New,has read many articles,still needs advice 2 get 1st sax.

[hapionsax]

I'm 33 and new to the sax (and musical instruments generally). Which sax do I buy? Despite reading many articles, I'm still undecided. Why? Thanks for asking! See below:

1. I want a new sax. Affordable though, not vintage, not pro!!! :) My budget $800-1000

2. Good sound production (I know a lot depends on my playing skills but I want the sax to have the inherent ability to sound well) and 'good looks' too! I don't want something that "looks like a sax".

3. Alto or Tenor?
a. I thought I had decided to get an alto but when I handled a Keilwerth ST 90 Series IV in a store, I thought it was small (that was the first sax I'd ever touched) :oops: The store manager said that was because the neck wasn't screwed in (A flaw - I didn't ask that the neck be screwed in for me to check). The tenor on the next shelf was bigger and seemed more appropriate (sizewise). Maybe it'll help if you know that I'm 5ft 7inches tall (1.70m).

b. Although I've read that beginners can use either alto or tenor, beginners seem to be more commonly associated with alto. Why? What are the advantages/disadvantages of starting with either?

c. I like the size of the tenor but will the weight affect my neck? I sometimes have neck pain which has been associated with a bad sleeping posture (Its getting better).

4. Which brand of sax? I want something I can use for a long time. Remember, good sound and looks are important! I'm currently considering Yamaha YTS 275 or YTS 475 but I read somewhere that the rods on yamaha models are not strong. What's your opinion?

5. Are there other brands you think I should consider?

Thanks all!

[JfW]

I'm 33 and new to the sax (and musical instruments generally). Which sax do I buy? Despite reading many articles, I'm still undecided. Why? Thanks for asking! See below:

1. I want a new sax. Affordable though, not vintage, not pro!!! :) My budget $800-1000

that's a rather slim pricerange for a new instrument.



2. Good sound production (I know a lot depends on my playing skills but I want the sax to have the inherent ability to sound well) and 'good looks' too! I don't want something that "looks like a sax".


you're actually asking an awful lot now, but lets continue.



3. Alto or Tenor?
a. I thought I had decided to get an alto but when I handled a Keilwerth ST 90 Series IV in a store, I thought it was small (that was the first sax I'd ever touched) :oops: The store manager said that was because the neck wasn't screwed in (A flaw - I didn't ask that the neck be screwed in for me to check). The tenor on the next shelf was bigger and seemed more appropriate (sizewise). Maybe it'll help if you know that I'm 5ft 7inches tall (1.70m).


I personally didn't like the ST90 alto either. I thought it rather unremarkable and unergonomic even for my small hands.



b. Although I've read that beginners can use either alto or tenor, beginners seem to be more commonly associated with alto. Why? What are the advantages/disadvantages of starting with either?


I've seen them start on both. Younger beginners may find the Tenor a little too heavy, so that may account for what you've observed.



c. I like the size of the tenor but will the weight affect my neck? I sometimes have neck pain which has been associated with a bad sleeping posture (Its getting better).


It may indeed hurt you, I had some discomfort after moving to tenor from alto. It's hard to say if it would bother your condition.



4. Which brand of sax? I want something I can use for a long time. Remember, good sound and looks are important! I'm currently considering Yamaha YTS 275 or YTS 475 but I read somewhere that the rods on yamaha models are not strong. What's your opinion?


I've tried neither Tenor model, but Yamaha has a good all round reputation. Yet niether of those will be available new in your pricerange. It might be hard to find them used for under a thousand.



5. Are there other brands you think I should consider?

Thanks all!

What you want can be done, but it'll undoubtably be a taiwanese instrument. Look into used or new Antigua Winds and Jupiters, which are regarded as among the best taiwanese manufacturers. Also look at www.wwbw.com. Their tenors (which are selling for $500 brand new) have gotten a few recommendations here

[JfW]

for some reason, the edit function is not showing up so:

be carefull of older Jupiters and Antiguas as they have the reputation of being horrific.

[bass]

If you're looking for a new tenor under $1000, you might consider the Yamaha YTS-23. I bought mine for $950 from WWBW two years ago. This is said to be the most popular school instrument and I've been quite happy with it. I bet you can find a relatively new used one for $600-700.

Bass

[top_gun25]

in that range.... VITO 717R student!(alto) (mine)
or the 7133T (tenor)
AWESOME HORN. GOOD PRICE!
GREAT SOUND!
mine's 8 years old and plays like new!
Love my vito's they rock! and the rods are not a prob. STUDENT horns will take it and dish it back out! you wont have a problem with a student vito. built like a tank! alto is best bet.

http://www.gleblanc.com/newinstruments/yan/index.htm

look around see what ones you like.

if im goin to upgrade i'd go to a 7140, an A901S, or a A9937 if i want to get exensive

[Jerry K.]

Hapionsax, great that you're taking up the sax. The tenor is definately a heavier horn and it will probably make your neck and shoulders a little tight after playing a while. They do have their up side though. In my opinion a tenor is easier to play as the embouchure is considerably looser. This means your lower lip won't be in as much pain as it would be if you started out on alto. On the plus side for alto, it's lighter and due to the tighter embouchure it get stronger faster.

There are a number of nice horns available in either tenor or alto in your price range. I have a couple new intermediate and pro Prestinis in stock if you're interested for below your budget. Just email me if you have any questions. lightnsail@aol.com

[Anji]

Should probably be a fixed-term rental.

If you find that the saxophone is not for you, the depreciation at resale on a new, moderately priced saxophone can be brutal.

I do not mean to suggest any 'rent to own' model, as the rates are high.

Where are you living? Perhaps one of the posters at this BBS will recommend a good store to visit.


Bottom line - new horns in this price range that are Mainland Chinese or Taiwanese may leave you with lingering quality assurance problems.

The YAS-23 is my recommendation for starters.

[Jerry K.]

Bottom line - new horns in this price range that are Mainland Chinese or Taiwanese may leave you with lingering quality assurance problems.

Say it ain't so! I think you may be lingering in the past Anji. The top Taiwanese (I can't speak for Chinese) factories are now producing excellent horns without the quality assurance problems that you have suggested exist. If you have had personal experiences with specific Taiwanese brands bought in the past couple years please share.

[hapionsax]

Thanks for all replies. They've all been helpful; I'm better informed about price, models etc, especially within my budget! However, I live in Nigeria and I don't have access to a wide variety of brands but I'm checking out options available at reputable shops in my locale. I want to avoid shipping costs etc.

Thanks top_gun25 for mentioning the Vito. Does anybody else have opinions, experiences to share on the Vito? I'm checking it out against YAS23 and YTS275.

Jerry K, what do you mean by "On the plus side for alto, ......and due to the tighter embouchure it get stronger faster".