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What saxophone should I buy?

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What Alto Sax to Buy? First time beginner (UK)

3K views 8 replies 9 participants last post by  Pete Thomas 
#1 ·
Hi,

I have never even blown into a saxophone once before in my life, but I love the sound of the instrument and would love to be able to play it. I have decided I will definitely buy an alto saxophone. I am already proficient in guitar and know musical theory.

I have shortlisted a few different Saxophones online which fit my budget, but I have no clue how to distinguish between them. I think going for a new one would be better as I don't have the time, patience or knowledge for the uncertainty of buying second-hand (but I may be open to changing my mind).

Could some people please give me some suggestions as to what to buy, and what not to buy, out of the below models? Or if you know any others around my £250-350 budget available in the UK feel free to post a link. :)

[URLs are clicky]

Elkhart 100AS Student Alto
Elkhart 100AS Student Alto Saxophone at Gear4music.com

John Packer JP041
John Packer JP041 Eb Alto Saxophone

Windsor Alto Saxophone
Windsor Alto Saxophone Includes Hard Case - Gold Lacquer Finish:Amazon.co.uk:Musical Instruments

Gear4Music Alto Sax
Alto Saxophone by Gear4music, Light Gold at Gear4music.com

Sonata Student Alto
Sonata Student Alto Saxophone | Normans

Vivace 3SKVA-GL Alto
Vivace 3SKVA-GL Alto

Sakkusu Alto
Sakkusu - Alto Saxophone - Gold Lacquer - Sax.co.uk - The Worlds Leading Saxophone Specialist

Andoer Alto
Andoer® bE Alto Saxophone Brass Lacquered Gold E Flat Sax 802 Key Type Woodwind Instrument with Cleaning Brush Cloth Gloves Cork Grease Strap Padded Case:Amazon.co.uk:Musical Instruments

Tuyama TAS131 Alto
Eastman Alto Saxophone | Haydock Music | Musical Instrument Shop - Online Musical Instrument Specialist


Thank you very very much for your help everyone. I'm very excited to finally start playing this amazing instrument!

Best wishes,
Stephen.
 
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#2 · (Edited)
Hi Stephen,

I am not familiar with any of those brands, but I do honestly hope you get lots of responses just for making the effort to write all that down.

I am assuming you are looking to buy a brand new saxophone, correct?

Now, let me ask you this: what about a used Yamaha 23? those are very good saxophones for the money and they are available everywhere.
 
#4 ·
Stephen,
My first and strongest recommendation is for you to find a teacher or experienced player to help you get started, including your first horn selection. While it is entirely possible to self-learn the sax, you will save yourself a lot of frustration by getting some early guidance.

The horns you have listed are Chinese made "house" brands. That doesn't mean they are bad instruments, but they are by no means high quality. My main concern for you, as an inexperienced saxophonist, buying a cheap horn online is the condition it may arrive in. Dealers selling cheap horns like these have very little incentive to ensure they are properly adjusted, and the factory setup is often problematic. With the soft metal these cheap horns are made from, even a well packed horn is succeptable to shipping damage. A small bend in a key can cause leaks they will lead you to having to fight the instrument. As an experienced guitarist, let me draw an analogy. Imagine receiving a guitar where the truss rod is out of adjustment, or the bridge or nut are too high, causing the strings to sit too high off the fretboard. You can play the instrument, but you will struggle and will likely become frustrated, thinking the guitar is too difficult. You face asimilar challenge getting a cheap mail order saxophone. The instrument may arrive damaged or our of adjustment. As a novice player, it will be may be difficult to detect these issues.

You may be lucky and receive a well adjusted gem from your mail order dealer, but I second the advice to to find a good second hand Yamaha. These are solid instruments that hold their adjustment well. Even better if you can find an experienced player or tech to help you play test before buying.

I realize you are excited to get started, but slow down and take time to find a decent instrument to start your journey. I understand not wanting to spend a lot of money, but you don't want to buy something that will cause you frutstration, or you will need to replace. As the saying goes "Buy cheap, buy twice".

Good luck!
 
#6 ·
Budget?
 
#7 ·
Hello Stephen,
you may take a look at pete thomas' (who is a member here) website "taming the saxophone". Tons of good material and advice.

He recommends the "sakkusu" sax in your budget (which is very low, btw.). Included with the sakkusu is a Yamaha 4c mouthpiece, which is a good starting piece.

https://tamingthesaxophone.com/saxophone-recommendations
 
#9 ·
I think going for a new one would be better as I don't have the time, patience or knowledge for the uncertainty of buying second-hand (but I may be open to changing my mind).
I think this is very wise given the high quality of inexpensive new saxophones these days. A novice is best off only buy used if from a reputable dealer, as opposed to taking a chance on eBay or somewhere.
 
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