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.
In most cases, the saxes for sale will have been out of use for some time, which means that it can have some parts that are not in the best condition. You should thoroughly examine the saxophone whenever you can, paying particular attention to the octave pin and keys because these can be more difficult to repair or replace on an antique sax.
It is a good idea to comparison shop so that you have a general price range that is acceptable. You can contact other experts about a specific sax and the asking price to determine if it is reasonable. Some sellers may have an asking price that is much higher than what the sax is really worth. When in doubt, walk away from 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.
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.
In most cases, the saxes for sale will have been out of use for some time, which means that it can have some parts that are not in the best condition. You should thoroughly examine the saxophone whenever you can, paying particular attention to the octave pin and keys because these can be more difficult to repair or replace on an antique sax.
It is a good idea to comparison shop so that you have a general price range that is acceptable. You can contact other experts about a specific sax and the asking price to determine if it is reasonable. Some sellers may have an asking price that is much higher than what the sax is really worth. When in doubt, walk away from 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.