Alto: Selmer Super Action 80 versus Yanagisawa A900/901

[OPTIMO]

I'm looking at buying a used sax. I played alto from ages 7 until about 16 and then was forced to sell it. I'm now 25 and looking at picking up the horn again. My main focus was classical music.

What's the difference between the 900 and 901? I saw a 900 listed on Ebay.

I'm curious as to what you guys would recommend. I'm definitely looking for a used horn as my other hobbies are very expensive as well, and I'm looking at buying a townhouse in the coming months.

Thanks in advance. :D

[TerraNova]

Hi,

I have had my Selmer Series II SA80 for about 5 years now? 4 years? Something like that. Mine is in Black Nickel, and is such a beautiful instrument. I would have to admit however, that I have only played student model Yamahas previously to owning my Selmer, but I would not get rid of it for the world. Throughout the whole instrument the intonation is gorgeous - which is fantastic because I concentrate mainly on classical music. I would not hesitate to recommend the SA80 to anyone (I use Selmber C* MPC).

TerraNova

[Giles]

aren't then black Selmers laquer, not nickel plate?

[Hurling Frootmig]

The 901 is an update of the 900 with a slightly different tone hole layout which should provide for improved intonation. The 900/901/902 series of horns are considered to be their entry level pro horns. They share the same body as the 990/991/992 horns but the 990/991/992 horns have different necks, double arms on the low bell keys, ribbed construction and some other small diferences. The 990/991/992 is basically a more robust version of the 900/901/902.

They are very well made horns.

[CodyW]

right giles, they are lacquer not nickle plate.