ever heard of Wexler?

[sax rookie]

First I would like to say that these forums are the most informative places I have ever been. I am suprised by the cooperation, concern and sincererity that you people express. congrats.

Now my question. I am currently playing a student line Yamaha YAS23 alto. I am a returning late bloomer player and fankly don't have the cash to drop on a pro horn. I have been doing a little online shopping and have a few questions.

First I must tell you that I feel I am drawn to the tenor sax over an alto...so

Should I continue my playing with the alto to learn scales, sharpen my chops etc., and then switch to tenor after I have determined I can commit to this? Any advantage to 'relearning' everything on a tenor up front instead of the alto?

I have seen moderately priced tenors on Ebay by Wexler, what can anyone tell me about this name?

Thanks in advance for any advice

Mark

[Dave Dolson]

Sax Rookie: Only you can answer the question about switching to tenor.

As to Wexlers, not familiar with them but I'd guess they may be cheaply made Taiwanese/Chinese horns. I know some folks have found a gem among these usual disasters, but I sure wouldn't drop a dime on something like that.

I'd bet that for the price of a new cheapie from Taiwan, you may be able to pick up a nice vintage or used tenor for about the same money. Also, if you MUST buy a cheapie from Taiwan, you may want to investigate those which are made for known businesses, such as Kessler in Las Vegas, or WW&BW. I suspect those businesses may require a bit more build-quality on the horns they "brand" with their own names. Good luck. DAVE

[Joseph Boucher]

Wexler on ebay? Buyer beware. Joe.

[Gandalfe]

Save your sheckles and get a nice used Yamaha 62 or such. I recommend a modern horn with improved keyword over some vintage horn with difficult palm and pinky keys because I have both vintage and new. I prefer the nice improved keywork and truer intonation of a modern horn.

However, if you are a pro (like Dave Dolson) you could get a vintage horn to sing so sweet. But it might take more time than you are willing to invest.

No matter what you do, don't short change yourself. Playing on an inferior horn is a sure way to ruin the sax-playing experience.

[Dave Dolson]

Gandalfe: Thanks for the compliment, but I never gave up my day-job, although I have accepted a few bucks here and there for playing my horns. DAVE

[markieg]

My sister has a Wexler soprano. It's the best horn I've ever played. I consider it better than the Yamaha 52 bari I played in high school. This is, though, the only one I have ever seen.