TCGAKKI・Advance Guitars・Okubo Gakki
Musical Instrument Buyback
Will they really give me a fair appraisal?
Since musical instruments carry the history of those who have passed them down, you naturally want to “pass them on to someone who will truly cherish them.”
We’ve been a real, established business in Tokyo/Shinjuku for over 30 years—we’ll buy your instrument
Burdensome paperwork, lowball offers, incompetent staff, unexplained fees... Doesn’t that sound scary?
Have you ever felt anxious about having to go out in the rain to get a copy of your ID, having the buyback price lowered under some pretext, or being charged a fee when returning the item? This is especially true if it’s your first time.
With the TCGAKKI Group, simply scan the QR code and enter your information on your smartphone to complete the process. Appraisal fees, shipping costs, and on-site visit fees are all free.
Backed by 35 years of experience, extensive reference materials, and the proven expertise of our dedicated repair team “TC-TUNE,” we maximize your instrument’s value to deliver high-value appraisals.
Because we are a small, elite team that handles each case with care, we cannot accept every request. We prioritize those who contact us directly and treat every transaction with the utmost respect, taking into account the emotional significance and history of each instrument.
Instruments aren’t meant to be discarded—they’re meant to be passed on.
Please contact us only if you feel, “I want to entrust this to them.”
Items We Buy
TCGAKKI・Okubo Gakki・List of items accepted for purchase at Advance Guitars
Customer Reviews
Testimonials from Customers Who Have Used Our Service
Mr. N, Kanagawa Prefecture
“I had cherished this guitar for a long time, so I was a bit hesitant to part with it. However, thanks to the detailed explanation of its condition during the appraisal, I felt confident that I could trust you with it and was able to let it go with peace of mind!”
Item Purchased: Electric Guitar
Purchase Price: 350,000 yen
Saitama Prefecture, Mr. I
“When I made a purchase, I traded in several guitars at once. We communicated via email several times during the process, and they responded promptly every time with very polite service.”
Item Purchased: Acoustic Guitar
Purchase Price: 60,000 yen
Mr. N, Tokyo
“I used this as my main instrument for over 20 years. I had a special attachment to it since we’d been through so many gigs together, but after acquiring a new partner a few years ago, I had fewer opportunities to play it, which worried me.Due to the nature of my work, I performed outdoors frequently, so it had accumulated quite a few scratches and some paint chipping. However, when I heard that they would thoroughly service it before passing it on to the next player, I was able to let it go with peace of mind."
Item Purchased: French Horn
Purchase Price: 190,000 yen
Mr. M, Kanagawa Prefecture
“It was my father’s heirloom. Someone in the music industry whom I know well recommended this place to me, saying, ‘There are lots of buyback shops out there, but I think this one (Okubo Gakki) will appreciate its value the most.’The staff member opened the case, gave it a quick shake, and immediately asked, ‘Excuse me, but are you a player?’ That’s when I was convinced of their genuine expertise. When I mentioned that my father had been a professional musician for many years, I learned that he had actually visited this shop several times during his lifetime. I’m so glad I asked them to appraise it.”
Item Purchased: Tenor Saxophone
Purchase Price: 1,300,000 yen
Passing on a cherished instrument to its next owner
We’ll faithfully carry on the story of your guitar.
We promise a transaction that will leave you thinking, “I’m glad I sold it here.”
Instrument Purchase Examples
Introducing purchase examples from TCGAKKI・Advance Guitars・Okubo Gakki
December 11, 2024
Brands We Buy
Fender Japan ST54-130LS EXTRAD
Purchase Price
250,000 yen
Agent's Comment
This EXTRAD model came with the stickers and telephone cards that were included as promotional items back in the day, clearly showing that it has been cherished for many years. Thank you very much for entrusting us with such a valuable guitar. We are offering this price as a token of our gratitude.
December 11, 2024
Brand
YAMAHA SG2000 Deep Purple
Purchase Price
300,000 yen
Staff Comment
Since this was a limited-edition color SG2000 that we rarely get to see, I was thrilled from the moment you brought it in for appraisal. To express my gratitude for bringing it in, I did my very best to offer you the highest possible price.
October 29, 2024
Brand
Martin 1996 D-45
Purchase Price
825,000 yen
Agent's Comment
We are particularly eager to purchase Martin D-45 models. Since inventory was low at the time, we offered the highest possible price. Prices for the D-45, including the New model, continue to rise, so we will continue to offer high purchase prices even now that our inventory is well-stocked.
June 17, 2023
Brand
YAMAHA 1967 FG-180 Light Green Label
Purchase Price
100,000 yen
Staff Comment
This is an early FG-180 model.
While the model is widely known by its signature “Red Label,” the early “Light Green Label” version is also highly regarded. The appearance and playing condition are excellent, so we offered the highest possible price.
