YAMAHA vs JEAN PAUL vs AMAZON | Alto Saxophone - Entry Level Buyers Guide

#bettersax #saxophone #amazon
Jay Metcalf reviews and compares several budget student alto saxophones.
🎷Current recommendation for best budget alto- BetterSax Alto: ➡︎ geni.us/saxophones
Jean Paul USA AS-400 Alto Saxophone - geni.us/FsjZBcK
Lade/Ammoon Alto Saxophone - geni.us/3TVpQUB
Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Saxophone - geni.us/tMna
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[@davidendsley2391]

Agreement with you on the Jean Paul sax, really like the sound and the price is unbelievable for such a great sounding sax. Hands down the Jean Paul wins this.

[@xander321]

David Endsley I agree

[@snarkstudios1556]

Same it’s pretty dang good

[@vladimirlopez7840]

I own one and it is quite good for the price.

[@davidendsley2391]

Vladimir Lopez I also have one or mite I say I just got one and for the price it does it’s job without any complaints for me or those I play with best backup sax.

[@Looblu]

I bought it and compared it with a Yamaha yas24 and is not a winner. Jean Paul is better that most Chinese saxes but is not worth the price.

[@jonnyquest1120]

Man I just scored a Jean Paul AS-400 on craigslist for $80. I was extremely stoked before I even knew how good of a horn it was. Let alone the value! This thing plays 10 times better than this hunk I found at a garage sale. It's given me the confidence to actually play again for the first time in 15 years. Big recommendation to Jean Paul here

[@kierenmoore3236]

I'd love to see a similar video to this on entry level/student TENOR Saxophones, please ... ? :)

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

I agree!!

[@kaseyk6315]

Kieren Moore and bari too!!

[@thomassmith1507]

Kasey K Student level baris aren’t really a thing and it would be hard to find anything under $800-$1000 that won’t fall apart on you and be extremely leaky

[@Manstrual]

I would like to see that as well, however I've always seen people start on alto then switch to tenor. That type of video is pretty much already up tho, as he has posted cheap-ish tenors vs pro tenors.

[@zryech9625]

Me too😃

[@AnthonyRivera1]

I purchased a Jean-Paul for my son last year and i'm glad to see that we made a good choice in a starter alto sax.

[@mtbird117]

I bought the Jean Paul AS-400 because of your review and it doesn't disappoint!!! I am a complete beginner and when I put it together and watched your videos on how to produce sound it automatically blew a perfect note. Very easy to put together. It comes with everything you need to get started. Thanks Jay for recommending this to me!!!

[@bettersax]

Great to hear this. I'm glad.

[@SepiksComposite]

I have my dads yamaha Yas 23 and it has been great for my first year of playing and has no problems so I recommend it

[@jrinfo4917]

I can't believe how great each of the saxophones sounds in the hands of a genius professional! Thank you.

[@danielseguin913]

Amazing review. Thank you so much. This helps a lot.

[@chadhardman1270]

Hey Jay. Wanted to say that your videos have inspired me to blow the dust off my Tenor after 8 years of closet time. My kids were pretty stoked on the Imperial March tune I blasted out for them. Thanks for the content!

[@bettersax]

haha. great to hear this.

[@johncroaker9973]

I always find your views insightful Jay. Thank you. I don't play myself but I find your channel invaluable for research purposes in outfitting and encouraging my young son who's showing promise of being a very talented saxophonist. He's got an AW01 for his main instrument but I want a less valuable horn for band use and as his instrument is often left unattended, at risk of loss or damage, at school. I now have no doubt that the Jean Paul AS-400 is the right choice for the purpose. Thanks again.

[@gentryseipert5122]

I played throughout middle school and into high school on rentals as I switched over the years between Alto, Tenor and eventually landed on Bari (all Yamaha's). Since I never bought a horn of my own, the joy of playing sax sort of fell by the wayside once I went off to college but the desire to get back to it hasn't ever strayed. Now that I'm graduated and a working adult fortunate enough to have a little money in my pocket, I felt it was time to check out the market. As a former Yamaha player, I'm still a little torn between the gold standard YAS-280 and the up-and-coming AS-400 - but I feel like for the value, the Jean-Paul just can't be beat. Being stuck at home in quarantine these days and without the luxury of being able to go to the local shop and test/play them before buying, these videos are more invaluable than ever in assisting folks like me in making an informed decision. Thank you so much, Jay! Hope you and yours are staying healthy and safe!

