The short version
- Typical range: £150 – £700
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Music & Instruments
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used saxophone is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for saxophones, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £700 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £595 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £455 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £315 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £175 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a saxophone
- Recognised makers with a professional following
- Pads sealing properly with no leaks
- Original lacquer or an honest, undisturbed finish
- Case, mouthpiece, ligature and neck all present
What lowers it
- Leaking pads, which need a full repad to fix
- Dents in the bow and body tube
- Sticking keys and bent rods
- Missing necks, which are expensive and model-specific
How to work out what yours is worth
- Press each key and check the pads seal with a leak light if you can
- Look down the body tube for dents
- Confirm the neck, mouthpiece and ligature are all there
Once you have those three answers you can place your own saxophone on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Do saxophones hold their value?
Yes, well. They last for decades and professional-grade horns from recognised makers stay in demand.
What is a repad and does it matter?
Replacing all the pads so the instrument seals properly. It is a significant cost, so leaking pads noticeably reduce what a horn fetches.
Is a missing neck a problem?
A large one. Necks are model-specific, expensive, and a saxophone without one cannot be played.
More value guides: music & instruments guides · all value guides · browse live music & instruments listings.