September 5, 2024
Brand
Vincent Bach 1989 180ML37 SP B♭ Trumpet
Purchase Price
165,000 yen
Agent's Comment
The seller purchased this instrument over 30 years ago with their first bonus. Shortly after, they were transferred to a new location and stopped playing; after getting married, it was left at their parents’ home.With retirement approaching, they decided to take up playing again and dug out the trumpet, but found it surprisingly difficult to play. They consulted us, asking if there was another instrument they could manage. We directed them to the floor that handles acoustic guitars (Advance Guitars), which was among the instruments they mentioned wanting to try. They took the guitar home with a 10% trade-in bonus, requiring no additional payment.
May 4, 2025
Brand Purchased
Selmer Paris 1990 SERIE II Alto Saxophone
Purchase Price
250,000 yen
Agent's Comment
The client mentioned that they had only used the instrument for a few years after purchasing it at New! However, upon inspection, we found scratches and paint peeling commensurate with its age, as well as pad deterioration due to long-term use. It seemed the client had confused this instrument with another one they owned, but we did not dwell on that point. Instead, we carefully examined the instrument’s condition and provided the best possible appraisal. The offer we presented appeared to be more favorable than those from other stores, and the client was satisfied with it.
December 1, 2024
Brand Purchased
BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver (First-Year Model)
Purchase Price
24,000 yen
Staff Comment
In recent years, the first-year model BD-2 has gained significant popularity due to its sound being completely different from the current model, so we have offered the highest possible price.
November 10, 2023
Brand
LANDGRAFF DYNAMIC OVERDRIVE (3-digit serial number period)
Purchase Price
120,000 yen
Agent's Comment
This model remains highly regarded even after the passing of John Landgraf. Units with three-digit serial numbers are particularly rare, and our customer was extremely satisfied with the transaction.
List of Purchase Prices for Popular Instruments
Latest Purchase Prices for Popular Brands and Models
Fender
Custom Shop 1955 Stratocaster NOS
Purchase Price:
240,000 yen
Gibson
Custom Shop Historic Collection 1959 Les Paul Standard
Buyback Price:
400,000 yen
Paul Reed Smith
Custom 24
Purchase Price
: 220,000 yen
Gibson
1964 B-25
Purchase Price
: 400,000 yen
Martin
OM-42
Purchase Price
: 420,000 yen
YAMAHA
1978 L-10
Purchase Price
240,000 yen
Bach
Model 37 180ML
Purchase Price
: 180,000 yen
Selmer Paris
Alto Saxophone SERIE II
Purchase Price
: 300,000 yen
Why Choose Us
With over 35 years of experience and expertise, we take responsibility for your precious instruments
We handle the handover with care
We’ll work with you to accommodate your needs, meticulously restore your cherished instrument to its best condition, and pass it on to its next owner.
Careful Appraisal by Expert Staff
Based on over 35 years of experience, we assess not only the model, year, and condition, but also the hidden value within the instrument.
Maintaining Top Condition with Our Repair Team
TC-TUNE and Okubo Gakki’s dedicated repair team will inspect and adjust your instrument, ensuring it is in top condition for the next owner to begin playing.
High-Value Buyback You Can Trust
We serve customers in-store, online, and nationwide. Appraisals, shipping, and on-site service fees are all free. We are the choice for those who want to sell to a shop that truly understands value.
Sell to a Trusted Store Where You Know Who You’re Dealing With
Bonus for Higher Appraisals
With over 35 years of experience and expertise, we take responsibility for your precious instrument
Purchased from other reputable stores
+10%
Instruments purchased from other reputable stores receive a “10% higher” appraisal
Buyback
+10%
We also offer a "10% higher" buyback price for instruments previously sold to us
Trade-in
+10%
We’ll add 10% to the trade-in value when you purchase a new instrument
[Participating Stores] Ishibashi Gakki, Ikebe Gakki, Guitar Planet, Kurosawa Gakki, Shimokura Gakki, Hyper Guitars, Shimamura Gakki, Miki Gakki, MUSICLAND KEY, Yamano Gakki, Miyaji Gakki, Foo's, Guitar Traders, ESP/Big Boss, Dolphin Guitars, Nancy, Guitar Shelter, Guitar Ricks, Dear Prudence, Walkin', Nico Nico Guitars, Wood Village, Watanabe Gakki, UNISOUND, Blue-G, Rimshot, Hobo's, Guitar Shop Tantan, Trippers' Guitars Ramzies Ottleyya funkojisan Blue Guitars Green Guitars Nanda-ya Astronauts Guitars Guitar Shop Fumiya Gakki-do Opus Gakki-ya BOW Guitar Shop TONIQ Yamaha Authorized Dealers Nationwide etc... Please let us know if you’d like to use other music stores when making your request.
*The appraisal bonus is limited to one of the following conditions (up to 10%)
Buyback Guarantee
Don’t worry if you change your mind or get tired of it. Please let us buy it back!
What are the special terms for the 80% trade-in offer?
If you trade in within one month, we will 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)
・It must be in the same condition as when you purchased it
・The purchased item must be of equal or higher quality than the trade-in item
* Even if the period has passed, that’s okay—we’ll buy it back anytime. We also acceptoutright purchases !