[@thesultrysax]

Jay I've been following your vids and lessons as a member since 2017. I appreciate your wisdom and I want to tell you that your vids are getting so much more detailed. Great editing and audio, it's clear that you take your time to make sure everything is up to par. Bug hi five buddy and thank you! 🎷Dave Wilson Sax

[@bettersax]

Thank you Dave. A lot of work goes into these, but as with playing saxophone, practice makes better...

[@antoinepoitras67]

I have a Yamaha YAS 280... bought it used for 275$ Canadian 2 years ago and I haven’t got any problems.

[@rialgallagher]

Jay, as a result of your video a couple months ago I bought the Lade alto from Amazon (called Ammoon there) with overnight delivery because I had an alto gig in two nights and my Conn Naked Lady decided not to put out when I needed it. Needless to say I was nervous about this Chinese saxophone but it was the only thing I could do at the time.. it played quite well out of box, was very in tune and looked pretty darn good ( black lawyer with gold keys and rods). It saved my neck on the gig and no fellow player complained about the sound. I would recommend it if you are on a budget!

[@mr.squidward9936]

Black lawyer?

[@lealtosaxist1117]

@@mr.squidward9936 i think he meant lacquer

[@davidendsley2391]

Dang auto correct does that alot!!

[@nhathuy1004]

Are the quality and sound still good after 1 year? I want to buy an alto sax but have a low budget.

[@DjMimou87]

Another great sax review! Thank you so much Jay

[@Yardbird891]

I bought the Jean Paul AS-400 a few months ago so I didn't have to play my Selmer on parade marches and very happy with it. They say it's for beginners and intermediate players but it's built like a professional horn, it has almost the same feel as my Selmer reference 54. I took the horn to my local sax repair technician and he said he can service it when the time comes and he was impressed with it. I like how they payed extra attention to the details by installing metal resonators and blue steal springs giving me a better response. I've even played the Jean Paul in professional Jazz bands and it's held up and hasn't let me down or given me any issues. This is a perfect instrument for beginners and a perfect instrument for professionals that don't want to take their professional horns on a parade march where they might damage their professional horn. Highly recommend it!

[@simonmoxon1069]

Great video! I am working on a new design for my 1 handed saxophone adaptation using my alto, a 30 year old Sonora (made in GDR). My 1st design (set up on my tenor) uses solenoids and some electronics; the noise from the solenoid activation is a tad annoying, but its great to be able to play again after 28 years. In my new design, I am trying to use levers and cables to achieve the same function, but obviously I need the mechanics to be pretty tight and responsive. I was close to buying a Yamaha as I remember having a go on one in the late 1980's (when I was first learning sax) and felt the vast difference in playing between the Yamaha and my Sonora. After watching your comparison, the Jean Paul is now an option I am giving serious consideration. Thanks for posting this video.

[@Timelesshero1711]

Best sax content on youtube, Jay, many would love it, myself included, if you made one of this for tenor sax. Thanks for the awesome videos!

[@bettersax]

Coming soon!

[@catharinebrider7501]

I have been playing my TENOR yamaha student model for over 30 years. It is all I have ever needed. Did 8th grade Trinity exam, jazz, rock, dixie, classical etc styles. I do agree it has a 'brighter' sound, and I have had a couple of professional musicians play it who said it plays as well as a pro model! My only issue at the moment with my instrument is low B and Bb can be difficult to squeeze out when playing softly (but this could be that it needs a little adjustment (it is overdue for some maintenance) or just me needing to do more practise in this register!). Glad to hear that Yamaha student is still up there!

[@andreamartineau1197]

I used to play Alto saxophone in elementary school band but eventually quit because my teacher and I didn't vibe, and there were so few kids in my grade taking band that I was basically told I'd repeat the entire year that I had just learned--so I just quit. The saxophone was then used by my little brother, who eventually dropped band to play competitive highschool basketball. The saxophone is now back in my hands and with COVID-19 and basically being trapped inside soon because of Saskatchewan winters, I've decided to relearn. I've been playing through old band books and watching all of your videos, and it's been so nice to try and relearn. I know I need to get my instrument maintenanced (thanks to your other video!) but I wanted to say thanks for these videos! They're going to help me keep up a hobby that will hopefully keep me somewhat sane during this isolating pandemic winter, and I'm grateful for them!

[@greatsax3948]

I just got back into playin my sax after years and years of playing my drums. I played with a ton of Sax musicians and its true they all say. Its not just the sax, but the mouth piece and reed and embouchure. They ALL matter. But....if you get a middle of the road Alto or Tenor. You just can't go wrong with any Yamaha horns. They all play great and feel great. Easy action and smooth sound. Its the gold standard without getting crazy and paying HUGE bucks. Even a used older Yamaha's are really solid.

