 The Fingering Forum
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Author: Caro
Date: 2004-05-26 09:58
Hi all,
I am about to learn to play saxophone, but first of all, I guess I need to buy one
The only thing is that I have no clue about what I need to start, so if you have any tips about how to choose a sax,how much it's gonna cost me, etc, I'd appreciate!
Or for instance, what do you think of those? http://store.yahoo.com/ameriwind/saxophone.html
I already play piano and guitar, so I am not a total beginner in music.
Thanks for your help!
Caro
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Author: Eoin McAuley
Date: 2004-05-26 10:51
You should start with an alto saxophone. The ones at that site look acceptable as student saxophones. There's no point in paying thousands to get the top of the range when you're only starting off.
If it was a choice of one of those four Ameriwind models, I'd go for the most expensive one with nickel keys and a high F# key.
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Author: JfW
Date: 2004-05-26 14:04
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The only thing is that I have no clue about what I need to start, so if you have any tips about how to choose a sax,how much it's gonna cost me, etc, I'd appreciate!
Or for instance, what do you think of those? http://store.yahoo.com/ameriwind/saxophone.html
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Those horns are likely junk and only qualify as musical instruments in the loosest sense of the term. You will see a wide range of these unknown brands that are mere nameplates on the output of bottom-of-the-barrel chinese manufacturers. These horns tend to have all sorts of problems that will frustrate any player, especially a beginner. Plus, are you sure you want to buy a saxophone from someone who doesn't even know how to put the mouthpiece on correctly?
I would *not* purchase one of these saxophones. Reasoning that it's suitable for a beginner is completely wrong-headed thinking. A beginner needs a horn that stays in adjustment, and plays in tune; horns like those typically do neither and since abeginner lacks the confidence and experience to know when the equippment is at fault, they will often figure they are the problem when something is actually wrong with the instrument. This leads to discouragement.
You will not find a brand-new alto saxophone worth playing for less than about a thousand dollars, minimum. Servicable used instruments cost about $400 and up. Look for these horns:
Any Yamaha
Selmer
Yanagisawa
Buescher, prior to 1980
Vito
Bundy
Keilwerth
Jupiter, 700 series or later
Antigua Winds
Conn
King
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Author: Caro
Date: 2004-05-26 22:43
thanks a lot!
one more question: is it ok to buy a used sax which is said to be in "good condition", or is it the kind of instrument that I should definitely buy new?
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Author: Theboy_2
Date: 2004-05-26 23:23
a new instrument is considered newer then 7-10 years old. the best bet when you go to get the instrument is to play the horn first to make sure it's in good shape. now since you're a beginner, try to get a friend who plays the sax to help you out. check for worn pads, bent rods/keys, major dents. you don't need the most expensive instrument to learn on, one that works. once you get better, you can move up to a higher priced instrument. no sense of buying the highest price you can get if you decide that sax isn't for you. hope this helps.
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Author: Amanda
Date: 2004-05-27 03:43
A new instrument is NEW, not used. A used instrument may have some wear on it, but as far as saxophones go, that's fine as long as it is in "good condition." Good condition means it IS playable-- have someone you know who can play test it out.
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Author: JfW
Date: 2004-05-27 14:24
A *new* instrument is one that has never left the store or showroom. A returned instrument even in new condition, is not new.
Used instruments are far better bargins, but 'good condition' is a term that can be thrown around loosely. When purchasing any horn, new or used, be sure to have an instructor, advanced player, or technician along.
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Author: Ember
Date: 2004-05-28 08:42
I have a Borgani alto sax. It wasn't very expensive but a lot of people use Borgani with bands and also with high levels jazz! Of course it's not the best! But it's ok.
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Author: amanda
Date: 2004-05-30 13:42
i bought a used vito alto sax on ebay for $150 and it works just fine it only needed a cheap trip to the shop to be fine tuned from shipping when i first got it and i've had no trouble from it in the year i've owned it if you're going to try and do this i suggest having somonewith you who knows what they are looking for hope this helps
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Author: Serena
Date: 2004-07-21 21:53
U so need to start on an Alto Sax and work your way up. A good Alto will cost u about 2,000 Dollars. I know it seems like alot but it will be worth it once u become the best in your band!!!!
Serena:)
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Author: Serena
Date: 2004-07-21 21:54
U so need to start on an Alto Sax and work your way up. A good Alto will cost u about 2,000 Dollars. I know it seems like alot but it will be worth it once u become the best in your band!!!!
Serena:)
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