Looking for step up instrument for son

[cydad761]

I am a sax player for 30 years, but no real experience with different brands, etc.

My son is in 10th grade and starting to advance in his skills a little and he would like something better than his Selmer AS-300.

The only advice I get is a Yamaha 52.

How does a 52 compare to a Selmer AS-100?

How about going with a nice vintage horn, say something like a decent "The Martin" or Buescher 400, or what would you recommend?

I think it could be a tough sell to convince him that an old used instrument is better than a shiny new one! :)

Thanks for the help and opinions, I'll just watch and wait and see what happens.

[gary]

In what price range?

[Steve J.]

I agree with the advice on the 52. Best bang for the buck - especially now that they are being replaced by a different model. They are quite consistent. They play better than many saxes more than double the price in my experience.

[rollen]

You really can't go wrong with the 52. You can pick up a used one in great condition for 700-800. My son has one, it is a very, very good horn. I bought a M1 silver plated neck, which adds some richness to the sound. (the neck needs an adapter to work due to the difference in octave mechanisms). However, I would now probably go with a G1 neck.

That being said, if he is planning on persuing the sax into college and beyond, you might want to go with a professional model. However, the 52 with an upgraded neck will give a pro model a good run for considerably less money. I've been advised by more than a few that I trust to go with Yamaha over the USA Selmers. They are claimed to stay in adjustment better, and have better intonation. You might also consider the 82Z, they seem rather reasonably priced for the level of horn they are claimed to be.

[Vortex]

Even though it is a bit pricy, I'd recommend the Selmer Series III. I got one brand new, fresh out of the factory and tuned up for $2,500 last month and I am really impressed. The tone is so beautiful, easy to control, and smooth. You can play anything from barely a whisper to as loud as your mouthpiece/reed setup will allow. The intonation and response are the best of any sax I've seen, and this one definately ranks as the best in my book.

If your son's trying to advance to a better sax, this is the one. It sounds like he's already used to selmers, so it should be an easy switch, and if he takes care of it the Series III will probably last him well into old age. Selmer's lowered their prices considerably over the past few years. A couple years ago a new Series II (yes, Series 2) costed over $5000. Now the price for a new Series III is pretty much under the $3000 range.

I play numerous instruments and I can tell you from experience that it's better to just get a professional instrument right from the start than to screw around with anything lower. Good luck on your search.

[max]

Selmer's lowered their prices considerably over the past few years.
Which is great if you're buying a new one, but totally stinks when you're trying to sell one that you paid the higher price for... :?