[@colerac]

I am always a huge fan of the Yamaha. I got a second hand one in 6th grade. That horn not only lasted through high school, but also survived one tour in Afghanistan back in 2003. I have a cannon ball now and wouldn’t go back, but always recommend them for beginners.

[@craigfindlay1835]

Great video and channel. Your video's have helped me so much so far. I'm one month in and I purchased a new Yas480 by Yamaha. Having so much fun!

[@MrGoalminded]

Man i love this man he is amazing in all sax reviews what more can we ask from this guy ahahaha love him big big big fan and hope to take lessons from this big guy soon :) Cheers From Montreal Canada

[@joshroten3997]

MyJP AS-400 arrives tomorrow. Can’t wait to get started!

[@windsurfer3329]

Thank you so much for producing all these videos for beginners. Without you, we would be lost :-))

[@imlacsina]

I use the Lade gloves for cleaning the sax, so it does have a use after all hahaha

[@shaylafrahm961]

Love the videos! I played sax for a year then gave it up for guitar but I miss it so I'm researching to get back into it!

[@bettersax]

Thanks

[@googalar6922]

I was looking for some newbee stuff when I bumped into this video. I bought a Jean Paul AS-400 from their website last week! Jay. thanks for sharing stuff from your "shed". It's helped me alot. I'll be reaching out to you soon. Regards, Paul Freeman aka Googalar.

[@jimandrews846]

I played the YAS-280 for many years, and it was pretty easy to play though it really needed pads and/or adjustment to get the low notes out consistently. For a used horn that cost me $500 20 years ago, it suited me well until I upgraded to a YAS-62III.

[@rd40082]

I have the cheap saxophone and I had a problem to play the low C. One friend help me to fix it and now is sounding good. Thanks better sax for all your videos and material are really helpful I hope to advance a little in the instrument to pay for your specific courses.

[@karenwilson2501]

Thank you Jay for your video, I was very confused as to which saxophone to buy for a beginner. I have just ordered a Jean Paul and I am sooooo excited 😁👍🏻

[@georgecastillo4436]

Just purchased the JP after seeing your review with my son. This will be his 1st instrument for middle school band. Thanks

[@Salty24]

I recently purchased the YAS 280 and I’m very happy with it. Aesthetically, I wish it had the teardrop front Altissimo key and the standard cages at the bottom. It does however play very well in tune and is very easy to play. Overall, I am quite satisfied.

[@smoke09able]

Great review and evaluation on the three Altos Jay!

[@bettersax]

thanks Rick

[@thetankperryshow8751]

Recently knocked the dust off my Yamaha YTS 62 and then decided to expand my horizons and invest in an Alto sax. Being out of the market for a decade, the search proved ridiculous, my head was swimming in overwhelming confusion. After watching your video I decided on and purchased the JP USA AS-400 for $250. I am pretty excited, it arrives in a few days. Thanks!

[@robertastruck]

I have a Yamaha tenor, YTS62, that I love so I would be inclined to pick the Yahama alto. I also liked the sound in your video, but to be honest, I think it is the player that makes the sound. I think you could make anything sound good:) Better sound is what I’m always striving for no matter what I’m playing. Having said that I would also like to see a video like this comparing tenors.

[@randypickering5793]

Just bought the Jean Paul alto a couple of weeks ago and it is a solid instrument with very good fit and finish. Agree with Jay that it is great value for the price.

[@bettersax]

Glad to hear it is serving you well.

[@edkorte5012]

I like the Jean Paul. So much so that I bought one based on you inital "out of the box" appraisal. For the price I am very pleased with it. I also bought the Jean Paul Tenor. I purchased it to leave at church. I play sax at church every Sunday. I like both of the saxophones alot. I still play my Yamaha YTS 61 on gigs.

[@fortuneinternationalsemina3461]

I just ordered a Yamaha Alto Sax and will begin lessons as early as January starting one day per week. Have always wanted to learn to play since the 6th grade. We were to poor to afford on back then. I am now about toretire from Active Duty Army and plan to study in depth Piano and Saxophone....Playing by ear or number system.

[@ghandig7497]

I think you've just convinced me for the JP TS 400

[@yamiii]

I think Yamaha's are some of the best instruments you can buy, they're just safe, sturdy, easy to find parts, and usually hold up value

[@bettersax]

yes for sure.

