how to tell a good sax.

[tenor fan]

I have been playing for 4 years on and off but the last year I have been on my tenor all the time. I play a Vito and Every one I talk to says if I want a better sound to go with a better horn.

So how do you tell a good sax from a not so good one?

[Jerry K.]

So how do you tell a good sax from a not so good one?

I would say just play several horns one after another with the same setup and see what you like best. I would suggest bringing another set of ears that you trust and a minidisc recorder or some other recording device so you can hear youself on the various horns later. It really comes down to which horn sounds the best to you, is most comfortable for you to play, and plays well in tune.

[Scaper]

Can you test play tennors with an alto mouthpiece?

[saxtub]

Scaper, WHY?

[JfW]

I have been playing for 4 years on and off but the last year I have been on my tenor all the time. I play a Vito and Every one I talk to says if I want a better sound to go with a better horn.

So how do you tell a good sax from a not so good one?

as far as tone and sound are concerned, the body of the sax plays a distant second to the qualities of the mouthpiece and player.

You might try experimenting with a few mouthpieces before you look for a pro-caliber horn. The Vito's a student instrument and you'll likely find that a pro tenor will give you a fatter, rounder tone with a solid core. Try a few horns at a few places, you'll get the idea for what you like.

good luck