Viking is an excellent choice, and so are Macsax. Yamaha's seem to be retaining their value a bit more, but they can be excellent. I’m drawn more to the 62 than the other ones. Yanagisawa can be found under that price but don’t underestimate the value of the older ones.
Good luck.

 

Thanks! I’ll look into those models.

 

check out the for sale post on SOTW by earlybabbit for
Ishimori Woodstone New Vintage Tenor sax ULWOF#
it is a bit over your $3000 limit, but good horns

 

The choice is huge.
My subjective opinion (these vintage horns):

Martin "Magna" (USA)
B&S 2001 or Dave Guardala, but not black nickel finish (Germany)
Beaugnier (France)
Vito model 38 or 39 (Leblanc, France).
Couf Superba 1 (Germany)
King "Zephyr", serial number to 383K (USA)
King "Super 20" (USA)

 

There is no problem with the B&S black nickel finish. I have black, silver, lacquer. They sound alike.

 

For three grand you can buy a darn nice Conn, Martin, King, Buescher, or SML. Probably can find a well-used Selmer Super Action 80, but it won't be pretty. Yamaha 62, 61 are certainly in that price range, also older Yanagisawa. There will be some Buffet models where you can get a nice one at that price (I don't mean the current Chinese Buffet; I mean super Dynaction, S-1, things like that).

Far better than a more-expensive Chinese Selmer knockoff to replace your cheap Chinese Selmer knockoff.

 

For three grand you can buy a darn nice Conn, Martin, King, Buescher, or SML.

I'm with turf on this one. For that price range, I think you can do much better going for a top-quality used tenor than what you can find in a new horn. Conn 10M, Buescher Aristocrat ('30s-early '50s), Martin. I'm not familiar with the SML but it has a good reputation. Bottom line, look for a quality vintage horn in top playing condition. Or, one for a low enough price that you can afford having it put into top playing condition.

 

For $2,000 - $3,000 you should be able to find a used Yamaha 61 or 62 or Selmer SA80 Serie II. I see these in good condition on Craigslist and FB Marketplace pretty often. Depends on where you live, I guess. I wouldn't mess around with vintage horns if you're an advanced beginner, too many quirks to deal with. Leave those for more experienced players.

 

Well, when I was a beginner I was playing on old Conns; I never noticed any "quirks". A couple years after I started playing sax I bought a mid-1920s Holton soprano and once I got accustomed to pushing the mouthpiece a lot further in than I expected, I never had any trouble with that one either.

You do realize that when those "vintage" horns were new, that's what beginners played?

 

I'm in the Yamaha camp. Not that I don't like old Conn's and Buescher's if they're in great condition, but I think for an advanced beginner the ergonomics that Yamaha's have are spot on. Plus I think good intonation is going to be acheived easier on a Yamaha. Not saying the tone quality is better, just better intonation overall. And for beginners, intermediate, and even advanced amateurs not having to adjust your embouchure to get get good intonation is a plus.

 

I’d suggest the Yanagisawa T901.

I had one, and it was (just about) every bit as good as my YTS-82z.

The 902 or 991/992 Yani horns are great as well, but are likely higher priced generally as compared to the 901.

just my 2 cents.

 

Go to a local music store and play several saxes. Also use different mouthpieces and reeds in your play testing.

Consider looking at Craigslist or OfferUp.
If you decided on buying from eBay or Shopgoodwill likely the sax will need some repair.

I am a comeback alto sax player and play a Vito (Jupiter 669) stencil. Very happy with it.

Eventually I will buy a professional sax and have been researching likely saxes.

Need to research saxes more extensively.

Especially after buying a Chinese made tenor that has Increased my chiropractic visits.

The saxes I am looking at are Yamaha 62 , Jupiter 789 and Jupiter 889.

 

https://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Tenor/Tenor_sax_reviews.htm

Spend some time reading his reviews as an experienced tech & player for a wide range of ideas.

I vote Yamaha 62 myself

 

What is the basis of your vote? Have you played any of these instruments or do you base your vote on researching the impressions of others?