[@vladimirlopez7840]

I agree with the quality of Yamaha however one small argument I make about resale value is that if I buy a Jean Paul for $500 then upgrade some time later I may sell it for $200 or so. If I buy a $2000 Yamaha yas26 and decide to upgrade some time down the road I may sell it for under $1,000 maybe $800. So where did I lose more money? And yes there are a ton of yas26’s for under 1,000dollars.

[@AsianNIGMA]

Vladimir Lopez then why’d you buy a $2000 yas26 if you can find plenty under $1000

[@boiiiitellyouwat9208]

Logan Graham stay woke my friend.

[@dustingoodwin284]

yeee

[@paulst101]

Great vid. Have been using a cheap thomann sax and today bought a 2 year old YTS-275. Made in Japan, serviced a year ago with no issues, immaculate condition and €450. I'm stoked!!

[@bettersax]

Great deal you got, congrats.

[@joshuadotson854]

I’m really grateful that we have Jean Paul nowadays. I played sax for around 8 years in school, and fell off for a couple years in college. I picked up a TS-400 for $700 when I decided to get back into it and I was blown away. I also bought a Otto Link mouthpiece off eBay for $100 and for under $850, it’s the best sounding sax I’ve ever played.

[@bleujean357]

You’re such a great player you could make any saxophone sound great.

[@JarodMoonchild1975]

12:25 "The Yamaha has always been a sound investment." I see what you did there, lol. 😂😂😂

[@gilsontopfstedt3554]

Yas 275 Yamaha was my first sax. And the newest Model 280 is the better sounding of the 3.

[@geocubano]

Jeeez back when I started on SAX 38 yrs ago I was given a 1957 Kholert Alto which I still have and use! I never used a student Sax ( at the time Bundy, Conn & Yamaha were the beginners Sax's)

[@elbotysax]

Jay I will have to go with the Yamaha not only because I play with them but for consistency, durability and return value. Yes they are quite bright, that can easily be fix with a good mouthpiece reed set up.

[@charbychu6113]

Thank you for making this. Very helpful as I am contemplating about this instrument :p. Also your playing is amazing!

[@Gryfang451]

Got the Jean Paul AS-400 in today. After 30 years of not playing, then playing a clarinet for a week or two... After 30 minutes I was able to belt out summertime and a few other tunes. I won't say they sounded great - embouchure, but they sounded... Again, thanks for reviewing this sax and comparing it to some others!!! Made my choice easy!

[@nano_nogueira_chorinho]

O own a Yamaha YAS 23. And is a wonderful instrument. I use a Meyer 6M mouthpiece.

[@billskar2002]

I just bought the JP Sax per your recommendation using your link. Thank you and you're welcome. If I continue to improve at a rapid pace per your lessons, I'll buy a more expensive horn in a couple of years.

[@jornadmusic]

The timing of this was perfect. I was watching all three of your reviews on the saxes to decide which one to buy just a day ago, and this really did help. Thank you so much!

[@bettersax]

good I'm glad.

[@donlibes]

What did you decide to buy (and why)?

[@Soundwave1900]

I literally went on shopping to test all the saxes they sell in the music shops around my part of the sity that day (about 15 saxophones overall, sadly), and Jean Paul one was definitely the best i could find. Some for 1500 did sound worse than this one, only losing a little bit to $3000 ones. So, good timing for solidifying my decision.

[@sablezubshruz9811]

@@Soundwave1900 Oh, thank you, = really helps to make decision.

[@Soundwave1900]

@@sablezubshruz9811 No probs :) 1.5 years after and it still sounds great and plays easy, no complaints whatsoever.

[@rahulbhatt3431]

Best Saxophone channel on KZbin! Love Better Sax!

[@harrisonlarahvlog3267]

I own a Yamaha 275 (version before the 280) and is fantastic and I love it.

[@nicku251]

really helpful video I currently play a 70's buescher alto i found in excellent condition but i often wonder if I should save for a newer one and the Jean Paul looks and sounds amazing so that gets my vote !

[@cesarramonsanchezmejia4926]

Hi men I'm fron Nicaragua I'm a bass player and i love your vídeos continiu like that Good bless you god content

[@Bear560]

I bought the Jean Paul from your link. Thanks for the good advice.

[@NeverWolf]

I'm thinking of getting a Yamaha YAS 280 cause it just has a sort of no nonsense look and character to it. It's just here to be a saxophone. It seems to have a tone that's easy tip work with by swapping mouth pieces and such.

