Buyer's Guide to Used Saxophones : Overview

You don't have to spend a fortune to get started on Saxophone. After 45 years of playing sax and five years of buying them on eBay, Joel Tucker has seen the good, the bad and the ugly of used saxophones. In this introductory segment, he reveals six gems that are commonly available on the used saxophone market, from the historic Vito Kenosha sax to the modern Jupiter 767. In between are the Conn Shooting Stars, the King Cleveland and the Vito Taiwan.

[@ross776]

It’s good to see someone spreading positivity on used horns, so many pros try and make them seem like a sin.

[@SH1974]

About 2 months ago, I decided to learn my first Instrument and I suddenly stood in front of the same Problem: What SAX should I buy? I checked several online platforms and I found lots of interresting Saxes. I love vintage style, I imagined my first Instrument was a used and nice vintage looking Instrument that's optical look screams "JAZZ ME, DUDE!!!" No holidays this sumer (cancelled because lockdown caused by Corona) so I had some budget. Not as much that "money don't matters", but enough that the prize should NOT be the main limiting factor for choosing my first Sax. But then I saw the real problem: As an absolute beginner, I can not judge about the (mecanical) condition and the sound of a used Instrument. Even if it's near and I had the chance to test-play it, I can barely blow some tones - no play, no test! And then there was uncertainity about eventually following-costs when I read discriptions like "should be slightly overhauled" or "needs a service". What does that mean? (where can I let this work be done, how much time will it take and what will it cost?) To be honest: I don't look for an Instrument that needs to be overhauled. I look for an Instrument, that ... wait! What do I REALLY looking for? Do I look for an Instrument that has a specific look? No! I don't even look for an Instrument to "play" - I mainly look for an Instrument to LEARN. Honestly: what I really look for is ADVICE! So I stopped browsing and dreaming. Moved my mind back to reality and my ass to a local wind instrument store. (Fortunately very near, 20 Minutes to drive. They not just sell, they also repair. They even manufacture own trumpets and horns.) The offers of used Alto Saxes in my prize range was not that big. Most of the beautiful Vintage Instruments have been perfectly overhauled pro Instruments (out of my range) or worn "cheap-Horns" (way below under my range) that are fixed as necessary and usable for some rest-time, but not even worth to really overhaul when any bigger issues may come. One nice vintage looking and totally overhauled Yamaha YAS 23 was very, very interresting. But 250 bucks more for a brand new YAS 280? I asked the dealer what she would recommend and she told me: "Both are excellent instruments to start, both will last at least as long until You'll want another (pro-league, maybe a Tenor) instrument. The used Sax has a History it can not tell, the new one could once have a History You'd write. Not to forget that there are about 3 decades of Instrument developing (Yamaha does a lot of reserarch and improvement) between those 2 horns." I really thought about the used YAS-23 (it looked so lovely used) but I left the store with a brand new instrument. Practice since 4 Weeks now (about an hour each day, also had 2 lessions at the music-School with a local sax teacher) and I don't regret one single Cent! I'm that content that the biggest problem in the first sessions of practicing was to get rid of that fucking smile on my face!! Can't play Sax and smile at the same time! Seriously!! Don't buy a Saxophone that satisfies You too much! It would brutally handicap Your practice! At least in the first few sessions. But if You plan for more than a few months, it's cheaper to get rid of a smile than get rid of a bad or totally outworn instrument. So, yes: Buy the best Sax You can afford! :)

[@JoelTucker]

SH1974 Well written! Thanks for an insightful perspective on that crucial first Sax purchase.

[@-Free.Spirit-]

Thank you so much for this advice. Ive been pulling my hair out trying to study up on the options purchasing my first sax, was any yanagisawa - expensive but easiness of key play is mentioned as a strong feature, or stuck between secondhand Yamaha 23, vito or Jupiter 769. Ive looked through ebay then searched youtube to find what they sound like. I had Jupiter 769 on the top of my list so thank you. I will look no further and go narrow down the options on the jupiter

[@BlueRidgeEd]

Thanks for the informative video, Joel! Great advice for the younger folks coming in who are possibly confused about what to get, and a confirmation to some of us older sax guys who think similarly. My go-to alto is a 2006 Jupiter Capital Edition; picked it up for $200 in a pawn shop about 6-7 years ago. Had Ken Beason do his benchmark setup on the horn & he loved it. Suspect we're close to the same age. Played in R&B and rock bands during the '60s. Thanks for your ongoing service to our Lord, bro. Blessings!

[@garys8990]

Very useful information. I just purchased a 1929 Buescher Trutone low pitch and love the sound. Thanks for posting.

