Which Saxophone is best?

[DeMoKiLL]

Poll just to see opinions

[SAXISMYAXE]

After years of playing and collecting, I can honestly say "none of the above".

[DeMoKiLL]

well basically im wondering this because I want a pro alto saxophone under 4000

[DeMoKiLL]

you have anything else u could suggest to me that would sound better then all these and cost less?

[SAXISMYAXE]

I appologize for what was perhapse a hasty answer to your question. Having owned most of the major horns, both vintage and new in my lifetime, I honestly prefer many of the Vintage models-they suite my personal taste:(Conn "M" models, Martin "The Martin" and "Music Man", King "Zephyrs" and "Super 20s", Selmer "SBA", and Buescher "Aristocrat" & "Top Hat and Cane" Models). But for you, this may or may not be the case, depending on what types of music you most commonly perform, what general tone you want, keywork etc. I would NEVER recommend any horn sight unseen, or suggest that you buy one without a "test drive" ( This most definitely applies to brand new horns, as well!). The only way to know for sure if a horn meets your requirements is to play test as many as you can, or if you don't feel you are quite to that level, take along someone who is, such as another player or teacher. As with many things, in the world of Saxophones, one man's junk is another man's treasure, and you might surprise yourself with what you want for yourself, regardless of what everyone else recommends. You stated that you were looking for a horn around $4,000- that sum really gives you a vast number of options. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a pro horn that suits you in that price range. Best of luck to you.

[DeMoKiLL]

well I dont have that much I was looking for something 2000-3000

[SAXISMYAXE]

That is still enough to get most of the super Altos out there, even many of the new ones. The only models that you might have trouble affording with that budget would be the high-end vintage collectable models, Mk VI's, and silver, bronze Yani's etc. No matter how great a price you are able to find via the internet, mail order, Ebay etc, make sure that you can play test them before you buy.
If this is going to be THE horn for the time being, you certainly don't want to get stuck with one that you aren't happy with, or needs a lot of repair/repadding/overhauling etc. to make it suitable. I might also add to this mix the importance of finding a good Sax tech. in your area. As you know, you have chosen a rather fussy, mechanically complex instrument, and no matter what horn you choose, you will need a good tech to turn to for those occasionals SNAFU's.

If you live out in B.F.E. and don't have access to any suitable music shops/pro shops etc., then you might want to look at the better sax shops that advertise on the internet, such as Steve Goodson, Sax Alley, Vintage Sax, Progressive Winds, USA Horn, WW&BW, World Wide Sax, etc. Most of these will allow a certain grace period for you to examine and play the horn. If you don't like the one ordered, they will allow you to return it for a refund or trade.
I have found that those Sax shops owned and operated by Sax players (a few of them I mentioned above) will give you a better selection of well set up instruments, better and more knowledgeable service, and a more forgiving return policy than the Music "super store" shops.

Above all, take your time and don't act in haste, and you will get what you are looking for. Cheers.

[Dr G]

Pro altos under $3000? That would just about get you anything you desire. What kind of music do you want to play? Who do you listen to for your preferred sounds? What have you tried so far? Of those, what did you like and not like?

If you'll be more specific in your needs, we can be more specific in our recommendations. Then, at the end of the day, you'll still have to find what works best for you.

My preference for a bargain in contemporary (vs vintage) pro altos is a used Selmer Serie II. They can be found in excellent playing condition for around $1500-1800 and are capable of doing it all - classical to jazz.

[DeMoKiLL]

well Im going to play this at my highschool and am going to attend jazz band next year so I want something that could do both but with a reasonable price I want sort of a bright jazzy tone

[saxybeast]

I play Selmer Series II for jazz, and I'm lead right now (as a sophomore). These seem to be good horns for just about any type of music, at least for me. Just make sure you have a good set-up (I use a Rousseau JDX mpc. and LaVoz med. reeds). These work great. However, my black lacquer Antigua Winds alto has a sweeter tone with the same setup. I wouldn't use Cannonball. While the altissimo comes out easy and the low end does as well, I would never sacrifice that for tone quality.