Alto Saxophone purchase

**Josh Ryan** · #1 08-16-2008, 11:20 AM

Hello TB saxophone players! I must finally begin to learn to play the saxophone. I am not giving up bass at all, I love bass.

I would like any and all advice about purchasing an alto saxophone.

seanm · #2 08-16-2008, 11:24 AM

My best advice would be buy a tenor

Is there anywhere you can rent? I would recommend renting a student instrument first, just to see how you like it.

**Josh Ryan** · #3 08-16-2008, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanm

My best advice would be buy a tenor

Is there anywhere you can rent? I would recommend renting a student instrument first, just to see how you like it.

See, I've been thinking about that too. there are tenor players I love, but there are also alto players I love, and I hear that alto is easier to start with. Maybe I do want a tenor though?

The rental place here, after 5 months of rent I could buy the thing.

seanm · #4 08-16-2008, 01:40 PM

I'm just kidding about the tenor. Although *I* find it easier to play than the alto, many don't agree. You do need more air.

A good cheap student instrument is easier for the beginner. Sax is much harder than bass at the beginning because it takes quite a while before you can even play a note properly. A student instrument is designed to be more forgiving to beginners intonation problems.

But sax is a great instrument. I gave it up mainly due to the volume; you can't really practice softly

Here is a bad pic of my tenor sax:

This is a bottom of the line intermediate sax.

**Josh Ryan** · #5 08-16-2008, 01:48 PM

Very cool though. I have a place to play, not needing an amp helps with that a lot too. I guess they are pretty loud after all. I've just always really liked the sound, so at my advanced age of mid thirties I need give a whack.

Kyon` · #6 08-16-2008, 02:19 PM

Hm what's your budget?

**Josh Ryan** · #7 08-16-2008, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyon`

Hm what's your budget?

Somewhere between 1000-2500 depending on a few factors.

Kyon` · #8 08-16-2008, 03:19 PM

Yamaha YAS-62II all the way then, can't go wrong. One thing that kind of came into my mind when I purchased my first trombone that it wasn't like buying a bass, gassing for others and upgrading. It was more of find the nicest one you can get also to keep resale value. At least with me, winds in general have bad resale values around here compared to their stringed companions.

no1likesme · #9 08-16-2008, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyon`

Yamaha YAS-62II all the way then, can't go wrong. One thing that kind of came into my mind when I purchased my first trombone that it wasn't like buying a bass, gassing for others and upgrading. It was more of find the nicest one you can get also to keep resale value. At least with me, winds in general have bad resale values around here compared to their stringed companions.

x2 on the yas62 I used to love mine.

damn now I need to relearn saxophone...

**Josh Ryan** · #10 08-16-2008, 05:45 PM

the Yamaha looks good. the other one I've had recommended to me is this:

http://www.wwbw.com/Yanagisawa-A901-...e-i54487.music

Do you guys hzve any thoughts on that one?

Barring some type industrial accident that burns off my lips I do think I will be playing it and not losing interest.

Kyon` · #11 08-16-2008, 06:03 PM

I've heard many good things about the Yanagisawa too, never played one but know a few who swear by theirs. Can't see you going wrong with either. Just remember to have a shop give you a tune up and invest in a good mouthpiece. The difference between an okay one and a good one is almost like day and night. In some cases you could probably go with a cheaper Sax in the $1500 range and look into reeds, mouthpieces, supplies, maybe even your own reed making kit. Just don't forget the cleaning supplies!

**Josh Ryan** · #12 08-16-2008, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyon`

I've heard many good things about the Yanagisawa too, never played one but know a few who swear by theirs. Can't see you going wrong with either. Just remember to have a shop give you a tune up and invest in a good mouthpiece. The difference between an okay one and a good one is almost like day and night. In some cases you could probably go with a cheaper Sax in the $1500 range and look into reeds, mouthpieces, supplies, maybe even your own reed making kit. Just don't forget the cleaning supplies!

thanks, I appreciate the info!

I can't wait to get going with it.

**Josh Ryan** · #13 08-27-2008, 09:16 AM

I went with the Yanagisawa a901, found a very slightly used one and bought it from a reputable shop.

seanm · #14 08-27-2008, 10:41 AM

Sounds like a great choice! Now on to mouthpiece and reed GAS!!!!!

You think bass players are bad, wait until you bring up reeds with a sax player