[@chickenshedjamband5241]

Really helpful and informative. And even though I know nothing about saxophones I ended up picking out the differences in tone. The older horns have a gnarlier, less bright sound than the Jupiter, but somehow more characterful. Thanks!

[@anthonybailey3511]

Thanks Pastor, I really learned alot from watching this post of yours. I'm new to saxophone and I currently play the yas-23. I'll hope to as good as you someday. God Bless you Pastor.

[@JoelTucker]

Thanks. A yas-23 is a great saxophone.

[@deevycainhog707]

Joel Tucker

[@leonply]

The first sax shown, the Vito, was assembled in Kenosha WI from components made by Beaugnier in France. Leblanc had acquired Beaugnier in the 1950s and had the parts made by them, before shipping them, unfinished, to the States, where they were assembled at the Kenosha Factory, in order to avoid excise taxes. The craftsmen and women in Kenosha were responsible for the stunning engraving, lacquer and assembly of these fine instruments, which were actually of a professional level.

[@JoelTucker]

i do wish I hadn't sold that one. It was great sax!

[@imageaware]

Thanks, Joel. On the strength of your recommendation I bought a Jupiter 500 (used) for less than one third of the new price and I'm really happy with it.

[@ericm9785]

9:20 No rubber bands! They damage the instrument further! - Woodwind Repair Tech

[@andrewblad857]

I'm a classical guitarist/drummer/composer. I'm trying to get into playing the sax because I've always admired people like eric dolphy and john zorn. Thank you for your informative video. You sound great by the way. I'll be so happy if I can play like you someday.

[@MelodyMaker]

Progress report?

[@MusicSmiles]

O, I LOVE, LOVE that sound of a sax!!! This is an awesome video. Thank you for the info. I have played many different instruments all my life - mostly in church (I play by ear), but I've never played a sax, and at 43 y/o ...it's past time!! ha!! So, I'm now looking one. I wish I lived close to you for the good advice and tips!! I can't put alot into one, but I've got my eyes OPENED!!! Thanks again.....the sound of them all = BEAUTIFUL!!! You're an amazing player!!!

[@jackiron4785]

The first Vito and the Jupiter sounded the best to me. I've got a shooting star , mexiconn as they are commonly known. Despite often bad reviews, it plays pretty well.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I play drums and noticed the V-drums in the back right away. That's about 5 grand...good choice. Very solid machines. I'd bring the whole thing lower. Bad body posture to have all that stuff so high. Cause permanent damage to your body. Maybe just forced perspective..? Also can't see the performer with everything so high. But, yeah, i can trust you now. :) I've had Rolands for 20 years. I have the XP-SERIES keyboards (two of these, a larger 80 and the smaller 30 for lessons and such) and 15 year old TD-12s V-drums. Which is extremely solid equipment, as long as you don't abuse them. Electronic stuff doesn't get louder by bashing on it. Easier setup/teardown and much more durable than regular drums. Ideally, you have an open van and can just put the whole thing in there half folded. That would be a 2 person job, but you wouldn't have to worry about it getting banged as much as acoustic. Only downside is that they're not electronic artistry inside, but who cares? They work. Your repairman friend will gripe there's no copper wiring or pretty connections inside. Mind you, you will see none of that, lol. Only repair issue is the power supply, not unusual with older machines that have the 110 plug you can unplug from.the box. Not a horribly bad or expensive repair. It might require a call to Roland for the repair guy, tho. Oh, if you get a hole in a head, you can use a bass drum head sticker and continue on for 5 more years. Don't use any fuzzy beaters/mallets anywhere. They ruin your heads and don't change the sound. eBay has a lot of parts if you need them. Roland dot c is hideously overpriced, tho. oh, if you can find the high hat from.the TD-10 that doesn't physically move..? Yeah, grab it. Not sure if brain will cooperate, tho. I'd bug Roland about it. It's a WAY WAY better, more responsive part. I'd do the same with the kick drum, if it'll work. Don't switch to cheap brands here, particularly the Alesis. I didn't even see that one working in the store, so it's junk. They're obviously cheap crap. If you HAVE TO, get the tiny Roland. Whatever it's called. You can always get your money back if you sell later. Can't with junk. But, you have my respect, sir. You know your stuff.

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

Pasteur Joel, j'aime beaucoup votre presentation - le bon discours 'saxophonique'!