[@snarkstudios1556]

I recently got a jean-Paul as 400 I play it in my schools jazz band it sounds great and it’s a solid student alto sax

[@Rock-Bottem1982]

I just bought my Yamaha YAS-480(used, only a few times by previous owner) for only $1,000usd. It's a beautiful horn, and plays amazingly! My student horn was a Yamaha YAS-23 and that horn was the perfect horn for a student thru my senior year in high school. Yamaha makes such an amazing horn

[@RickGrimes..]

I have the Jean Paul almost a year and it’s been amazing I love it. Want to get a new mouthpiece but everything is so expensive for me right now.

[@roylifelog]

I don’t know why I can come into.... But ... After I fall in love with ‘Better Sax’. Love you ! -Roy From Seoul Korea-

[@paulmathias1908]

Great vid and talk through!! Thank you.

[@arthurschwieger82]

Thank you for the reviews. I am surprised you didn't give the Lade 3 starts for accessories because it did have gloves! ;-) At the price of the Jean Paul, you could buy that for about what it would cost to rent a sax for the full school year. That wasn't an option back in the day. I did get my first sax for $100 (used). It was a 1928, brushed silver Conn. It was a nice horn and I played it for years. The only reason I don't have it is I got a Selmer Series II Paris and I sold the Conn back to the person from which I had purchased it all those years ago (and for only $100).

[@florinneculai2552]

For me, a student saxophone is the one who everyone can buy it, it has to have a good built quality, to have a good balance in the octave registers! I'm also a teacher for saxophone and clarinet and i let my students to choose their sound ( like my teacher did with me), i just show them the path to develop their personal style of playing, and i'm insisting with the technique playing. In other words, for beginning, every saxophone is good for beginning. Not all of us have money to purchase a Yamaha for example, especially for complete beginner!

[@bettersax]

That's why the Jean Paul is such a great option.

[@vlerherg2157]

I have a Jean Paul tenor sax, and it plays amazing

[@nhojcam]

Jean Paul sounds best and represents the best value of the 3 reviewed. I agree with the Jean Paul sound being a bit "darker" than the Yama, but I also prefer a darker image and lends better to jazz and rock. I think in time, with the right setup, the Jean Paul is the clear winner up to and including intermediate players. Then, it's a Selmer or a Yani, but at $4k+, that is a helluva leap for most of us.

[@anttoekneeoreo9586]

Thanks for this valuable information. I was awake last night thinking on which saxophone to buy as my first saxophone.

[@bettersax]

haha, good timing.

[@martinwatkins1444]

Started out with a YAS 275 and loved it, but lucky enough to be able to upgrade to a Yani AW01 after a couple of years and WOW, what a difference in intonation and general ergonomic ease of playing! The Yamaha held its value really well though, so I got a great trade-in price for it.

[@bettersax]

Yanagiswas is the best for me too.

[@peterelegant8900]

I just ordered the Jean Paul today. C Excited.

[@atillaozcan6680]

Hi, i've bought the YTS-280. As a bigginer a can't really compare with orther sax but i love how my yamaha plays and i love the sound. :)

[@Manstrual]

The yamaha has a bright tone, and how you are playing it seems like it suits your play style. When I first saw the lade sax video I was blown away, yet comparing the three it doesn't blow me away as much. You get what you pay for I guess! I've always liked yamaha so sorry if I sound biased :)

[@kv2onblitz709]

The Yas 280 is literally perfect and I love it

[@epicgaming9838]

I play the tenor sax and so far it is awesome it is my favorite

[@bluessax5089]

really informative!! I may buy one for off-island gigs

[@bettersax]

thanks

[@metalhd7277]

I’ve had the YAS-280 since 8th grade and it’s been nothing but amazing. Years later it still sounds great and I’ve never had any problems with it

[@connerruch2203]

I have the tenor jean Paul and I love it

[@lukalazarevic4837]

I am a long time clarinetist and I thought to give a sax a go so in the summer time I bought myself a Yamaha Yas-480, which my teacher recomended. 480 is probobly the best saxophone if you switch from clarinet since it falls in cathegory of intermediate saxes

[@La3ebelnrd]

Your reviews 👌🏽 The best Greetings from Egypt 🇪🇬❤️

[@erickruse4679]

I rarely see Buffet reviewed. I've always had Buffet horns with good results. I currently have a tenor 400 which is immaculate and was set up right, out of the box. Pretty good by my standards, and I picked it up at a very steep discount.

[@jasonrichardson10]

I have the Jean Paul and I love it!

