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 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 Shinjuku
, Tokyo, for over 30 years—and we’re the ones who’ll 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 false pretenses, 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, the process is completed simply by scanning a QR code and entering your information on your smartphone. 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 care, we cannot accommodate every request. We prioritize those who contact us directly and handle every transaction with the utmost respect, taking into account the sentimental value 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.”
Instruments We Buy
List of items eligible for purchase at TCGAKKI, Okubo Gakki, and Advance Guitars
Customer Testimonials
Testimonials from Customers Who Have Used Our Service
Mr. N, Kanagawa Prefecture
: “Since it was a guitar I’d cherished for a long time, I was a bit hesitant to part with it. However, thanks to the thorough explanation of its condition during the appraisal, I felt I could trust this company and 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 traded in several instruments at once. We communicated via email several times during the process, and they responded promptly every time with very courteous 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’d shared so many gigs 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, which 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 was told that they would thoroughly service it before passing it on to the next player, I was able to send it off 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 (Okubo Gakki), saying, ‘There are lots of buyback shops out there, but I think this one will recognize its true value the best.’As soon as the staff member opened the case and gave it a few gentle shakes, they asked, ‘Excuse me, but are you a player?’ That’s when I was convinced of their expert appraisal skills. 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 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 on 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
December 11
, 2024 | Brand
: Fender Japan ST54-130LS EXTRAD | Purchase Price
: 250
,000 yen |
Representative’s Comment: The guitar came with the stickers and telephone cards that were included as promotional items at
the time, and it was clear that this EXTRAD had been cherished for many years. Thank you very much for entrusting us with such a valuable guitar. With our sincere gratitude, we are pleased to buy it at this price.
December 11
, 2024 | Brand: YAMAHA
SG2000 Deep Purple | Purchase Price
: 300
,000 yen
| Representative’s 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. As a token of our gratitude for bringing it to us, we offered the highest possible price.
October 29
, 2024 | Brand
: Martin | Model: 1996 D-45 | Purchase Price
: 825,000 yen
| Staff Comment: We buy Martin
D-45s particularly eagerly. Since inventory was low at the time, we offered the highest possible price. Prices for D-45s—including New models—continue to rise, so we’ll 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 |
Representative’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, the instrument was left at their parents’ home.Now, 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 any instrument they could manage. 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 | Alto Saxophone
| Purchase Price: 250
,000 yen
| Staff Comment: The customer
mentioned that they had bought it New at the time and used it for only a few years! However, it actually 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 thoroughly inspected the instrument’s condition and provided the best possible appraisal. The offer appeared to be more favorable than those from other stores, and the customer was satisfied with it.
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)
| We buy the item 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 Brands 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:
Buyback
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 needs, service your cherished instrument 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 your 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% for instruments purchased from other reputable stores
Instruments purchased from other reputable stores receive a “10% higher” appraisal value
Buyback
Bonus: +10%
We’ll also offer a “10% increase” when you sell back an instrument you previously sold to us
Trade-in
Bonus +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, FooChees, Guitar Traders, ESP/Big Boss, Dolphin Guitars, Nancy, Guitar Shelter, Guitar Ricks, Dear Prudence, Walkin’, Niconico Guitars, Wood Village, Watanabe Music, UNISOUND, Blue-G, Rimshot, Hobo’s, Guitar Shop Tantan, Trippers’ Guitars, Ramzie’s, 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 placing your order.
*The appraisal bonus is limited to one condition (up to 10%)
Buy-Back Guarantee
Don’t worry if you change your mind or get tired of it. We’d be happy to buy it back from you!
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 value than the item being traded in
*Even if the period has passed, it’s still okay—please let us buy it back anytime. We’ll also buy items outright!
*Due to their nature, New items are not eligible for the 80% buyback offer, but we do accept them for trade-ins or outright purchase. 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 them for trade-ins or outright purchase. 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 On-Site Purchases (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 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, 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 specialists
(15–30 minutes)
③
Price Quote
Explanation of appraisal results and price offer
(Immediate)
④
Purchase Finalized
Once you’re satisfied, we’ll pay you in cash or via bank transfer the same day
(Same Day)
[About ID Verification 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 a photo 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. *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 section for the holder’s personal information, two forms of identification are required: the passport plus 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: We buy items; you must submit both a “Parental Consent Form” and an image of the parent’s or guardian’s own identification 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 yet 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 identification documents. *Student IDs and company employee IDs cannot be used as identification documents on their own under current 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 instruments?
A. We’ll 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 anywhere from Hokkaido to Okinawa. There is no charge for in-home service.
Q. What are the highest and lowest 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, Advance Guitars
Our staff, who are passionate about musical instruments, view
scratches and signs of use as part of the instrument’s charm!
Our team—made up of former band members, wind ensemble players, big band musicians, and other music enthusiasts—has handled 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 knowing the maintenance history makes it easier for us to resell them.
Everyone has their own reasons for selling
Please feel free to contact us based on your individual circumstances and schedule
First-time customers
Rest assured—the process is surprisingly simple 😆. Our staff at this music store, with over 35 years of experience in the field, will gladly explain everything to you via chat.
Estate Clearance & End-of-Life Planning (Free Appraisals & On-Site Visits)
We assist with sorting through the belongings of a loved one who has passed away, as well as items you’re considering disposing of 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 due to store closures, business closures, relocations, downsizing, or changes in product lines. We purchase anything—whether used or new—for cash. Please use
this form
Whether items are old, missing accessories, or involve large or small quantities, we’ll handle everything with care and accommodate your schedule. We strictly uphold confidentiality—please feel free to contact us.
Second Opinion
Deep Knowledge and Understanding of Vintage Instruments
Through our extensive experience handling numerous used instruments, we’ve encountered everything from legendary masterpieces and ultra-rare finds to truly unique pieces. Many customers come to us after being told by other stores that they couldn’t identify their instruments.
We take great joy in passing on the charm of old instruments, instruments with character, and those that have been cherished by their 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