engravings are highly sought after, and this is a key factor that increases the appraisal value.
Q4. I haven’t used it for many years, so the pads are in poor condition and it’s hard to produce sound. Can you still buy it?
A4. Yes, that’s absolutely no problem. Pads are consumable parts, so deterioration is to be expected. Our repair team will assess the instrument with the intention of replacing the pads, so please bring it in as-is.
Q5. Will I get a higher price if I have the instrument overhauled (fully adjusted) before selling it?
A5. No, that is not necessary. It is rare for the appraisal value to increase by more than the cost of the repairs you would pay. Since we handle maintenance in-house, it is more beneficial for you to sell it as-is.
Q6. Is the appraisal free?
A6. Yes, the appraisal is completely free. You may cancel after the appraisal if you wish.
Q7. Do you buy old instruments?
A7. We buy instruments in good condition, regardless of their age.
Q8. Can you buy my instrument even if it doesn’t have any accessories?
A8. We buy your instrument even without accessories, but this may affect the appraisal value.
Q9. What areas do you cover for in-home buyback service?
A9. We primarily serve the Kanto region, but depending on the situation, we may travel as far as Hokkaido, Okinawa, or even overseas. There is no charge for travel.
Q10. What are the maximum and minimum buyback prices?
A10. Please send us the instrument’s details and photos in advance, and we can provide a rough estimate.
Q11. Can you take it off my hands even if it’s broken (even for 0 yen)?
A11. Please provide the instrument’s details, and we’ll let you know if we can take it.
Q12: Do I need to make a reservation?
A12: No, you don’t. You’re welcome to visit anytime during business hours.
Brands We Are Currently Prioritizing for Saxophone Purchases
We purchase wind instruments from a wide range of manufacturers
Lotus
AR RESONANCE
C.G. CONN
MARTIN
We also carry other brands—please feel free to contact us with confidence
Request a Free Saxophone Appraisal
Why not find out the value of your cherished wind instrument?
💬 Feel free to chat right here
→ Chat with us now
📨 If you’d like to discuss this in more detail, visit
→ Inquire via the form
📱 Just send a photo from your smartphone
→ Get a valuation via LINE
Instrument Purchase Categories
List of items eligible for purchase at TCGAKKI, Okubo Gakki, and Advance Guitars
We also carry products from other manufacturers, so please feel free to place your order with confidence.