Sell Your Saxophone – Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions sellers ask most. They cover which saxophones we buy, how to get an offer, how shipping works, and how you get paid. To get an offer, use the form on the sell page.
Where can I sell my saxophone?
Here. Start by filling out the form on the sell page. You will get a reply, usually the same business day.
Who buys used saxophones?
DC Sax does. We buy mostly saxophones, and the occasional flute, piccolo, or clarinet along with them. We buy professional and vintage horns from players, collectors, and families. The makers we buy most are listed below.
How do I sell my saxophone?
Four steps. Send the details, then email or text photos. Get an offer. Ship it to us with a free, insured label. Get paid when it arrives. The sell page walks through each step, and the photo guide shows which shots we need.
How much is my saxophone worth?
It comes down to model, vintage, and condition. Send the serial number and photos and we will give you a figure. The serial lookup tells you the year and model from the number.
Can I sell a saxophone that needs repair?
Yes. We buy saxophones as they are. A horn that needs pads or has dents does not put us off. A seller usually comes out ahead selling as-is rather than paying for repairs first.
Do you buy saxophones from outside the Washington DC area?
Yes. Most of the horns we buy are shipped to us, usually by UPS. We send a prepaid, insured label and packing instructions, and if you have no box we will walk you through packing.
What brands of saxophones do you buy?
We buy professional and vintage saxophones. Makers we buy most often:
- Selmer: Mark VI, SBA, Super Action 80 Series II/III, Reference 36/54
- Yamaha: all professional and intermediate models including Custom Z, Custom EX, 62, 875EX, 82Z
- Yanagisawa: all models including WO Series, 9xx, 8xx Series
- Keilwerth: SX90R and earlier models
- Vintage American horns: Conn, King Super 20, Buescher
Do you buy Selmer Mark VI saxophones?
Yes. We buy Mark VI altos, tenors, sopranos and baritones from every serial range. The offer depends on the serial number, the lacquer and the pads. Send the serial number and photos and we will reply with a figure.
Do you buy student saxophones?
Our focus is on professional-level and vintage saxophones.
What types of saxophones do you buy?
Alto, tenor, soprano, baritone and bass, from the makers listed above. Send the details and we will tell you whether it is one we buy.
Do you only buy saxophones in perfect condition?
No. Worn lacquer, leaking pads and small dents are normal on a used horn and are priced in. Tell us what you know about the condition when you ask for an offer, so the figure we send is the figure you get.
How do I get a quote?
Fill in the form on the sell page, or email paul@dcsax.com. Include the make and model, the serial number, and any recent repair work, then email or text photos of both sides of the horn. The photo guide shows the shots that let us price a horn from pictures.
How does shipping work?
Once we agree on a price we email you a prepaid, insured shipping label and packing instructions. You pack the horn in its case, box it, and drop it off. Hundreds of horns a year arrive this way.
When and how will I be paid?
Payment goes out the same day or the next business day after the horn arrives. We pay by check, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App, and we are flexible if you prefer another way. If you would rather be paid before you ship, ask. Prepayment by PayPal is an option.
Do you accept local drop-offs?
Yes. The shop is in Alexandria, Virginia. Email paul@dcsax.com or call to set a time.
Are you a specialized saxophone dealer?
Yes. DC Sax buys and sells professional and vintage saxophones. Paul Tucker, the owner, was Principal Saxophonist of The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" and has run the shop since 2014. The reviews page has what past sellers have said.
Anything not covered here: email paul@dcsax.com or call (202) 854-1250.