Student AS300

[sommerdaze]

Hi All - I admit it - a N E W B I E here!!!:?

What a great forum here! I have learned a lot by reading some of the posts.

My fourth grader just started playing the sax this year. We are currently renting a Selmer AS500. I found a used Selmer AS300 which I believe is discontinued???? Is that right???

If I get her the AS300, will she notice much of a difference between the AS300 and the AS500? I mean the kid wants the brand new AS500 we are renting, with rent to buy and $1800 later, I just can't do it.

What questions should I ask the previous owner and if I post a SN here, could somebody tell me how old the sax is? I asked the seller how old it was and she said she bought it two years ago. So I want to find out when it was manufacturered.

Any information you can give me, I would truly appreciate it.

Sommer

[bruce bailey]

Even though I am a (small) Selmer dealer, I can't give you the exact country of origin on those 500s. They may be from Taiwan or China. I am pretty sure the 300 is/was the entry level US made horn. I would stay awy from the asian models if possible. I am sure someone with more knowledge on the numbers will be here shortly to help you out. If she is a beginner, you will probably move upt to something better in a few years so I would suggest you go for the used horn IF it is in good playing condition. You can have someone in your area play it first to decide; a local college is a good starting point.
There are decent Altos that should be equal or better than the lower line Selmers for under $800 new.

[Riff]

The Selmer web site doesn't list the AS-500, only the AS-300. However, that probably only means they haven't updated their site. I have heard of the AS-500 but I don't know where it is made. I also suspect it is made in either China or Taiwan. Selmer USA recently released the La Voix saxophone line. These are made in Taiwan, so I suspect Selmer USA would also be sourcing the AS-500 from there. The La Voix saxes are reported to be pretty good instruments.
I personally would buy the used AS-300; first- because it is a known comodity as a good student horn and secondly- it was American made (which at least gives us an idea of the quality of manufacture).
At this point I think the only sure way to get accurate information on the AS-500 is to contact Selmer directly.

Conn-Selmer, Inc.
P.O. Box 310
Elkhart, Indiana 46515-0310
U.S.A.
Phone (574) 522-1675

[bruce bailey]

You may want to check with Kessler (has ads here) as he may be able to find you something/ You really can't beat a Yamaha in the student line horns too, so don't rule that out.