Will they really give me a fair appraisal?
“I haven’t played muchlately…” “It’s sad to part with it, but it’s just been sitting instorage…” If that sounds like you, then you’re probably reading this page.
Saxophone Buyback
Saxophone Purchase Examples
Introducing the latest purchase example from Okubo Gakki
March 18, 2025
Brand
Yanagisawa S-99BL (1993)
Purchase Price
380,000 yen
Staff Comment
"Saxophones with a black lacquer finish tend to be more selective in terms of playing situations and musicians, 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
Brand
YAMAHA YAS-62 (2016)
Purchase Price
165,000 yen
Agent's 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 of the instrument, we are currently purchasing them at significantly higher prices than a few years ago. The appraisal value for this instrument even exceeded the used market price from 10 years ago."
November 21, 2024
Brand
Selmer Paris SERIE II (1991)
Purchase Price
515,000 yen
Agent's Comment
"The Selmer Series II, a staple line of Selmer saxophones produced for over 40 years, has undergone repeated minor revisions, resulting in different characteristics depending on the year of manufacture. Although the instrument required significant adjustments, we evaluated it based on the full potential of a product from this era."
April 17, 2025
Brand
C.G. CONN 10M, 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 relatively rare, and those in particularly good condition are especially scarce. We purchased this instrument at the same price the customer paid for it at another store several years ago."
July 30, 2024
Brand
WOODSTONE WST-AF (2012)
Purchase Price
220,000 yen
Staff Comment
"WOODSTONE saxophones are a brand that has significantly raised the quality standards for Asian-made saxophones through reliable design and strict production control. Although it required an overhaul, there was no history of major damage. We purchased this instrument as a trade-in for a vintage saxophone from our inventory."
May 3, 2024
Brand
Selmer Paris MARK VII (1975)
Purchase Price
490,000 yen
Agent's Comment
"In the past, the buyback price for a Selmer MARK VII was generally less than half that of a MARK VI. However, at our store, we offer high buyback prices for the MARK VII as well. We did not view the discoloration of the lacquer finish as a negative; instead, we considered it a positive feature that adds to the instrument’s character!"
March 4, 2025
Brand
Buffet Crampon S-1 (1987)
Purchase Price
220,000 yen
Staff Comment
"While Buffet Crampon is a household name in the clarinet world, they are less well-known for saxophones—yet they produce truly exceptional instruments. Although nearly 40 years had passed, requiring replacement of the pads and corks, the body showed no damage, clearly indicating that it had been well cared for."
July 28, 2023
Brand
A. Selmer MARK VI, manufactured in 1963
Purchase Price
1,070,000 yen
Agent's Comment
"Among vintage saxophones, A. Selmer—or 'Amesel'—is currently experiencing a rapid surge in market prices. The owner acquired this instrument about 15 years ago, and we purchased it for 200,000 yen more than the original purchase price."
Customer Testimonials
Testimonials from Customers Who Have Used Our Service
Mr. B, Kyoto Prefecture
"I bought this New with my first bonus 30 years ago.I was transferred three years after joining the company. 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 you hoping to use the proceeds to help my son, who plays the trumpet in a wind ensemble, buy his own instrument. I had heard that instrument prices were 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 had initially planned.”
Items 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. I heard this was the model Parker used and 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. 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 the neck was rare, and they bought it from me."
Item Purchased
C.G. CONN Alto Saxophone
Purchase Price
150,000 yen
Mr. Y, Saitama Prefecture
“A fellow musician I had played with for many years passed away, and I was asked by the family to sell his instrument. Of course, I would 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 specialist shop that could properly tune it. I visited several places, but the buyback prices were all pretty much the same. I decided to sell it here because they provided the best service.”
Item Purchased
Selmer Paris Tenor Saxophone
Purchase Price
550,000 yen
Mr. S, Okayama Prefecture
"I really liked it when I tried it out and decided to buy it, but when I actually used it on the job, it felt different. Since it was a big purchase, I tried my best to get used to the instrument, but I just couldn’t shake that feeling, so I decided to reach out. I knew I couldn’t return it since more than six months had passed, but surprisingly, 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 treatyour instrumentwithcare
It’s only natural to hesitate when deciding to sell an instrument you’ve cherished. 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, waiting to discover it?
Saxophone Purchase Price List
Check out 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 Model 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
2021 Model 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 Model T-WO2
Tenor Saxophone
Purchase Price:
310,000 yen
Yanagisawa
1974 S-6
Soprano Saxophone
Purchase Price:
131,000 yen
Yanagisawa
2000 S-992PGP
Soprano Saxophone
Purchase Price:
500,000 yen
C.G.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
1941 Model 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
→ Contact us via the form
📱 Just send a photo from your smartphone
→ Get an appraisal via LINE
Why Okubo Gakki is the top choice
With over 35 years of experience and expertise, we take responsibility for your precious instrument
We handle the handover with care
We’ll work with you to accommodate your needs, restore your cherished instrument to its best condition, and pass it on to its next owner.
Our expert staff conducts thorough appraisals
We go beyond just the model, year, and condition; drawing on over 35 years of experience, we identify the true value hidden within your instrument.
Maintaining Top Condition Through In-House Repairs
Our team of wind instrument specialists will inspect and adjust your instrument to ensure the next owner can start playing it in the best possible condition.
