TCGAKKI, Advance Guitars, and Okubo Gakki
Musical Instrument Buyback
Will they really give me a fair appraisal?
Since musical instruments carry the history of those who have owned them, you naturally want to “pass them on to someone who will truly cherish them.” We’ve been a real, established business in Shinjuku
, Tokyo, for over 30 years—and we’re here to buy your instruments.
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 your instrument is returned? This is especially true if it’s your first time using our service.
At TCGAKKI, 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 the value of your instrument to deliver the highest possible appraisal.
Because we are a small, elite team that handles each case with the utmost 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 to the next owner.
Please contact us only if you feel, “I want to entrust this to them.”
Instruments We Buy
List of items eligible for purchase at TCGAKKI, Okubo Gakki, and Advance Guitars
Customer Testimonials
Testimonials from Actual Customers
Mr. N, Kanagawa Prefecture
: “Since it was a guitar I had cherished for a long time, I was a bit hesitant to part with it. However, thanks to the detailed explanation of its condition during the appraisal, I felt reassured that I could trust this company, and I was able to let it go with peace of mind!”
Item Purchased: Electric Guitar Purchase
Price: 350,000 yen
Mr. I, Saitama Prefecture
: “When I made a new purchase, I had several instruments traded in at once. We communicated via email a few times during the process, and they responded promptly every time—their service was very courteous.”
Item Purchased: Acoustic Guitar Purchase
Price: 60,000 yen
Mr. N, Tokyo
: “I used this as my main instrument for over 20 years. I’d shared so many performances with it that I was particularly attached to it, but after acquiring a new partner a few years ago, I had fewer opportunities to play it, and that began to weigh on my mind.Due to the nature of my work, I often performed outdoors, so it had accumulated quite a few scratches and some peeling paint. However, when I heard that they would thoroughly service it before passing it on to its next owner, 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 part of my father’s estate. Someone in the music industry whom I’ve known for a long time recommended this place to me, saying, ‘There are lots of buyback shops out there, but I think this one (Okubo Gakki) will give you the best valuation.’As soon as the staff member opened the case and gave it a few gentle shakes, they immediately asked, ‘Excuse me, but are you a player?’ That convinced me they had genuine expertise. When I revealed that my father had been a professional musician for many years, I learned that he had actually visited the shop several times during his lifetime. I’m so glad I chose to sell it here.”
Item Purchased: Tenor Saxophone Purchase
Price: 1,300,000 yen
Passing on a cherished instrument to its next owner—we’ll faithfully carry forward the story of
your guitar.
We promise a transaction that will leave you thinking, “I’m glad I sold it here.”
Musical Instrument Purchase Examples
Featured Purchase Examples from TCGAKKI, Advance Guitars, and Okubo Gakki Music Store
December 11
, 2024 | Brand
: Fender Japan ST54-130LS EXTRAD | Purchase Price
: 250
,000 yen | Staff Comment
: The package included stickers and phone cards that were originally
provided as promotional items, clearly showing that this EXTRAD had been cherished for many years. Thank you very much for entrusting us with such a valuable guitar. As a token of our gratitude, we are pleased to purchase it at this price.
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 our gratitude for you bringing it in, we offered the highest price we possibly could.
October 29
, 2024 | Brand
: Martin | Model: 1996 D-45 | Purchase Price
: 825,000 yen |
Staff Comment: We are particularly eager to buy Martin
D-45s. Since inventory was running low at the time, we offered the highest possible price. Prices for D-45s—including New models—continue to rise, so we will continue to offer high purchase prices even now that the lineup is well-stocked.
June 17
, 2023 | Brand
: YAMAHA | Model: 1967 FG-180 Light Green Label | Purchase Price
: 100
,000 yen | Representative’s Comment: This
is an early-production FG-180. While the model is widely known by its
signature “Red Label,” the early “Light Green Label” version is also highly regarded. The exterior and playing condition were excellent, so we offered the highest possible price.
September 5
, 2024 | Brand: Vincent
Bach | Year: 1989 | Model
: 180ML37 SP B♭ Trumpet | Purchase Price: 165
,000 yen
| Staff 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.Now, with retirement approaching, they decided to take up the trumpet again but found it surprisingly difficult to play… They consulted us, asking if there was any other instrument they might be able to play. We directed them to the floor that handles acoustic guitars (Advance Guitars), which they had mentioned as a potential instrument they’d like to try. They took the guitar home with a 10% trade-in bonus, requiring no additional payment.
