Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Finding And Purchasing 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.

Make sure you know precisely what you are looking for. You need to be informed on what attributes a counterfeit sax would have and what a genuine one should look like. Saxes can vary from one year to the next. It is also important to learn the differences between alto and tenor saxes, not just in their appearances but also in their sounds.

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.

The sellers you deal with should have experience. They should know a substantial amount about saxes, including the worth of particular models. Sellers should also be credible. A quick check with the Better Business Bureau can show you if there are consumer complaints, what the issues were, and if they were resolved satisfactorily.

Is the seller certified or properly licensed? When working with dealers and large scale sellers, they should be able to provide proof of certifications and licenses to sell things. If you are dealing with an individual person making a one-time sale, however, this is not necessary. Individuals are not generally required to have any licensing to sell their own items.

Buying an antique saxophone does not have to be confusing or stressful. If you take the time to learn a few things beforehand, you can spend more of your efforts on location the perfect sax at just the right price. A little knowledge can take you a long way.




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