Best Beginner Sax (From Someone Who's NOT Selling One!)

[@robstevens9590]

Nice clips of you playing the different saxes! Good shoppers' info. I have been playing alto for years, and recently decided to try soprano (on a limited budget), as a second instrument (actually 3rd, because I also play flute). I found a "$300" brand that I was interested in, that I could order on-line, but did not want to buy it without testing it. By an interesting set of coincidences I was in the neighborhood of a shop that had that horn in stock I was able to test 2 of them. It was clear that the quality of construction and materials used was not as good as known brands. One of the horns did not play well, but (after cleaning one of the tone-holes) the other one played well. I have been playing it for a year and it is holding up ok. I am now considering adding tenor, so the info you share is helpful in my decision making process.

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

I'm thinking about taking the plunge on a $300 soprano myself... I sold my other sopranos, but now I'm thinking it might be nice to have something around if ever I feel inspired. I imagine with Amazon you can always return it if it's really terrible? Keep me posted on your hunt for a tenor!

[@AB-kg6rk]

Thanx for keepin it real

[@garydrainville3986]

Great information!

[@paulready8897]

Very nice video, definitely gave me a lot of information to think about when purchasing a sax. I’m in my 60’s with no musical background and I am thinking about getting a sax to learn how to play. Been looking at a used Selmer SAS711. From what I can tell Selmer seems to be more affordable than Yamaha.

[@gib321]

I keep trying to dream up excuses as to why I need to upgrade my excellent boutique sax which played perfectly out pf the box and has required no adjustment in seven years (although I should probably have it serviced). I'll still sound like me after three weeks use of a new horn. - bit off topic I know. Great video.

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

A good horn is a good horn. I feel like I'm going to need to make a series about when / why one might consider upgrading their equipment in general. Thanks for commenting!

[@staceylewisdesigns]

Great video. I think the Bettersax brand may be an exception to the rule but can understand people want decades to look back on. I’m now using the Bettersax Tradition which is their intermediate/pro level horn and it’s phenomenal. Tried vs the YAS 62 and preferring the Bettersax and it’s cheaper. Higher quality parts on the Bettersax vs the 62. Similar to what another commenter said. I believe as for now the Bettersax is right up there with the top brands but need more time to quantify charging the same but I know it’s coming. The reason I felt ok going with the Bettersax vs Yamaha is because they’ve done such a great job setting the instrument line up for future success. The reputation is growing by leaps and bounds and looks to be good for holding its value, maybe even appreciating as they bring out newer models at higher price points. I have 3 altos, a Vito, King Cleveland and now the Bettersax Tradition. I’d have to go high end Yamaha to beat the Bettersax. Higher than the 62. By the way the intermediate Bettersax will cost me as much as the Yamahas and Selmers in the high intermediate/entry level pro range. They do have the entry level Bettersax EAS112 which is only $900 but often on sale. That $900 horn has features found on most pro horns.

[@kaiserthegreat]

There’s only one level of BetterSax horn, which is student level. Comparable to a Yamaha 26, but not a 62, which is a pro horn.

[@staceylewisdesigns]

@ I’m using the horn now. The for rent version is called the tradition and only available via Sweetwater but the for sale version of the same horn will be released hopefully before end of year. I’ve been told the name it’ll be released under but since that hasn’t been shared publicly it’s not mine to share.

[@presequel]

great video! the problem I have with buying a used saxophone is that I have no clue if it is a good one, and also I don't have a technician who is willing to assist me to test it out... so I bought a new Yamaha 280, after watching your video on buying students or intermediate horns :) (but I traded it in after a couple of weeks to buy another more high end sax from a sax shop that stopped business and gave huge discount)

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Can't go wrong with a new Yamaha, and if you're going high end, then most everything is good. As long as you have something that you like and does what it needs to do you're all set!

[@gangofgreenhorns2672]

I've had great luck finding good, working condition alto saxophones really cheap at pawn shops. You just have to know how to evaluate a horn. I play a student model Keilwerth on alto now, liked it better than an intermediate Selmer I had. Both came from pawns.

[@pgroove163]

i would say that most beginners have no idea how to evaluate a horn.. that comes with experience by playing a horn !

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

It gets harder and harder to find good deals in pawn shops.... with the internet a savy pawn dealer knows what things are worth. That being said I did snag a beauty of a Conn 10m years ago for next to nothing... wish I had kept that horn.

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

@@pgroove163 agreed

[@BoninBrighton]

I started with an alto that was an old one that had lived under the spare bed for 15 years £500 new second hand £200…. It was Ok for me for 6 mths until I felt I understood what it was that was important for me so then I bought a new instrument alongside my teacher, we tried out 6 in a shop I bought one for the rest of my life it cost £2300. It took 2 hours. Since then I’ve bought various old cheap Altos from Marketplace £100-£150 and got them working again sending them to a local tech it’s kind of a hobby playing around with old/cheap unloved instruments. But the one I play everyday is my new special pricey alto….it’s the one I trust and love.