[@daviddoyle1017]

The Jean Paul sounds a good bit warmer. Lovely tone and warmth. Thinking about starting again after watching this.

[@mikesmusiclessonsllc]

Great video man. In the market for a new sax, but not looking to throw down thousands.

[@alsiemens2186]

I would go with the Jean Paul because it has the darker sound which I prefer. A review of Tenors would be most welcome. Thanks so much for what you do.

[@davepierremusic3974]

Excellent review as always and really love your channel. I was wondering what you thought about the pmauriat horns especially the system 76 dark lacquer alto?

[@behavioralhealthconceptsin4682]

Very convincing argument for the Jean Paul AS-400. Please consider giving a review for the Yamaha YTS-62III

[@richiethomas3628]

Yamaha had a more rich and fuller sound. The Lade had a more airy lighter sound and the Jean-Paul was in between. Although I do think you make them all sound great! I just started playing Tenor again after a 30 year hiatus, and I just ordered a Lade alto (broadening my range) from Amazon based on your review of that instrument. I am on an extremely low budget, so I greatly appreciate you reviewing these instruments.

[@haroldchambers9058]

great video and so helpful!

[@AllenTSmith]

I have the alto and tenor models. They work really well for me.

[@KeithCooper-Albuquerque]

Great video once again Jay!

[@bettersax]

thanks

[@jimlamb4282]

I play tenor and bought the Jean Paul alto to double. It did not have a swab, but it was discounted and had a pro classical mpc included. About $450 w shipping. I love it and I am using it in a concert this week. Can’t wait for your tenor reviews. The JP alto plays in tune better than my Mark VI tenor!

[@bettersax]

Glad you're happy with it.

[@ThomasGoedecke]

I ordered both the AS-400 and the TS-400 tenors as my jazz band rental instruments. They all come with exactly the accessories they needed to open up the case and go, but on one of the altos the neck screw just snapped. I wasn't even cranking it but the metal was so soft that it failed pretty easily. It was an easy fix (my tech didn't even charge me), but still an annoyance and something to consider when buying Chinese instruments with softer metals for the smaller parts.

[@imlacsina]

I have the Lade / Ammoon for 2 months now, works for me as a student. Sound is focused, and haven't had falling corks so far. haha

[@bettersax]

Glad it's working well for you. take care of it and it will be fine.

[@markcolaluca9982]

Another great review video. Jay how would you compare the Yamaha to the intermediate Wilmington sax you reviewed. Is there a big difference in the 200 price difference with student vs intermediate saxophones?

[@algernonbelfon6321]

I Love this video it really informative down to earth and easy to relate to. I vote for the Yamaha but am impressed with the Jean-Paul.

[@isaiahd9947]

Yeah I agree with this video especially on the Amazon sax part. My parents bought be a Mendini by Cecilio saxophone off of Amazon for Christmas last year. I would say that it is a great pick for a beginner in middle school of you are not sure if your kid will even stay in band. But as a saxophone for high school or college I wouldn't recommend it. It's great to get started on until you realize that the pads do not seal very well and that the instrument is susceptible to breaking. I have had my saxophone for about 8 months and within that time my instrument has had 4 things wrong with it. Out of the box the instrument had a thick layer of plastic on the octave pin that caused my octave hole on my neck to be open all the time. (Causing me to struggle a whole lot with low notes) Took me about 2 weeks to figure out. The pads aren't too good either. My bis pad is leaking and my octave hole is leaking. The corks also fall off sometimes but you can glue them back on I have a lot of play (is that how you spell it?) in my keys on the right hand Finally, yea I cannot get it fixed because the repairman does not have parts for mendini. So if you or someone you are buying the sax for is planning to play seriously for a while, get something better.

[@bussmigun83]

I've had my Mendini for four years. Only issue I had was with a part of the octave key cork that fell off.

[@mandywilson1963]

Thankyou for the help it came in the nick of time. Still have my Yamaha YTS 280, which i bought for £500 42 years ago. Hired a few of the cheaper varieties before buying it and it was as smooth as silk in comparison .Being a huge fan of Lester Young i Know what you mean by the brightness. But now i'm hoping to buy an Alto with very little money so i can have something to practice on and stay sane whilst having to stay at my mothers. So once again thanks for the help.

[@rhodahart879]

I'm a new viewer and and old musician. Haven't really played much of anything since I was in my early 20's. I'm 54 now. Your comparison videos have been really helpful in my decision making regarding the purchase oof a saxophone for my 11 year old. But, could you do another one for the Soprano sax, please? With a Kaiser student version?