May 4
, 2025 | Brand
: Selmer Paris | Year: 1990 | Model: SERIE II | Instrument
: Alto Saxophone | Purchase Price: 250
,000 yen |
Representative’s Comment: The
customer mentioned that they had bought it New and used it for only a few years, but in reality, it showed scratches and peeling paint commensurate with its age, as well as pad deterioration due to long-term use.It seemed the customer had confused this instrument with another one they owned, but I didn’t dwell on that point. Instead, I carefully inspected the instrument’s condition and offered the best possible appraisal. The price I quoted appeared to be more favorable than what other stores were offering, and the customer was satisfied with the deal.
December 1
, 2024 | Brand: BOSS
BD-2 Blues Driver (First-Year Model) | We buy it
for 24
,000 yen | Staff Comment
: In recent
years, first-year model BD-2s have been in high demand because they produce a sound completely different from the current models, so we offered the highest possible price.
November 10
, 2023 | Brand: LANDGRAFF
DYNAMIC OVERDRIVE (3-digit serial number period)
| We buy the model for 120
,000 yen
| Staff Comment: This model remains highly regarded even after the passing of John
Landgraf. Units with 3-digit serial numbers are particularly rare, and the customer was extremely satisfied with the offer.
List of Purchase Prices for Popular Instruments
Introducing the Latest Purchase Prices for Popular Manufacturers and Models
Fender
Custom Shop 1955 Stratocaster NOS
Purchase
Price: 240,000 yen
Gibson
Custom Shop Historic Collection 1959 Les Paul Standard
Purchase
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:
Buyback 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 caring for your precious instruments
We Handle the Transfer with Care
We’ll work with you to accommodate your individual circumstances, meticulously service the instrument you’ve cherished to ensure it’s in top 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.
Our repair team maintains the instrument in top condition
TC-TUNE and Okubo Gakki’s dedicated repair team 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’ll Be Satisfied With
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.”
Sell to a Trusted Store Where You Know Who You’re Dealing With
Benefits That Boost Your Appraisal Value
With over 35 years of experience and expertise, we take responsible care of your precious instruments
+10% if purchased from another reputable store
Instruments purchased from other reputable stores receive a “10% higher” appraisal value
Buyback
Bonus: +10%
We’ll also offer a “10% higher” buyback price for instruments you previously sold to us
Trade-in
+10%
Trade-ins when purchasing a new instrument also receive a “10% increase” in appraisal value
[Eligible Reputable Stores] Ishibashi Gakki, Ikebe Gakki, Guitar Planet, Kurosawa Gakki, Shimokura Gakki, Hyper Guitars, Shimamura Gakki, Miki Gakki, MUSICLAND KEY, Yamano Gakki, Miyaji Gakki, Foochies, Guitar Traders, ESP/Big Boss, Dolphin Guitars, Nancy, Guitar Shelter, Guitar Ricks, Dear Prudence, Walkin’, NicoNico Guitars, Wood Village, Watanabe Gakki, UNISOUND, Blue-G, Rimshot, Hobo’s, Guitar Shop Tantan, Trippers’ Guitars, Ramzies, Ottlya, funkojisan, Blue Guitars, Green Guitars, Nanda-ya, Astronauts Guitars, Guitar Shop Fumiya, Gakki-do Opus, 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 increase is limited to only one of the 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 80% Trade-In Terms?
If you trade in within one month, we’ll buy it back for 80% of the purchase price (excluding tax).
Eligibility Requirements
・Items with a sales price of 20,000 yen or more (excluding tax) ・In the
same condition as at the time of purchase ・The item
you purchased must be of equal or higher quality than the item being traded in
*Even if the deadline has passed, that’s okay—we’ll gladly buy it back anytime. We also accept outright purchases!