[@kdrew72]

I started on an older Buescher Elhart(one with the Elk engraving), good student horn. Playing a series 2 King Super 20 now. I believe a lot of the post Selmer buyout 1960s Bueschers can be a great bargain. I agree on the King Clevelands, great student horn. Nice informative video for beginners

[@allrockirwin23]

The King Cleveland has been my only alto. It's a little rough but I love it.

[@skimanization]

Good reviews, Joel. I like those saxophones and their sounds, thanks.

[@bobbyhill7036]

I AM A BLUESMAN ..I WISH I HAD A FRIEND LIKE YOU TO PLAY SOME SAX..SO I GUESS I GOT TO LEARN ....TO BLOW THAT HORN ..THANKS BLESS YA .

[@hockeyrd99]

Nice video! I just picked up a Vito alto for $50 at a flea market; it only has a 3 digit serial number.. dates it to 1970. I can't get over how heavy it is! I guess old brass is better than new brass. lol Anyway, something should be said about upgrading mouthpieces. Your horns all sound pretty good but it may have to do with the mouthpiece. The Vito I just bought has a student Selmer mouthpiece and I am not totally thrilled with the sound. I actually put the mouthpiece from my Mark IV tenor on it just for kicks, and it sounded pretty good, so now that I know a better mouthpiece will make a difference, I may try to upgrade.

[@pabslondon]

Normally the fact you keep playing the same song would be annoying.. but I love me some Charlie Parker :) Thanks for the video - I'm really interested in U.S vintage saxes

[@vladimirlopez7840]

Some Vito’s were made by Yanagisawa in Japan. Japanese horns are not just good they are amazing.

[@Firebrand55]

Ornithology at 2.25......I like it!....I haven't picked up an alto yet but I'm going to.....just to play that tune...... eventually!

[@djlarryb68]

Wow! You are a great saxophone player! I sold my Conn alto now I’m wanting another sax. I saw a used Connonball at a music store but they wanted over 2500.00 dollars for it. It was beautiful! Still looking for a sax. Thanks for the video! I live in north Alabama. If you can help let me know.

[@JoelTucker]

I've recently rediscovered Conn "Shooting Star" altos. Some are crap, but the early, four-digit saxophones are great players. I've recently bought my third four-digit Conn (obsessive, I know), and I've sold my pro sax. The Conn is my go-to sax, and if it's a student sax, so be it!

[@WellStudied]

Joel, do you know anything about Prestini USA saxes? Been around since 1870, yet nobody seems to know anything about them. The very few reviews I can find are all VERY good. Their NEW pro saxes are priced like a intermediate model of the big names? Based on your vid, which I don't know why more haven't done, that Jupiter sounds fuller and brighter than anything else on the stage... yet there's that attraction of buying a NEW good model at a great price. Thanks for the vid, and for helping kids and parents, find music.

[@josedecarvalho5459]

That Jupiter sounds better then all of them

[@jerryseaton5239]

All great sounding horns . This guy knows his stuff and can REALLY PLAY !

[@jessenelson8906]

I enjoyed your expertise on saxophones.....What do you know about the "Lade' saxophones? I have two..a Bb tenor and a Bb soprano....I love them, great action and tone....

[@JoelTucker]

Old Bueschers are great instruments! Way underpriced.

[@JoelTucker]

all these horns are SOLD! Follow me on eBay to see if I have others.

[@abi71200]

whats your ebay account do you ship abroad?

[@poliver12345]

Great instructional video. What do you think of Buescher Alto from 1960, and another old horn from 1905 still plays really well!

[@Metsani44]

What brands should i be looking for when it comes to tenor saxophones cheaper than $200?

[@no-ff8gm]

im currently looking at some 1920s conns and bueschers, as they're round $400 cheaper than 2nd hand yamaha student models going. I'm new to sax, but have player guitar, bass and piano for years doing all my own servicing. I''m happy to study intonation and repairs on sax's as that'll save money. Just wandering if this sounds like a good idea? rather than $600+ chinese 2nd hand model?

[@reichlinsmall9765]

GREAT VIDEO!

[@nutmegger1957]

So, you can spend under $500.00 for a good (playable) Saxophone? I'm a musician (and a Believer, by the way) who has played a trombone when I was a kid (I'm 57 now) and want to try my hand at Saxophone. I am thinking of a Tenor Sax, for the deeper sound. Any reason why I might like an Alto Sax more? Educate me. Thanks for this video.

[@JoelTucker]

Sorry for the late response! Altos are easier to play and far less expensive. Otherwise, if you prefer the sound of a Tenor, you should start with a tenor. You can set up an ebay search with alerts on a Tenor sax; click advanced settings and set your maximum price, then watch as things come through.