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Awesome to hear that you found a horn you love, and I think it's really cool that you resurrect unloved horns too. Great hobby! Next step is to learn how to do that work yourself?

[@joeandersen9038]

I bought a Super Action 80 series 1 for my son, it´s getting a full overhaul total price for the sax and repair 3400$, he has been playing a yas280 for 8 years, a loaner from school.

[@paulready8897]

I have no musical background and in my 60’s. I’m thinking about getting a used Selmer SAS711

[@DonaldHarris-o7f]

Yeah,,, truth.

[@MarcinSteczkowski]

Thank You for the movie. I have a questions about Selmer do You think Conn-Selmer or Selmer Paris? What about Yanagisawa?

[@dme7689]

I bought a Jean Paul 4 years ago. I've had no problems with it and I play almost everyday. Still.... thinking about an upgrade, but the YAS 62 111 I tried today didn't grab me. Keywork felt better, but felt like I was blowing through a straw. Plus... 3650 and plastic all over the horn. C'mon Yamaha.

[@deslippestv]

Dude you are on the internet.

[@1MJ981]

My 4th grader starting school band was handed a student model Jupiter JAS710GNA alto priced at $2945 or $50/month rental. How the heck is a student model priced this high? This isn't much less than a Yamaha YAS 62 pro alto. I am seeing pro models of some brands priced similar or less than a student Jupiter JAS710GNA. For example, a Jean Paul AS-860 pro alto is around $1499. I know they're made in China but still have some pretty good reviews and an American company. I'm just trying to understand what the justification is for a "student" model Jupiter JAS710GNA ($2945) being priced about 4X more than other beginner horns like the Better Sax alto (currently $699 on SW) and 5X more than something like the Jean Paul AS-400 student alto? Is the Jupiter really 4-5X better than these others or are we being fleeced by Jupiter and music stores that have a hold on schools? $3k for a student model/beginner saxophone seems insane. But if the Jupter really is worth it, we'll buy it.

[@79mupoh]

That’s too much money and no, Jupiter is not that good. Please watch this video from beginning to end. It will answer your questions.

[@1MJ981]

@@79mupoh Thanks, I did watch the entire video and was surprised to hear you mention the entry levels ranging up to around $1500 because as I said, this Jupiter student model is double that. I don't get how they're asking this much. I am a little scared of the, as you said, "buyer beware" used market since I have no ability to fix an instrument just in case there's a surprise issue. Since my message earlier, my wife said the school told her we can purchase the Jupiter at a 40% discount at any time, whether it is the entire value now or 40% of whatever balance is left several months from now after renting $50/month. So I guess at around $2,000 or a little less, that's a bit easier to stomach but it's still a student model so I'm going to keep researching options. Thanks again for the reply and video.

[@Gendreaujf]

Wait at least a year or two before you buy an alto sax for your child. Does your child have a private tutor in addition to the band director?

[@etowahjazz]

50% seems a bit much. Depreciate, yes. But 50% seems a bit much except amongst the "lower value" horns. Good video

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Thanks for commenting. I did a video not long ago about intermediate saxes and did a comparison of what each model of Yamaha costs new and what the same horns close for on eBay. Pretty much all across the board they lose 50% value. In my personal experience of selling various horns I've owned, you can absolutely do better than 50% depreciation, but you've gotta be willing to let that horn sit for years until the right buyer comes along who's willing to pay what you're asking. Not everyone is willing to do that. Recently, someone approached me through a friend who was trying to sell his Selmer Series II tenor that was bought brand new from the Paris showroom and played only a handful of times. He thought $8000 was a fair price because it was basically brand new. I don't see that horn ever selling for more that $3000, but that me. Thanks again, for watching and commenting!

[@todayontheinternet9576]

Telling my 11 year old daughter that the $500 YAS-52 that looks like someone left it outside over winter is better than a $200 blue lacquered white glove saxomaphone (yes that's how they spelled it) is harder than you think.

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

I feel you pain my friend, but that's a whole other story there. Those pretty colours catch my eye too. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ericdano]

Not sure about that cold intro, but I think it's sad that the "better sax" guy seems to shill his "products" left and right.....I always recommend people try to find a used horn that is an intermediate or pro model, usually Yamaha or similar.

[@pgroove163]

played a Buescher true tone 6 yrs.. every yr had it checked out in working order.. never had a problem..tone was fantastic..I really learned how to play on it.. " for me" it was fantastic to learn on and develop..

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Thanks for watching and commenting. The cold intro is an acquired taste I think!

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

@@pgroove163 True Tone is a great horn, some of them are little wonky in the tuning department, but it's tough to find a better sounding horn. Thanks for commenting!

[@MrBoybergs]

Best (used) saxophones for begginers that offer excellent construction, ergonomics. intonation and value for money are ; 1. Yamaha 275 2. Jupiter 787/789

[@keithsnowdon3968]

Got a yani tw01 7 years no problems. Goes to tech every 6 month for check over. Got a TJ Sr. 3 years old goes to tech much more iften as its nothing but problems.

[@NatNay-cu3uv]

GET TO THE POINT 🎉