*Due to their nature, New items are not eligible for the 80% buyback offer, but we do accept trade-ins and outright purchases. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
*Due to their nature, New items are not eligible for the 80% buyback offer, but we do accept trade-ins and outright purchases. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
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 169-0073
Business Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
In-Store Process
- Visit the Store & Check-in
- Appraisal
- Price Offer & Agreement
- Cash Payment
② In-Home Appraisal (Free Home Visit)
How to Make a Reservation
- Inquiries / Advance Purchase Price Estimate
- Pickup of Items
- Appraisal Amount at the Store
- Bank Transfer
③ Mail-in Buyback (Shipping Costs Covered by Us)
The Mail-In Buyback Process
- Inquiry / Preliminary Purchase 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, Purchase Appraisal Department *We’ll 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)
②
Appraisal by a Specialist
Detailed appraisal by our expert staff
(15–30 minutes)
③
Price Quote
Explanation of appraisal results and price offer
(Immediate)
④
Purchase Finalized
Once you are satisfied, we’ll pay you in cash or via bank transfer on the same day
(Same Day)
[About ID Documents Required for Purchases]
In accordance with the Secondhand Goods Business Act, we are required to verify your identity upon finalizing a purchase agreement. 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 take a photo of only the “front” while keeping the attached cover on. *Please 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: this passport and a document showing your “current address,” such as a utility bill)
- Copy of Resident Record (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 a “Parental Consent Form,” you must also submit an image of your parent or guardian’s “identity verification document.” [
Important Notes] * Only documents that include your “full legal name,” “current address,” and “date of birth” are valid. You cannot use this service if you have not updated your address due to a move or other reason. * Expired documents 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 proof of identity. *Student IDs and company employee IDs cannot be used on their own as proof of identity under the law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instrument Buybacks
These are questions and concerns we frequently receive from customers
Q. Is the appraisal free?
A. Yes, the appraisal is completely free. You may cancel after the appraisal.
Q. Do you buy old musical 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 buy instruments without accessories, but this may affect the appraisal value.
Q. What areas do you cover for in-home buybacks?
A. We primarily serve the Kanto region, but as a special exception, we can visit locations from Hokkaido to Okinawa. There is no charge for in-home service.
Q. What are the maximum and minimum purchase prices?
A. We can provide a rough estimate.
Q. Can you take it off my hands even if it’s broken?
A. Please provide details about the instrument, and we’ll let you know if we can take it.
TCGAKKI, Okubo Gakki, and Advance Guitars
Our staff, who are passionate about musical instruments, view
scratches and signs of use as part of the instrument’s character!
Our team—made up of former band members, wind ensemble players, big band musicians, and other music enthusiasts—has worked with a wide variety of instruments
over the years. Regardless of
age or condition, we treat every instrument with care and affection.
“I feel awkward taking it back to the store where I bought it.”
We don’t mind at all—in fact, we’re very grateful when you bring them to us, as it helps us understand the maintenance history and makes resale easier.
Everyone has their own reasons for selling
Please feel free to contact us based on your individual circumstances and needs
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 Appraisals & On-Site Visits)
Whether you’re sorting through the belongings of a loved one or considering what to do with items as part of your end-of-life planning, our staff specializing in vintage and used musical instruments will appraise and purchase items—even just one at a time—and pass them on to someone who will cherish and use them.
Business Owners
We can assist with inventory clearance resulting from store closures, business closures, relocations, downsizing, or changes in product lines. We offer cash purchases for anything—whether new or used. Please use
this form
Whether items are old, missing accessories, or involve large or small quantities, we’ll handle your request with care and at your convenience. We strictly uphold confidentiality—please feel free to contact us.
Second Opinion
Deep Knowledge and Understanding of Vintage Instruments
Through our extensive experience handling a wide variety of used instruments—from masterpieces and ultra-rare finds to unique pieces—we frequently see customers come to us after being told elsewhere that their instrument was “unidentifiable.”
We take great joy in passing on the charm of old instruments, those with character, and those that have been cherished by previous owners directly to their next owners. Our entire company is united in sharing the appeal of used instruments with the world!
Request a Free Instrument Appraisal
Why not find out the value of your cherished instrument?
💬 Feel free to ask right here
→ Chat with us now
📨 If you’d like to discuss this in more detail
→ Submit an inquiry via the form
📱 Just send a photo from your smartphone
→ Get an appraisal via LINE