[@basicallyalandershowitz]

I play all 4 of the main family and I started on Alto and now don't often play it. Alto is great and if you want to get great at saxophones rather than a give sax Alto is a great place to start. As you start play other saxs you'll actually find that playing them gives you better tone on another sax. I now almost only play tenor and bari with a little soprano here and there, but Alto will always be the most important sax I've ever touched.

[@MrBoybergs]

@@basicallyalandershowitz Agreed. Although striving for our concept of perfect tone is a life long journey, I far prefer the tone I produce on the larger instruments. I reckon it's down to each individuals anatomy (lips, oral cavity, throat, diaphram etc.

[@bogeyman10us11]

Joel-they all sound good! I especially like the Vito Kenosha alto. What year was it made, can you tell? I would love to get one. Thank you.

[@ross776]

What new recommendations would you make?

[@JoelTucker]

I can't recommend any new saxophones -- but only because I think they are all unaffordable. Yamaha 21s, 23s, 61s, and 52s are usually good used saxohones. I think Jupiters are generally underrated. And, if you want a sax made in the USA, your ONLY choice is a used sax. If I had it to do over again, I'd have never bought a sax beyond my Shooting Stars Conn alto. Even now I'm thinking about selling the rest -- thought I'll probably hold on to a Yamaha 61.

[@esktremorz4179]

Do a video on tenors

[@siasia4]

nice video thanks a lot

[@TDawggggg]

Not sure if you are still available on KZbin but I am 26 and looking for a horn to begin on. IF you have any available I am 100% looking for something for purchase or atleast something in the right direction for minimal cost if you have any suggestion. Not quite sure what to look for in term of quality etc. Thanks!

[@robertbried6789]

Cheap saxophones can be bought on Ebay cheaply. Pro horns on the other hand may be a copy and not the horn advertised.

[@JoelTucker]

True. Chinese factories are cranking out cheap saxophones that blatantly use the Selmer, Yamaha and Yani logos and product names.

[@MrFedy1996]

Hi! I want to learn saxophone and I found a person who lives in my city selling a Jupiter 767 for 200 euros.. it looks like in good condition from the photos, but I would be able to see and buy it in person so.. what should I pay attention to when I check it? And also, 200 euros how do they sound to you, is that a good deal? Thank you for helping

[@JoelTucker]

Esticammi 200 Euros sounds like a good price. Look at the pads. Hopefully, they look new. Get a basic fingering chart and close all the keys and look for leaks. It would be good if you could play all the notes. Do you have pictures? I wouldn’t pay more, but if it’s in good playing shape, it’s worth €200. A 767 is a student model, but they are very good saxophones.

[@Billybillybillyrocking]

Cannonball is my favorite and will be the horn I will buy new when I have 3000$ lol question tho, do you get mouthpieces and sell those on eBay too? I want to start a little collection of some older vintage and new pieces.

[@JoelTucker]

They do sell a lot of mouthpieces on eBay! I have a drawer full of them. I should sell them by the pound and send you some. I have sold mouthpieces from time to time, but not lately. Maybe it's time to liquidate again. I have too many Conn Shooting Star Alto Saxophones, and I'm thinking about selling each one with three mouthpieces: A Precision, a Conn Eagle and a Conn Steelay Standard. Three different pieces, three different sounds.

[@jazldazl9193]

Most important that you do not buy a High Pitch or C melody sax unless you play alone

[@JoelTucker]

Agreed! High-pitch saxophones are a sad waste of technology and craftsmanship. Hang them on a wall, or, yes, play alone.

[@Kaoson73]

Mr Tucker I live where asia meets europe. I mean Istanbul. I would like to ask you a favor. I am looking for a good tenor sax. Not necessarily a vintage one. Can you help me to get one ? I will pay for your service as much as you want. I am looking for a sax that sounds like a selmer mark VI . I like the centered live sound not the broad dark sound. I can change pads and do minor adjustments as long as the horn is in a trusty condition.

[@JoelTucker]

I suggest you look on Ebay for something in your price range. The difference between dark, bright and centered sounds might depend as much on the mouthpiece and reeds as the sax itself. Best of luck to you.

[@denleywoodies7014]

KAOSON ijb sark v11

[@gangstarsnowman7773]

I have a con 20 mm should I uprgrade

[@colemanadamson5943]

Forget alto....what about tenors?

[@JoelTucker]

Altos are so common as to be way underpriced. Tenors usually have a premium price just because they are tenors. I have bought and sold several. One example of an underpriced tenor is the Reynolds Ambassador, many of which are made in Paris. All Yamahas are good; there's a YTS23 on ebay now for under $600 (buy it now: $750). Looking today at all used Tenors on ebay, I don't see anything I would buy that's priced at under $300. I do not recommend the Chinese models for under that price, but you might be willing to take a chance based on the price alone.

