Beginner Sax which one

[larryyoungman]

Hi

I have the choice so far

Yamaha YAS 275
Vito Model 7120
Stirling Beginner


I am interested in peoples comments

Larry Youngman

Australia

[buffalo]

I am a returning player did not play from 1976 throug 1999 . Bought a new YAS 275 in 2001 and love it . I have had no problems it was setup by a great tech in the area and has not need anything since . Just put on a Jody Jazz 7 and it is wonderfull. I mostly play in an ensemble at church, and will be playing my first solo this Sunday. I played other horns before buying this one and it holds its own with all of them.
Hope you find one you enjoy. :)

[CT]

My advice? Go for the Yamaha. It was my student saxophone for the first four years of my playing career...it's very durable, and plays very well if you've got a good mouthpiece/reed setup (Selmer S90 or Meyer, Vandoren reeds, personally). It's comfortable on the hands, all of that good stuff...all in all, a very good deal. I still use mine, actually, for outdoor performances. I'm too scared to bring my Serie III outside :)

[Coolsax]

I'd go for the Yamaha too!

[Gandalfe]

Hands down I'd do a Yamaha. But check out the YAS Custom Z, a pro horn designed like American vintage horns and very decently priced. I picked up a new one for $1975.

[Vortex]

I'd say probably the Yamaha, you might even wanna go for a YAS-32 (i think that's the one) for somewhat better control.

If you're just starting out, you can probably get a Selmer Signet (decent beginner model) for $50-100 on eBay

[Gandalfe]

I've heard of a YAS 23, but not a 32. the 23 is a student-level horn. Unless you are severly strapped for cash, I'd think twice about that purchase. And if you are low on the dough, consider a used horn, like a YAS 62.

[Vortex]

I played a Vito (not sure which model) for about 20 years before I finally wized up and started using a Yamaha-475. The Vito will serve you well into the intermediate area. But if I were in your position, I'd probably go break the bank a little and buy a really nice horn, like a Yamaha custom or a high-end Keilwerth. I play 8 instruments and I can tell you, you're sooooo much better off just getting a good instrument right from the start. Just my $.02

[adrianw]

I only have limited experience with saxophones but I cannot understand why some people recommend starting on a beginner then going to an intermediate and finally settling on a pro horn. The only reason I can think of is price difference because it doesn't seem to have anything to do with playability.
I bought an old Karl Meyer Alto and and I would cringe when I heard it played alonside my tutor's YAS62. It didn't take me long to purchase a new 62 and even though I couldn't really afford it I haven't regretted the decision.

:P

[Metro Gnome]

I agree, it's got to be go with what you can afford. Buy the best you can. I see no reason to buy a 'beginner' sax unless you are limited by finance or are not committed to taking it up seriously. In either case, there are reasons then to buy a budget model.
Otherwise, aim high.
In my case, I did my homework on what is available and at what prices, then found a place where I could get a decent sample of the ‘short list’ and simply chose the one that I liked the sound of the best. After all is said and done, your ears are closer to it than anyone elses!!
:wink:

[gary]

Larry - IMHO one is almost always better off buying a higher quality used horn than a new one. These aren't cars. A new Chevy might be better than an old BMW, but not with horns.

Is renting an instrument and option? For many beginners, I think this is the best way to go. It gives one more time to learn the instrument and then they (and their parents if that's the case) are better experienced to choose a "new" instrument at the end of the rental period. Plus, one can generally rent a better instrument than one can buy.

[davidnreba@sbcglobal.net]

I am new to the site. I am a father of a 4th grade beginner student who says she wants to learn sax. I found a Selmer Signet with the "S" brace and left hand bell key arrangement for 400.00 with "nearly new pads and corks." I am wondering if this would be a good starter instrument and if so, will the left hand bell key arrangement be a problem or benefit for her?
Thanks, from a frazzled dad who detests shopping like this.
David

[mrschewy]

Go for the best you can afford. I started with a YAS475 and it plays great. You don't have to have a "beginner" horn-the better the horn the easier to play and nicer it will sound. Plus you don't want to be paying out again in 12 months cos you bought a cheapie and you want better. Go for it, have fun, good luck!

[Daystar85]

Some of the reasons to buy a beginner horn has to do w/ kids just being kids. They aren't going to know what they have and will put an instrument through hell and back sometimes. The sax can be pricey when you start compared to the prices of some other instruments. If you know you're serious about playing then it might be a good idea to start with a pro horn, otherwise you just might want a beginner. Also, student horns are good if you know you're going to play outside.... or to just have around if you have to send your pro horn in the shop.

[rogerb40uk]

I've heard of a YAS 23, but not a 32. the 23 is a student-level horn. Unless you are severly strapped for cash, I'd think twice about that purchase. And if you are low on the dough, consider a used horn, like a YAS 62.
FWIW the YAS-32 was the next-up from the 23, an intermediate sax, now, I believe, out of production.

I had one as a 'starter' about 20yrs ago. It was a nice sax but I never really got started, for reasons I won't go into :D

I'm about to have another go & plan to get a Hanson SA-5 which is inexpensive, has a pretty good write-up from everyone I know who's bought one, AND has a 5-year nearly all-inclusive warranty.
If you decide to trade-up, I believe you get an allowance of the full price paid, and if you give up, they'll buy it back for whatyou paid, less GBP15/month :D

[CMelodyMan]

Hi

I have the choice so far

Yamaha YAS 275
Vito Model 7120
Stirling Beginner


I am interested in peoples comments

Larry Youngman

Australia What is your price range? You could always go to the Marketplace and look for a good used intermediate or pro model.

[Gandalfe]

Turns out the YAS 32, I believe, was only offered in Europe. Talk about an old thread. 8-)

[Joe Linux]

Based on the saxes I own, I'd suggest you consider the Kessler Custom. Great sax at a great price.