u/3090orBust

Some sample descriptions:

>“The saxophone is almost like new. It has been played more frequently over the last year. Before that, it was only played occasionally. Regularly serviced. Everything is functional.

To me, this implies that the sax does not need repairs. Would eBay agree?

> Mechanically the sax is very sound and has been disassembled, cleaned and oiled. All keys and mechanisms function properly. The pads are in very good shape and do not need replacement. The sax has been regulated professionally, and it plays great with that good vintage sound.

Even more so, the sax does not need repair.

> This gorgeous alto sax has been cleaned and adjusted. The horn plays great with a smooth, rounded tone on the included Goldentone mouthpiece. 2 pads (one left palm key pad and the bottom back pad) have been replaced; the existing pads are in very good to great playing condition. Further pad replacement will be at the winning buyer's discretion. Corking and felts are in great shape, and the springs show quick response.

Perhaps the bold sentence implies repairs may be needed?

What if all the pads are fine but the sax shop says that $1000 of other repairs are needed, esp. new corking, felts and springs?

All of these sellers do not accept returns.

What language do I need to justify a NAD return?

> Absolutely no repairs needed.

??

Thanks for your help!

Saxophones are tricky because they can look good but require a lot of repair work, which costs $$$$. Before buying a sax, it's best to bring it to the sax shop for an estimate. But sellers need to be able to trust that they'll get their sax back. If they insist that I buy the sax, offering my money back if I don't want it, I have to trust the seller that they'll return my money.

So how can that mutual distrust problem be overcome?

In some contexts, like buying a house, a lawyer might hold a deposit, which is supposed to guarantee the deposits return under defined circumstances. I don't feel like paying a lawyer $1000 to hold the money when I'm buying a saxophone.

Are there any other, cheaper and reliable agents?

Any other strategy? Does Facebook Marketplace have helpful features?

Thanks for your suggestions.

I am happy to pay for the overhaul if the horn will be great!

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Key guard

Thanks for your help. You guys remind me of Sherlock Holmes with your sax identification skills, like when Holmes identifies a cigar brand from its ash. Amazing.

Edit: I decided to wait on a bari until I can play my alto better. FOCUS!🤣 Thanks for your advice.