 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: RWW
Date: 2003-11-18 21:48
I am in trouble. I usually double between bari and clarinet in local dance bands but occasionally over the years I was asked to double using a tenor I had as a "loaner". Unfortunately, the owner recently retrieved it and I had to turn down a gig last week because I didn't have one. I know I can't afford a 'good' new one and I don't know for sure how to select a used one (I got burned on a 'bad' one a few years ago). So just for kicks (Christmas is near!) I looked on e-Bay. GOOD GRIEF!!! I can buy brand new ones for $325. I know a little more about clarinets and I know that would be a very bad clarinet. But what about saxophones? Is the story the same? Assuming it is, how much should I expect to pay for a decent sounding horn for an occasional gig? Can I get a 'good' used one for $1000 or less? I need to sound good both as solo and with the other saxes professional sax players. I would be grateful for any advise.
Ron
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Author: supernova_khr
Date: 2003-11-18 22:35
Ask your tenor sax questions on the b-board at http://forum.saxontheweb.net/
I got lots of helpful info there when I looking for a new tenor for my son, and also recently when I bought a used bari for him.
As a point of reference, I bought a new student model Yamaha from a music store called Pro Winds for ~$1000.00. I got a playable condition Conn Bari 12M (a horn from 1964, so not the prime expensive years) for $450.00.
From what I've learned in researching these purchases, a brand new $325 tenor is not going to serve you well in the long run. And if you're playing professionally, and need those extra low and high notes, a student model may not work well either.
Good luck in your search.
Kay
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Author: RM
Date: 2003-11-19 00:11
You can sure find some great vintage saxes for good prices. I would recommend trying out some Martin tenors(Commitee, Magna, Music Man, etc), they are unbelievable, and very affordable. Also try Conn, SML, Beuscher, etc. Bob Ackerman in NJ has an unbelievable selection of ALL makes of saxes. I was just at his place trying out horns. After play testing Selmers, Martins, Conn, etc, I have to say that you can find something just as good as a Selmer if not better, for much less cash. If you want something new try Cannonball, I've heard good things.
RM
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Author: RM
Date: 2003-11-19 00:17
Try these dealers to give you an idea of pricing,
www.bobackermansaxophones.com
www.worldwidesax.com
www.saxgourmet.com
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Author: RWW
Date: 2003-11-19 13:39
Thanks for all the help. I wasn't aware of the sax web site and will check it out. I am bewildered by the abundance of sax names available. I had heard of course of Selmer, Martin, Conn, and Yamaha. Does anyone know anything good or bad about Holton Collegiate, Couesnon Monopole, or Couf Superba II? Someone has these available at apparently reasonable prices but I know nothing about them. I am beginning to think that like clarinets, I am going to have to actually play them before I know if they are any good, rather than going by reputation. Unfortunately that is a problem in my location. I was perhaps naively hoping to pay maybe $500 or $600 for an old one with a reputation for quality. Thanks again.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2003-11-19 15:08
RWW,
Holtons are mediocre players in general, I'd give them a pass. Couesnon Monopoles and Couf Superbas (Keilwerth-made) are excellent, both are comparable IMHO to Selmer Mark VIs and cost much less. I'm a vintage sax fan myself, play on a 1950s Couesnon Monopole alto, a 1918 Conn "Wonder" tenor, and a 1950s Conn 12M bari --- love 'em all, and I got them all on eBay for MUCH less than $1000 (actually all three of them put together cost me less than $1000, although the Conn needed a complete overhaul -- the other two were essentially playable 'as-received'). Older Bueschers (pre-1960) are worth a look, as are older Kings (also pre-1960). Another great horn is SML/Marigaux (some were marketed by King as :King Marigaux), but they are getting pricey.
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Author: David
Date: 2003-11-19 17:29
Can I chuck in Dolnets as cheap, unknown saxes that are really rather good, if you can get one that plays in tune.
Bel Air alto and tenor interest declared...
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