Any suggestions, instrument wanted

[bmartin8]

Hi, I just found this site a couple of days ago and from what I’ve read, I have a pretty good idea what to do, but I’ll post this to see what kind of response I get.
My daughter switched from flute to saxophone three years ago. Blew through the sax once, smiled and asked if she could change instruments. I knew the flute wasn’t her instrument, she just started because all her friends played the flute.
We bought a Martin Indiana from the fifties and it has served her well the last three years, and I have replaced the springs, pads and cork. I was going to get an upgrade this September, but she just won a scholarship to music camp at The International Peace Garden hear in ND so I thought I’d get a better sax a little sooner. I was a little naïve and thought I could get a top rate used instrument for $800-$1000. After reading the posts here, it appears that:
1. The Martin is not that bad a horn and may serve her through the next four years in high school.
2. A quality horn is going to cost a lot more than what I thought.
Should I forget the idea of an upgrade right now and look for a cheap soprano saxophone or should I pursue the upgrade? Does any one have a good deal for either of the above?
Also does anyone have a really cheap tenor sax? I am quite sure once she played one Dorothy would fall in love with it just as she has the alto saxophone.
I’m not too concerned about the condition of the pads, cork, mouthpiece or even if the instrument has a case. I have really enjoyed working on the Martin and might even try refinishing a horn sometime. Although I can’t take out major dents, I’m sure the shop around hear will. If anyone’s interested, I do have a quality Olds trombone to trade.
Bill_martin@und.nodak.edu

[Razzy]

You should definitely get her a quality alto sax first, as I don't think I'm wrong in assuming that is her instrument at the moment, and that would be her primary instrument. It's good to first find a primary instrument and get a strong foundation on that before one branches out to the other saxes. Alto, being right in the middle, in terms or range, embouchure, and amount of air required, generally lends itself to switching to all of the other saxes the most easily.

It mostly depends on how far she wants to take her saxophone studies. If she plans to compete in region bands and that sort of thing, and play the best she possible can and shoot for the highest chairs and all in her high school bands, then you should consider a quality (thus, usually, costly) investment. Now that Yamaha has introduced its new line, 62's and customs even are going comparitively cheap. I saw a 62 alto the other day for $1600, pretty much mind condition, in top playing shape. If I weren't saving up for my teacher's mark VI and if that was my budget, I definitely would've bought that horn.

Other good horns to check out, if you're willing to spend a bit more money, are the Yanagisawas and new Selmers. Though I think the new Selmers are nothing compared to the Mark VI, they're still quite good by today's (and by that price range's) standards.

[markieg]

I would say before having her get another sax, have her "test-drive" some saxes. Not for a make or model, because of inexperience, but more for alto/tenor, etc. My sister wanted to play soprano really bad, but no music is written for soprano. She convinced her band teacher to let her sit with the clarinets since they're both Bb. She's happier than she could ever be. Check out e-bay for good used instruments, just be careful there as always. I'm assuming that she's looking for an intermediate horn, so I would say Yaganisawa would be a good brand. My sister's sax is a Wexler, and I haven't seen any info on them here, but the few times I've played it I fell in love with it. My beginner-intermediate alto was a Selmer Bundy II, and those are between beginner and intermediate. It ran around $800, but I got a deal for $650 used for 2 months by rentals, but that was in '96 so I don't know what they would cost now. I would really suggest a Yamaha. They are a standard at the moment and I've heard some really good sounds come out of them. Any suggestions from her band teacher would be great also.

[soulsax]

A 1000 bucks can but a lot. I agree, she needs to blow a few, and make the pick. Make sure she has at least one good horn be it A,T,or S. I picked up a Bundy alto sax about a year ago for 125 bucks in a pawn shop. No leaks, few dents. Then a almost new Buffet Crampon tenor in another pawn shop for 150, and they payed the tax too. I Had to solder one post back on. It had been hit. Its in better shape than the alto. Not dream horns, but for 275 bucks I came out. That would still leave 725 bucks. Trade in that Martain, save an few extra bucks and get a YAS 62. A good horn for sure, but it should be her choice. Now if she falls for and old Selmer Mk6, with a $ 4000.00 tag, tarnished, and an undockumented history ur in trouble. Teasing. Tell her "keep playing"...

[bmartin8]

Thanks for your replies.