Yamaha Saxophone Used Price Guide
Yamaha saxophone value starts with the model number. Separate YAS alto from YTS tenor, then split student 23/26/280 horns from 480 intermediate and 62, 82Z, or 875EX professional models before adjusting for pads, neck, dents, case, and sale speed.
Yamaha price factors
Model stamp
YAS means alto and YTS means tenor. The number matters more than a vague Yamaha student or pro label.
School wear
Marching-band dents, bent key guards, missing screws, and case damage reduce buyer confidence even on strong Yamaha models.
Pad status
Playable pads support mid-range pricing; older pads or a full overhaul risk should be deducted before listing.
Neck condition
An original straight neck keeps value stable, while pull-down, replacement, or missing neck issues need a larger discount.
Sale channel
Private sale can beat dealer buyback, but shipping and platform fees can reduce net proceeds on marketplace listings.
Calculator entry points
Current Yamaha inventory comparisons
Use active listings as comparison context, then discount stale asking prices for repair exposure, shipping risk, and marketplace fees.
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Yamaha saxophone used price FAQ
What is a Yamaha YAS-23 worth?
A playable YAS-23 alto often sits in the student-horn range, but pads, neck condition, case, and recent service can move the final estimate by several hundred dollars.
Which Yamaha saxophones are professional?
Yamaha 62, 82Z, and 875EX families are professional lines. Price them separately from YAS/YTS-23, 26, 280, and most school-band horns.
Is a Yamaha tenor worth more than an alto?
Usually yes for similar model level and condition. Tenors have stronger demand and higher repair costs, so a clean YTS model commonly prices above the matching YAS alto.
Should I repair a Yamaha before selling?
Do setup work when the quote is clearly less than the expected value lift. For student Yamahas, disclose leaks and price the repair risk if a full repad is needed.