*Due to their nature, New products are not eligible for the 80% buyback, but trade-ins and outright purchases are possible. Please feel free to contact us.
*Due to their nature, New products 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 Instrument
We offer three methods to suit your convenience
① In-Store Purchase (Free Appraisal)
Store Information
1-11-23 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 167-0073
Business Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
In-Store Process
- Visit & Check-in
- Appraisal
- Price Offer & Agreement
- Cash Payment
② On-site Purchase (Free Home Visit)
How to Make a Reservation
- Inquiries / Preliminary Price Estimate
- Pickup of Items
- Appraisal at the Store
- Bank Transfer
③ Mail-in Buyback (Shipping costs covered by us)
How Mail-in Buyback Works
- Inquiry / 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!
Instrument Appraisal Process
We won’t keep you waiting—feel free to contact us!
①
Request an Appraisal
Request an appraisal by phone, online, or via LINE
(Same-day service)
②
Appraisal by a Specialist
Detailed appraisal by our specialists
(15–30 minutes)
③
Price Quote
Explanation of appraisal results and price offer
(Immediate)
④
Purchase Completed
Once you agree, same-day cash payment or bank transfer
(Same Day)
[Regarding ID Documents Required for Purchase]
In accordance with the Secondhand Goods Business Act, we are required to verify your identity upon finalizing a purchase. Please provide an image of one of the following documents (which must be valid).
■ Acceptable forms of identification
■ Acceptable forms of identification
- Driver’s license
- My Number Card (Please photograph only the "front" with the attached cover on. *Do not upload an image of the back under any circumstances)
- Passport (*For passports issued on or after February 4, 2020, that do not have a holder information section, two forms of identification are required, including a document showing your current address, such as a utility bill)
- Copy of Resident Certificate (*Copies are not accepted / Must have been issued within the last 3 months)
- Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate
- Pension Handbook
- Disability Certificate
■ For Minors (Under 18) or High School Students In addition to the "Parental Consent Form," you must also submit an image of the "parent’s own identification document" as part of the purchase process.
[Important Notes] * Only documents that include your "full name," "current address," and "date of birth" are valid. If you have not updated your address due to a move or other reason, you will not be able to use this service. * Documents that have expired cannot be used. *As of December 2, 2025, various health insurance cards (National Health Insurance, Social Insurance, Mutual Aid Associations, etc.) can no longer be used as identification documents. *By law, student IDs and company employee IDs cannot be used as identification documents on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instrument Buybacks
Frequently asked questions from customers
Q. Is the appraisal free?
A. Yes, appraisals are completely free. You may cancel after the appraisal.
Q. Do you buy old instruments?
A. We buy guitars in good condition, regardless of their age.
Q. Can you buy my instrument even if it doesn’t have any accessories?
A. We can buy it even without accessories, but this may affect the appraisal value.
Q. What areas do you cover for in-home appraisals?
A. We primarily serve the Kanto region, but as a special exception, we can travel from Hokkaido to Okinawa. There is no charge for the home visit.
Q. What are the maximum and minimum purchase prices?
A. We can provide a rough estimate.
Q. Can you take items that are broken?
A. Please provide details about the instrument, and we will let you know if we can take it.
TCGAKKI・Okubo Gakki・Advance Guitars
Our staff, who are passionate about musical instruments,
value scratches and signs of use as part of the instrument’s character!
We’re a group of music lovers—including former band members, wind ensemble players, and big band enthusiasts—
. Having handled a wide variety of instruments over the years,
, we treat every instrument with care, regardless of its age or condition.
"I feel awkward taking it back to the store where I bought it"
Wedon’t mind at all—in fact, we’re actually grateful because ithelps us understand the maintenance historyand makes it easier to resell
Everyone has their own reasons for selling
Please feel free to contact us based on your individual circumstances and convenience
First-time customers
Rest assured, the process is surprisingly simple 😆. Our staff—with over 35 years of experience at a specialty music store—will explain everything carefully via chat.
Estate Clearance & End-of-Life Planning (Free Appraisal & On-Site Visit)
Sorting through the belongings of a loved one. Or items you’re considering disposing of as part of end-of-life planning. Our staff specializing in vintage and used instruments will appraise and purchase items—even just a single piece—and pass them on to someone who will cherish them.
Business Owners
We can assist with inventory clearance due to store closures, business closures, relocations, downsizing, or changes in product lines. We offer cash purchases for anything, whether it’s used or new.
Please use this form
Whether the items are old, missing accessories, or large or small in scale, we will handle your request with care and at your convenience. We strictly uphold confidentiality—please feel free to contact us.
Second Opinion
Expert Knowledge and Understanding of Vintage Instruments
Through our extensive experience with secondhand instruments, we encounter a wide variety of instruments—from masterpieces and ultra-rare items to unique pieces—and many customers visit us after being told elsewhere that their instrument was "unidentifiable."
We take great joy in passing on the charm of old instruments, instruments with character, and instruments that have been cherished and played with care directly to their next owners. Our entire company is united in sharing the appeal of used instruments with the world!