 

If you can swing a few more bucks, brand-new YTS-62s and TW01s are under $3500 at Brass Barn. As an advanced beginner, do you really want to deal with the vagaries of a 50+ year-old vintage horn, or some flavor of the month like Eastman? You can not go wrong with Yani or Yamaha. Either one will serve you well until you have become proficient enough to decide which way you want to go with your sound. And they will have held their value and sell/trade easily if you decide to take a different path.

 

Hi, all, I really appreciate the input. I am actually living in Cambodia but will be returning to the USA for a month in June. I'll be in near Destin/Pensacola, Florida, maybe I can go to some musical instrument shops to see what's available. Thanks, again, for all the information. I look forward to researching the models that you all have mentioned!

 

That's your best bet. Go to the largest music store you can find, and try everything you can. $3,000 can get you a lot of horn. You can find a used Selmer and a good many vintage pro models with that budget. Don't let those old ergonomics fool you either. They play just as well as anything, if you put the time into it. I just met a high schooler who can't stand the thought of playing anything other than their very early Buescher True- Tone. The palm keys were a little low for my liking, but it was still a great sounding sax. Relatively cheap on the used market too.

 

Given the OP lives in Cambodia but will be in FL for a whole month in June, that’s a great chance to follow the advice to try before you buy. Maybe you can contact music stores in advance and see what they have and arrange to try. Also the used market, with the usual caveats.
This first upgrade from your cheap Chinese tenor may not be your last stop on the great horn hunt, of course, but hopefully will address what bugs you about the current horn (poor quality, bland sound, lack of something you hear in the great players you love that you aspire to?)
While it has been repeated ad nauseum that a horn can’t make you a better player, a horn that inspires you and that you can’t put down can make you do things that will (like play a lot).
Not knowing the music you play or the players you admire it’s hard to recommend anything. If you don’t need to have a horn that says “Selmer” on it there is no need to spend the max of your budget. You could buy a Super Dynaction or a Comm III for about 2K (I’ve owned both) and have a wonderful sounding big warm horn. But if modern ergos are a must then you won’t like either. You won’t know till you try.
Others may correct me if I’m wrong, but it also doesn’t make much sense to me to buy a new horn and take it back to Cambodia as any warranty or return policy could be hard to act on.
I would also find out if there are good techs where you will be. If I found a used horn I absolutely loved on day 4 I would buy it and take it to a tech for an expert check over before flying back to Cambodia.
These are just my impressions from a different part of the world (and the age spectrum I think) so offered just FWIW.

 

If the OP is able to source the horn instead from Vietnam, where good quality saxophones are manufactured at present (e.g., by Thomann), this would solve several issues:
1) warranty and parts support;
2) pads that are made and fitted for the environment of comparable humidity;
3) last, but not least, a significant drop in buying price.

The disadvantages would be, of course, (1) much lower brand recognition and (2) much lower reselling price.

 

Isn't Gayle of Vintagesax.com in Florida? Not sure where though. But she does excellent work and sells horns at very reasonable prices. You could get a top notch vintage horn from her in your price range in stunning, ready to play condition.
I'd highly recommend that.

Tenors - Vintage Sax

Find our current stock of tenor saxophones for sale. Our brands include Buescher, Conn, Martin, Selmer, more.

vintagesax.com

 

+1. John beat me to it. When I saw Florida mentioned, I immediately thought of Gayle at vintagesax. I bought a couple of silver-plated Buescher tenors from her some years back and both horns were in top condition. Excellent customer service.

The palm keys were a little low for my liking

That's an extremely easy fix; if a palm key is too low, just install a cork riser.

 

Look for a used Selmer series III

 

Check out the Selmer La Voix Tenor Saxophone. Unsung. If you can find a good one you're not only in business but you might be able to save you money, below your $3,000.00 cap.

If if were me, if possible, I'd get it from a reputable dealer in used horns who should ensure that it's in good working order. And I'd make sure that dealer has a reasonable return policy, should you want to use it. It's not only a good back-up but probably means that the sax will be in top condition before they send it out.

 

If if were me, if possible, I'd get it from a reputable dealer in used horns who should ensure that it's in good working order. And I'd make sure that dealer has a reasonable return policy, should you want to use it. It's not only a good back-up but probably means that the sax will be in top condition before they send it out.

Again, that would be Galye at vintagesax, for one.

