What to look for when you are buying a saxophone? Here are six things for you to consider when you go to buy your fist saxophone.

Sound

You need to know what sound you prefer. A light sound in the alto range or a beefy, deep tenor. Take the time to listen to different saxophones before deciding. You want to be happy with the saxophone before buying it.

Keep in mind that the also and tenor sax are the two easiest to learn to play. Don’t let that stop from learning another sax, but keep in mind it may be more difficult.

Level

There are three main levels of saxophone. Student, intermediate, and pro. You have to get the right sax for you or you will overpay. Student saxs will be great for the first several years. An intermediate could cost you several thousand dollars, so don’t jump levels. You won’t benefit from it until you are ready, skills wise.

Size

The size of the sax can be problematic on a child. A huge tenor on a small 9 year old makes it difficult to play. The size and weight will interfere with the child ability to learn to play. They might not even have the air to make any sound.

Make

what company should you buy? Each manufacturer strives for a different sound. The best way to know who to buy from is to listen to different players to focus on the sound you really like the best. There is also the price factor. Shop around.

Price

A new saxophone is going to cost plenty. Please do not go into sticker shock at the store. You’ll be embarrassed afterwards.

Used saxophones are quite a bargain. There is a reason for that. There is an old sax out there called the C melody. It is not an instrument that you want to buy. Look the whole thing over for dings and dents, especially in the neck where they will affect tone. Check the pads for cracks. Is the key action smooth? Are the rods bents? Are the adjustment keys loose? These are all expensive repairs.

Cheap saxs are usually from China. These aren’t the best of instruments, but they are improving. Try to buy from an online store or a shop that offers a money back guarantee if the sax is a dud. It is better to pay a little more to protect yourself.

Branded saxs are going to be the most expensive ones to buy. There is a reason. There are no real issues with the top brands. They all play very well and have no structural issues. If you don’t mind shopping around you can find excellent second hand ones that are still quite playable.

There are plenty of extras you can buy to go with you sax. Many of them are not necessary. All you really need are some reeds, cork grease, a lint free cloth, and a pad saver(pull through). You may want a tuner and a metronome later, but not the first day you buy.

There are six things you need to know before you buy a sax.

Photo Credit debsteinberg

The price of a saxophone usually reflects the quality of that particular brand of sax. Here is a quick guide to help to know what to expect to pay for a new saxophone. This article is going to deal with the common alto sax and show the starting price only.

Gear For Music Alto Sax      $380
SMS Acadamey Alto              $418
Selmar USA                               $580
Trevor James                           $700
Earlham                                      $900
Keilworth                                   $1200
Yamaha YAS275                    $1200
Yanigasawa                              $2400
Selmar Paris                            $3200

These are only approximate prices. For a tenor sax you will want to add anywhere from $100 to $300. For soprano and higher or baritone and lower add another $300. You will have to shop around to get the best price possible. Make sure the sax you buy comes with a money back guarantee.

A used saxophone may be the way to go for you. Especially if budget is a concern. A new YAS275 is $1200 or more, but a used one could be as cheaps as $200. A general rule of thumb is that the better known models and the better quality the sax, the closer to the new price you will have to pay.

A used sax may be your only option, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy junk. Look over the pads, key action. And look for bent rods. Good luck.

The tenor sax is one of the most common sax’s around. The tenor is a great place for beginners to start. Tenor and alto sax’s account for 90% of the worlds’ saxophones. Stan Getz and Plas Johnson both play a mean tenor.

The tenor sax is generally more expensive than an alto. A good one like the Yamaha can cost well over $1200, but with good care and regular servicing it can last you a lifetime. A well taken care of, branded saxophone will hold its resale value quite well. There has been an influx of no name saxophones that are fairly cheap, but don’t sound as good and don’t last as long. You may get lucky, but search the web for reviews of the sax you want to buy before you spend any money. A site like SH Woodwind that is impartial can be a great tool.

The tenor sax is normally pitched in Bb and comes in three levels: beginner, intermediate, and pro.

Almost anyone can play the tenor sax. They may be a little big for younger players to start on. These instruments are 3 ½ feet long and weigh several pounds. They are solid metal after all. The breath support is quite difficult for smaller children and the finger holes are somewhat large, to boot. A child younger than 10 or 11 would struggle with the tenor. The alto may be best for them.

The tenor sax is a great beginner for older children and adults. But is a fairly expensive instrument. Search the internet and stores for the best buy you can find.

Photo Credit dirindi