NFT: BBI Sax/Horn players

1. A cheap crappy quality sounding instrument will likely not serve to motivate you to keep playing whereas
2. Buying a cheap crappy sounding instrument will allow you to try it out without a big investment.

I would consider renting a sax until you’ve really decided you want to pursue it.

I had always wanted to play tenor sax. As a kid I played clarinet but I wanted to switch to sax, because they're a lot cooler. My parents however insisted that I continue with the clarinet until I had completed all my "advanced" lessons. Thus my music career had ended.

20 years later I got the bug again, but my sax teacher insisted that I start with an alto sax. I did OK for a while but then work and family got in the way and I gave it up.

Then 5 years ago I bought a Vintage Noblet tenor saxophone on Ebay. I don't play it as often as I should, but I enjoy playing when I have the time.

I wouldn't worry too much about buying the best sax or the right brand at this point. Learn to play, have fun and if you later decide to buy a different sax (or simply sell the one you just ordered) you'll likely re-coop most if not all of what you paid for it.

Good luck!

buy one that feels and sounds right to you. I had a Selmer in college and am saving for a Keilworth someday.

If you really have a desire to play, a low end instrument is not where you want to start.

Check your local music stores (more than one if possible) for a Selmer made rental, used to be Bundy/Bundy II. (older is better)

I have played and owned many and the Bundy was a great starter horn. Owned a Yamaha professional and was severely disappointed in the sound and feel. Selmer Paris Mark VI is by far my personal favorite, but that is not a starter horn.

Check this forum out for some good info.
Sax on the web - ( New Window )

don't need to spend huge bucks especially when you are just getting started.

if you check letgo, sites like that you can probably come up with something decent w/o breaking the bank

big part of making the horn sound better is playing it the right way.

The shop has a 30 or 45 day return policy. So I should be okay if it's not a good fit for me.

In comment 14387072 JonC said:

Quote:

buy one that feels and sounds right to you. I had a Selmer in college and am saving for a Keilworth someday.

I got a Used Keilworth alto when I played in college—still have it. The sound was/is amazing and so much richer than what I had before. If used it cost me my summer salary!

To the OP, while the sax will be important ofcourse, I would in best in a high quality mouth piece as well.

Mouthpieces - suggestions, recommendations....

In comment 14388166 bc4life said:

Quote:

Mouthpieces - suggestions, recommendations....

i agree the right mouthpiece is a big deal, but I don't know where to begin.

you do...

But I think I have a Vandoren mouth piece that I loved. I haven’t played seriously in about 15 years but I remember looking into it pretty extensively when I got my horn. Even within every brand there are so many variations. You may need to try a few to find the one that you feel most comfortable with. Also some match different styles of music better.

think about JodyJazz, or D'Addario?