Tenor Sax Shopping. . . . PLEASE HELP!!!!

[TenorFae9]

I'm a 14 year old tenor sax player looking for an affordable, nice sounding tenor. I've been playing for about tenor for 3 or 4 years, alto for 2, and I find myself to be pretty good. From what I've read, most enjoy the Buescher Aristocrats . . . . any suggestions??? I really need help on deciding what type to buy!!!

-Jenna

[Mike W]

Hi TenorFae9. The buescher aristrocrats (older models) are great horns when set up properly. I have one and it is very, very nice but my King Super20 is my main tenor. However, these are not the only good horns. Any of the big four, Selmer, Keilworth, Yamaha, and Yanigasawa can be a good choice for a new horn. Prices on new Yamahas especially seem to be dropping. Others suggest that the Jupiter artist models are good as some say are the cannonballs. I suggest, if at all possible, that you try before you buy and get the horn that you like the best. If it is impossible to try before you buy, you might give saxquest (saxquest.com) a call or Gayle (vintagesax.com) and tell them your budget and the kind of sound you are looking for. Both of these establishments have an excellent reputation and are very knowledgeable. Ultimately, the choice of a horn is a very personal thing and the horn that suits one person may not even impress another. I have been through a number of tenors in my quest for the right horn for me, as have many of the members of this forum, and I found out that it is far less expensive in the long run to buy a professional quality horn and be sure it is set up by a very good tech. Good luck!

[tsaholic07]

or you could try a Buescher BU5 model. I have one myself. Its very nice sounding and easy to play. Plus mines gotten me lots of attention. "Nice horn..."etc from competions.

[Kenfen]

Hi, I suggest you go to http://www.junkdude.com and give Dave a call. He just fixed me up with a 1950 Aristocrat that is a very nice horn. I got it for a price that would rival those chinese horns. It's not shiny, but it plays and sounds great. I'm always on a budget, and I couldn't have found a better deal.

If he doesn't have something on the site, he'll look for you, and also, he says sometimes he has stuff that's not on the site.

I highly recommend Dave, he's tops in my book.

Kind Regards,

Kenfen

[Roger Aldridge]

Jenna,

I agree with the suggestions given about talking with Gayle or Dave to see what they suggest. Gayle, in particular, knows more about Buescher than anyone I can think of. Gayle and Dave are completely honest and provide excellent customer service. I've gotten horns from both and highly recommend them.

Beyond that, it's really important for you to try out a selection of tenors and determine what you like. Each make and model has certain pros and cons. Selecting a horn is a very personal matter. What I look for in a horn may be different from what's important to you. Never the less, talking with Gayle and Dave should be very helpful. I would trust them to stear you in a good direction.