High-value buyback you can trust
We serve customers in-store, online, and nationwide. Appraisals, shipping, and on-site visit fees are all free. We are the choice for those who want to sell to a shop that truly understands value.
Bonus for Higher Appraisals
Purchased from another reputable dealer
+10%
Instruments purchased from other reputable stores receive a "10% higher" appraisal value
Buyback
+10%
We also offer a "10% higher" buyback price for instruments previously sold to us
Trade-in
+10%
Get a "10% increase"on your trade-in value when purchasing a new instrument
[Participating Stores] Ishibashi Gakki, Ikebe Gakki, Kurosawa Gakki, Shimokura Gakki, DAC, Hyper Guitars, Shimamura Gakki, Miki Gakki, Yamano Gakki, Uemura Gakki, Ishimori Wind Instruments, Nagae Gakki, Dolce Gakki, Gakki-do, Hattori Wind Instruments, Winds Lab, Cremona Gakki, Yamaha Authorized Dealers nationwide, etc... Please ask at the counter if you’d like to use other music stores.
*The appraisal bonus applies to only one of the conditions (up to 10%)
Peace of Mind Guarantee
What are the special 80% trade-in terms?
Don’t worry if you change your mind or get bored with 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 when purchased
・The item you purchased must be of equal or higher quality than the trade-in item
*Even if the period has passed, we’ll still buy it back—anytime. We’re happy to just buy it outright, too!
*Due to the nature of New products, they are not eligible for the 80% buyback offer, but trade-ins and direct purchases are possible. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
How to Sell Your Saxophone
We offer three methods to suit your convenience
In-Store Buyback (Free Appraisal)
Store Information
3F, 1-11-23 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 167-0073 Okubo Gakki
Business Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
In-Store Process
- Visit & Check-in
- Appraisal
- Price Quote & Agreement
- Cash Payment
In-Store Purchase
In-Home Appraisal (Free)
How to Make a Reservation
- Inquiries / Pre-sale Price Estimates
- Pickup of Items
- Appraisal Value at the Store
- Bank Transfer
On-site Purchase
Mail-in Purchase (Shipping Costs Covered by Us)
Mail-in Purchase Process
- Inquiries / Preliminary Price Estimate
- Packing & Shipping
- Appraisal & 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, Appraisal Department
*We can also send you a free packing kit upon request!
Mail-in Appraisal
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
Appraisal by a Specialist
Detailed appraisal by our expert staff
(15–30 minutes)
❸
Price Quote
Explanation of appraisal results and price offer
(Immediate)
❹
Purchase Completed
If you agree, same-day cash or bank transfer
(Same Day)
💬 Feel free to consult us right here
→ Chat with us now
📨 If you’d like to discuss this in more detail
→ Contact us via the form
📱 Just send a photo from your smartphone
→ Get an appraisal 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 high appraisal values even if the lacquer is peeling. Please don’t judge it by its appearance alone—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 will thoroughly evaluate the value of both the instrument and the neck together. Popular custom necks may result in a higher appraisal, so if you have the original neck, please be sure to bring it along.
Q3. Does the presence or absence of "engraving" on the bell affect the appraisal value?
A3. Yes, it does. Even for the same model, instruments featuring beautiful hand-carved engravings are highly sought after, making this a key factor in increasing the appraisal value.
Q4. I haven’t used it for many years, so the tampons are in poor condition and it’s hard to produce sound. Can you still buy it?
A4. Yes, that’s absolutely fine. Pads are consumable parts, so wear and tear is to be expected. Our repair team will assess the instrument with the intention of replacing them, so please bring it in as-is.
Q5. Will I get a higher price if I have the instrument overhauled (fully serviced) before selling it?
A5. No, that is not necessary. It is rare for the appraisal value to increase by more than the cost of repairs you would pay. We handle maintenance in-house, so selling it to us as-is is more beneficial for you.
Q6. Is the appraisal free?
A6. Yes, appraisals are completely free. You may cancel after the appraisal.
Q7. Do you buy old instruments?
A7. We purchase instruments in good condition regardless of their age.
Q8. Can you buy my instrument even if it doesn’t have any accessories?
A8. We can buy instruments even without accessories, but this may affect the appraisal value.
Q9. What areas do you cover for in-home appraisals?
A9. We primarily serve the Kanto region, but depending on the situation, we can travel as far as Hokkaido, Okinawa, and even overseas. There is no charge for travel expenses.
Q10. What are the maximum and minimum purchase prices?
A10. Please send us the details and photos of the instrument 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 details about the instrument, and we will let you know if we can take it.
Q12: Do I need to make an appointment?
A12: No, it is not necessary. You are welcome to visit anytime during business hours.
Brands We Specialize in for Saxophone Purchases
We buy wind instruments from a wide range of manufacturers
Lotus
AR RESONANCE
C.G.CONN
MARTIN
We also carry other brands, so please feel free to contact us
Request a free saxophone appraisal
Why not find out the value of your precious wind instrument?
💬 Feel free to chat with us right here
→ Chat with us now
📨 If you’d like to discuss this in more detail
→ Contact us via the form
📱 Just send a photo from your smartphone
→ Get an appraisal via LINE
Instrument Buyback Categories
TCGAKKI・Okubo Gakki・List of items accepted for purchase at Advance Guitars
We also carry products from other manufacturers, so please feel free to place your order with confidence.