[@cinthiaperez22]

My son is 11 this is his 1st time joining the school band and the instrument he chooses is the alto saxophone Which one would you recommed me to buy my son as his 1st Alto Saxophone please help me thank you

[@TheCuven]

Cinthia Perez he should purchase a selmer gold plated super action 80 series III with a s90 190 and a solid silver gold plated ishimori ligature with vandoren blue box 3.0. This will cost ~ 16k

[@JoelTucker]

For a student, I would recommend a used Jupiter or Yamaha. They are great saxophones. Don't spend too much. Check with the band director to see if he knows a good repair man to give a used sax the once-over.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@JoelTucker I'll vouch for Yamaha personally. I was gifted a used piano (they included the move, which is where a ton of money goes) and even the tuner said he was really pretty pleased with it's quality. It's no Bosendorfer, (once had a chance to buy a 6 foot tall upright for $3,000 and the guy reniged! One of my life's heartbreaks...) but it is a lil sweetheart. I've had it tuned twice and no problems with it at all. Of course, for the record, I'm known to take care of my stuff. If i had kids that wanted instruments, and they got 30.00 a week for allowance, trust me, they'd be paying 5 or 10.00 for it's care and maintenance. I'm an only child, so you can trust me when i say: nothing like having to earn stuff yourself to make you take care of it. :)

[@ChefTrueLife101]

What's your eBay user name? I really want to see your offers. I'm a alto Saxophone player of 3yrs. I heard the the video that you are a Pastor. That's great! I'm a Christian myself :)

[@cpt0118]

A friend is asking me for a Old Selmer Bundy Tenor Sax $1500. Do you think the price is ok? No dents and pads look good.

[@JoelTucker]

Zorro II look on eBay for similar saxophones to see the price range. $1500 sounds high, but I've seen a German made Bundy Special that sells for around that.

[@cpt0118]

Joel Tucker your right, it is made in Germany. Thanks a lot. I plan to make him an offer.

[@daviddiaz4716]

that is way 2 much. more like $500

[@jays6.021]

Is it worth buying a 1922 Conn New Wonder series 1 alto for 100$?

[@JoelTucker]

Certainly, if it is in good shape. If it needs a lot of repair or new pads, then just consider that it might cost a few hundred dollars more to make it a great sax again.

[@jays6.021]

Joel Tucker yeah it’s gonna need some pads and a good clean up

[@ethancollins4593]

but what about finding affordable Bari Saxophones?

[@JoelTucker]

Affordable Bari's? I bought a bari for $700, but it only goes to high E, and it's heavy as rip. Oddly, in the pro end (selmers, yamahas, etc), used bari's aren't much more expensive than used altos. I suggest that you should be able to get a good used bari for about $600, plus another $100 shipping.

[@ethancollins4593]

Joel Tucker thank you so much for the quick response! My problem is, first, I don't want to get ripped off, and second, I would like a low A key. I have played tenor saxophone for 9 years, and I had the opportunity to play on a school bari a few times and loved it!

[@ethancollins4593]

Joel Tucker any specific reccommendations?

[@JoelTucker]

www.ebay.com/itm/Conn-82M-Baritone-Sax-w-Low-A-Saxophone-/201920489623?hash=item2f03662897:g:rdEAAOSw1WJZEjby

[@JoelTucker]

You will probably spend about a grand on a low A.

[@PurveyorOfCuriosities]

what is the song he's playing in the demo?

[@JoelTucker]

A lot of nothing and a few bars of "Ornithology".

[@comanchedase]

there was some coltrane there

[@josedecarvalho5459]

That first alto sound like s.

[@Out1sSaidAsOat]

the first vito was the only nice sounding one to me

[@_albo636]

One guy is selling me a alto sax named Vinci he's giving to me for 200 is that' a good deal no dents

[@killer2guide]

you still have any more horns? plz message me your ebay name

[@pgroove163]

" that should have been called dent condition"..

[@inernationalwoodwind]

Joel Nice to meet you You can message me on Facebook Lock Reese

[@dreygar8853]

Got triggered when I saw "Taiwan, Province of China". (It's not a province of China)

[@t.w.2258]

Taiwan, Province of China Controversial ;)

[@br91745]

Taiwan is not belong to China, Please correct it.

[@thedominicfung]

I was gonna say! Definitely jumped out at me!