 

Not sure why then first thing to pop into someone's head upon reading the OP's query would be response #2, quite honestly ??? Two boutique brands with specious track records which no longer exist ? Compared to a bunch of reputed brands and models which $3000 used can certainly get you ?

My picks:

Yamaha YTS 52
Yamaha YTS 475 (they are 90% the same horn as a 52)
Yamaha Allegro (either 575 or 34) same as a 62 just no ribbed posts
Honestly a Yamaha 61.... is really pretty unimpressive, I mean yeah it was their first 'pro' model I guess, but I don't think they are any better than a 52 or 475...at all.
62's yes, am wondering of you can really find one for under $3g in good serviced, play shape tho ? You see themn used on eFlay for $2000-2500 but not playing condition. If you can tho, yes a 62 is a good choice too.


Buffet 100 or 400
Giardinelli GTS-10 (it's an Eastman 640 stencil)
Jupiters - 787, 789, 8XX artist, 1100 series
$3g gets you a Yani T6, 8XX or 9XX model, used
I think a Selmer MK 7 can sometimes be had for $3g, no ?
A used Eastman 52nd St. can be had for around $3g, too

Vintage:

Grassi 2000, 2000 Professional, or Prestige
Couf Superba 1 (JK stencil)
B&S Blue Label (not too common in States)
Conn 10M
Buescher THC or sweet-spot Aristocrat
King Super 20, Eastlake era
Buffet Dynaction or SuperDynaction

I can probably come up with 10 more after I finish my coffee......but honestly, with that sort of buying power, you gotta go for something more reputed than what was an ephemeral boutique brand, really...

 

For that price range, I think you can do much better going for a top-quality used tenor than what you can find in a new horn. Conn 10M, Buescher Aristocrat ('30s-early '50s), Martin. ... look for a quality vintage horn in top playing condition. Or, one for a low enough price that you can afford having it put into top playing condition.

I came here to say this. I'm a Martin guy, but Conns and Bueschers are also good horns.

... When I saw Florida mentioned, I immediately thought of Gayle at vintagesax. I bought a couple of silver-plated Buescher tenors from her some years back and both horns were in top condition. Excellent customer service.

Vintage Sax

Vintage Sax specializes in the finest professional quality and collectable saxophones. If you're looking for vintage saxophones, you've found them!

vintagesax.com

Check out the web site. She's got Bueschers, Conns, Martins. If I was in Florida, I would see if I could check out horns in person.

 

I myself if I was looking for a tenor sax I would be looking at a King Super 20 or a Couf Superba I, these can be found easily for under $3000.00. Go for the tone!

 

There’s a Chicago Jazz tenor made by B&S on Reverb right now for like $1900. That is an absolute steal for a pro horn.

 

Too All,
I continue to be amazed at your generous helpfulness in "my quest". I thank you. I look forward to acting on all of this great advice!

 

Lots and lots of great options to choose from! I love my Yamaha YTS-52, can be had for a good price on the used market, and is a great blowing Tenor. Most of these guys have better experience than I have, so you’ll have to try a bunch of different horns when you’re in Florida, and see which one speaks best to you. Good luck!

 

At your playing level get a YTS-26 and once you are able to play in tune, good tone, good technique and over the changes then start trying out professional models and find what feels best to you but warning you may find that the 26 is the horn for you in any event.

 

Hi, all, as I am just 30 minute drive away, I went to Gayle Fredenburgh's (thanks to you all who gave me the tip) and I walked out with a 1937 Buescher Aristocrat.

Beautiful condition and now the rest is up to me. I already sound better. The old-style ergonomics will take a little getting used to, but the sound is great, even with the junk, generic mouthpiece from my other Chinese knock-off sax. I've ordered a new Morgan Jazz Tenor L Saxophone Mouthpiece to finish things off. It should arrive in a few days.
Thanks, again, for your feedback.

 

Hi, all, as I am just 30 minute drive away, I went to Gayle Fredenburgh's (thanks to you all who gave me the tip) and I walked out with a 1937 Buescher Aristocrat.

Well done. Beautiful horn. Art deco series one Aristocrat. Gayle is great to deal with. You'll really appreciate that horn when you put the Morgan mpc on it. Let us know how it goes.

 

To extend the choices:

Best saxophone, or not a saxophone, under $3000. Preferably, a musical instrument.