Can Anyone Help Urgently?!!

[saxbeginner]

I am an adult wanting to buy an alto to begin learning on. i was going to do a hire thing, but i've just seen the following sax on ebay and want some advice:

Super King Alto (H N White) Serial no low pitch 68566 1924/26
silver plated body and silver keys mother of pearl inlays, has had complete repad, cork felts, and neck bush replaced.

It says it plays like a dream and is a real collectors item. Would this be suitable for someone like myself - want to buy something that will last? Does it sound as if I'll need to spend lot of money on it? (it said it was in good condition)
thanks all!

How much would be reasonable to spend on this?

[tekman]

I would wait for a newer horn to come along. However, a newer King, such as a Zephyr, is kind of pricey. For a beginner, in the UK, I would suggest looking for a Buescher Aristocrat, a Martin, or a stencil of either. Quality sound at a bargain price and probably more plentiful.

[shmuelyosef]

For a horn to learn on, you might be best off with something like a Yamaha YAS-23 or a Vito 7133. Both can be readily found on eBay in excellent condition for a few hundred dollars. Once you start to play, you will be in a much better position to choose a real horn. These student horns have modern keywork and easy intonation to make getting started easy. I'm sure others on this forum will disagree (and I myself play vintage horns) but this is what I encourage my students to do.

[goodsax]

You see, saxbeginner? There's the Yamaha YAS-23 popping up again. I've read many good things about this sax, even positive playing experiences veteran players have had with them. They seem to be a good solid horn that plays and holds up well. But, my comments are based solely on what I've read because I've not played a 23.

8)

[JimD]

Take a look at Howarth in London http://www.howarth.uk.com/. Right now they have a King Zephyr and a Yamaha YAS62 in their used list, both for £800. A horn from 1926 is likely to have serious wear. I waited anxiously to try the 1925 Conn tenor at Howarth. Full service and it sounded wonderful but played like a dog. I don't doubt the service was carefully done but the horn had just seen too much life. The King and the Yamaha are pretty good sounding deals and the folks at Howarth are very friendly and helpful. I'd suggest putting aside a day to visit and try. Alternatively, and almost certainly with more choice, go to Woodwind Exchange in Bradford.

[LBAjazz]

Kings prior to the Zephyr have intonation problems. Some might say Kings in general.

[newking70]

go www.saxophones.co.uk they seem to be very helpful getting new saxophonist started on the right foot, and could probably get you set up on an appropriate sax......

[David Spiegelthal]

LABJazz,
My mid-20's King tenor has NO intonation problems that I'm aware of. I believe it is pre-Zephyr, yes?
This is the second King of that vintage I've owned --- the first one also played well in tune.

[goodsax]

My 1940 King Zephyr needed lower stack key heights adjusted before it would play in tune in the lower register. Now it has excellent intonation in both registers.

[PhilF]

Here's is a great place to see and read about vintage horns especially Kings for which you have your delemma. http://www.saxpics.com/. Of note is that for a beginner key ergodynamics is an important factor determining your technical success. Of course you later can get used to any thing. Some Vintage horns such a Conns 6M very early 260's have some left pinky tricky spots especially the wedged G#. The early Kings have a lot of variations with the left cluster...G#,C#,Bb,B. The Bb on the earlier models such as the early Zephers and some early 20's below 295K have a wrap around Bb that may or may not affect your technical progression. Above, someone mentioned Yamahas. You never go wrong with one of those..23 or 52 or a great deal on a 62. The key work ergos are one of the best. Hope this helps. The site above is packed with great info and pics. It's like a vintage horn shopping mall.
Phil

[saxbeginner]

Thanks for all your replies. I did get myself an alto a couple of months ago.
a huge big THANKS anyway!!!!!!