How to Buy a Used Saxophone: Red Flags and Inspection Checklist

You may decide to buy a used saxophone for many reasons — to save a significant amount of money, or because you appreciate the instrument's value and character in its sound. You may also choose a used instrument because you’re less afraid of damaging it. Whatever your goal, it’s important to know all the red flags to avoid issues and have the best possible purchase. 

Is It Good to Buy a Secondhand Saxophone?

Advantages:

1. Price. New saxophones are expensive, while used ones are usually half the price and still sound great. With secondhand saxophones, you can expect to save around 30–70% versus new models.
2. Better quality for the money. Musicians can get a higher-end used sax with better quality build and superior materials. It's much better than the cheaper new alternatives. 
3. “Played-in” feel.  Used models have pads that have settled in, which makes them respond smoothly.
4. Easier to play without stress. With a used saxophone, you don’t need to worry about scratches — you can feel your instrument like a tool and play confidently. 

Drawbacks:

1. Hidden damage. Used saxes may have internal cracks or prior repairs.
2. No warranty. Private sellers typically don’t provide guarantees.
3. Poor hygiene. There may be residue, saliva, and sweat on mouthpieces and pads if they have not been cleaned properly.

How to Choose The Best Used Saxophone

Let’s go through the straight-to-the-point guide to help you spot problems early and avoid mistakes. If you see these, be careful.

1. “Needs a quick adjustment.”

If you read something like this in the description provided by the seller, this often means the instrument needs a full repadding, which may cost hundreds. Sellers who don’t speak openly about pad problems usually know exactly what they’re hiding.

2. Visible dents near the neck or bow

Small scratches aren’t a big problem, but visible dents are an absolute red flag, especially those near the neck, octave pips, or the bottom bow. Dents in these areas are often hard to fix, and they can ruin intonation and airflow. 

Another point to consider is the body tube. It should be perfectly straight with even tone holes. If the sax has some problems with them, its intonation will definitely suffer, no matter how good the pads are. 

A good-quality used instrument should also not have signs of discoloration. Ensure that it doesn’t have any green coloring, which may mean the instrument was stored improperly and is now in poor condition. Inspect its finish — a well-kept sax will have smooth, even brass without contrasting areas.

3. Refurbished used saxophones

If the sax looks unusually shiny and beautiful for its age, something is definitely wrong. There is a high likelihood that it was damaged, so sooner or later, this will become a problem. Any excessively shiny contrasting finishes on different parts of the instruments may be signs of refurbishment. 

4.  Bad sound

You’re buying the instrument to play it, so good sound is crucial. Inspect the sax to see whether it has any cracks in the pads that cover the holes. Press the keys and feel if they have normal resistance and aren’t loose. They should move smoothly without wobbling. If the keys feel sticky or loose, it’s a clear sign of serious wear or misalignment. Also, ensure that the instrument is comfortable to play and doesn’t feel heavy on your neck.

5. The instrument doesn’t have a serial number

The scratched-off serial number is a huge red flag, as it means that the instrument has been stolen. Transparency is standard among honest and responsible sellers.

Inspection Checklist: Things to Consider when Choosing a Used Saxophone

Here is a guide on checking a sax in person or online to avoid pitfalls. 

Neck:

• Check if the neck isn’t bent downward. 
• Ensure the octave key moves freely
• Look, if there is no damage near the octave pip.
  

Body:

• Check that the body tube is straight.
• Check that the tone holes are flat, not warped, and have no filling marks.
• Check if the body doesn’t have deep dents.
  

Pads:

• They should be even with no deep grooves.
• They shouldn’t show mold.
• The resonators should be firm.
• Ensure that pads aren’t totally worn or ruined.
  

Keywork:

• The keys should return quickly.
• They shouldn’t feel loose.
  

Springs:

• Ensure that the sax has responsive springs that are not rusted or bent
• They also shouldn’t be weak or broken 

Leak Test:

• Close keys firmly to check if they seal evenly.
• Play low notes. If there are any leaks, they won’t speak easily. 

Custom Saxophones with Character From KGUmusic

One advantage of used saxophones is that you can purchase models that aren’t made anymore. Alternatively, you can opt for custom saxophones featuring a full professional rebuild, new pads, springs, and mechanisms. On our website, you can find upgraded Martin Committee, Buescher Aristocrat, Conn New Wonder Series, and other models highly appreciated for their beautiful design and a legendary history behind their brands. Vintage saxophones have a richer tone and more character, while upgrades provide them with adjusted action, faster keywork, modern reliability, and cleaner intonation. 

In addition to customized saxophones, we offer saxophone accessories, among which you can find sound enhancers, leather accessories, cleaning kits, bags, mouthpiece pouches, and more. 

Final Word

Used saxophones aren’t bad because they often offer a better tone and more character in their sound. However, you need to be careful when choosing a secondhand instrument, as not all sellers are responsible enough to provide you with full and fair information. Always inspect the sax before making a purchase using our guide to see the red flags in advance. 

Recently, we shared advice on Top 5 Accessories Every Saxophone Player Needs. Feel free to check our article for helpful ideas. 

Sources:

How Do I Choose the Best Used Saxophone? - Spiegato 

How to Choose a Secondhand Saxophone: The Ultimate Buying Guide