June 15, 2014

Buying Guide For Vintage Saxophones

By Ina Hunt


Music enthusiasts and instrument collectors make a good target market for antique instruments. Many of these people are interested in vintage saxophones. To make sure you are getting a genuine antique sax, it is important to have information on how you can locate them and what you should be looking for.

Similar to other collectible items, you may find a lot of sax listings online. As with any other online purchases, it is important to be cautious and thorough to avoid getting scammed. It may not always be possible to request authenticity or appraisal documents, so you need to ask questions. You should ask the seller specific information about the year it was made and the manufacturer. Request current pictures and find out if there is a written return agreement.

Gather information about the sax you want or are interested in buying. Learn the differences between counterfeit and genuine saxes. Educate yourself on the basics of a sax, down to the minor differences between year models. Compare alto and tenor saxes and how each one looks. These are important parts of weeding out the fakes from all the choices you have.

Most vintage items, including saxes, are not used for a long time. Parts can become damaged, brittle, or even stuck. Whenever possible, physically examine the sax. Check for broken, missing, or damaged parts. Pay close attention to the keys, neck screw, and octave pin.

Do some price checking before you buy the sax. Contact other collectors or experts to determine the actual value of the sax. If it seems that the seller is asking too much, you can try to negotiate for a lower price or just pass on the purchase and find another one that is in the right price range. After you have checked around for price averages, create a set amount to spend and stick to it.

Sellers should have experience with antique sales, minimally. Experience with selling antique instruments is preferred but not always possible. Credibility should be a huge factor. The Better Business Bureau is a good source for determining if a seller is credible and if there have been complaints made.

Sellers should have licensing and some kind of certification from a related organization. While this is not applicable for an individual person, dealers should have a proper business license for sales. Always ask for licensing information and verify it. Do not settle for excuses or vague answers when you request this information.

Experienced instrument collectors have a huge advantage over beginners. They have the ability to quickly look at a sax and determine if it is a worthy purchase. Although you have to take more time to learn and shop around, it does not have to be a complete disaster. Make an effort to gather information before you start looking around.




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