Saxophones
 

I already play trumpet in a quartet, but I feel I need something new to expand my horizons musically. I have been looking to buy a tenor saxophone online but I honestly have no clue where to begin. I've seen the prices of new saxophones range from around $500 to over $9,000.

Like I mentioned, I am not a beginning musician. I have a good practice ethic and do not plan on being at the "student level" on tenor sax for very long so I don't really want a "student level" saxophone, however I definitely cannot afford to drop five thousand or more dollars on a new instrument right now. Selmer looks like a good brand to me, but I honestly don't know. What brand/model tenor sax do you think a person like me would be content with? I desperately need some advice on what to get.

Thanks.

Hi there,

Well, I'm not a sax player but my dad is and I grew up playing bass in his band.

He had Selmers for years, his favourite was a Mark 6, then he had a Conn Underslung for a while which I think is American.

It took him a long time to change but now he plays a Yamaha tenor and a Yanagisawa alto and he reckons they are both the best saxes he's ever owned. Can't help you on price though.

I would imagine like guitars or cars. Most manufacturers have lower ends then go right up to the top pro-line stuff which I know are very expensive.

Best thing, as with guitars, set your budget then head into a good store and spend all day blowing everything in your budget. Then, I would wait a week, go back and try your top three again and then decide..

Sorry I couldn't offer more detailed advice, Gordon.