Which Saxophone?

Do you know there are alto saxophones, tenor saxophones, baritone saxophones, soprano saxophones, sopranino saxophones, bass saxophones and contra bass saxophones? And, don’t get scared, but high quality, name-brand saxophones will cost upwards of $2000-$10,000. Thank goodness we don’t have to spend that much for a good student sax.

Most beginners start with a student model alto saxophone, as the alto is the smallest of the saxophones used regularly in band. Saxes are not light, and a tenor sometimes feels big to a smallish adult, so the alto is the normal starting point. Make sure to talk to an expert about this before you commit to buying an instrument – your band director or private teacher would be good choices.
 
Budget: Next you should decide how much you can actually spend on your saxophone. Learning to play a musical instrument is an investment in your education. Don’t forget that you will have other musical expenses like music, reeds and instrument care supplies.

Should you buy a new or used saxophone? We have a great article about that!
The other big question is to rent or to buy…and we have another article about that!

Name Brand or Not?

Name brands may be important to professional players, but the truth about musical instruments is that it is all in the sound. If you find a no-name instrument that plays well, has a great sound and is in tune, then buy it!

If you have read the article about “new or used?”, then you know that a used instrument very well might not be the least expensive choice. Please take a look at our student saxophone section. We have some excellent student alto saxes for under $300. They come complete with everything you need to get started, including a mouthpiece, mouthpiece cap, ligature, neck strap case and a two-year warranty.

Use an Expert
When buying your first instrument it is best if you have an expert with you to test it. He (or she) will need to inspected is the horn for damage and play it to test the intonation and adjustment. I like to bring a friend to listen to me try out instruments. I can listen to him, he can listen to me and we discuss what we think. (FYI-I have been teaching for almost 30 years, and I still want someone else to help me evaluate a new instrument.)

Things to Bring for Testing
If you are testing a used sax yourself, you should bring some things with you. Rubbing alcohol or any disinfectant, a flashlight, a tuner, reeds, your mouthpiece and cork grease. If you don't have your own mouthpiece, make sure you disinfect the one with the instrument before playing it.