[sognar7]

Hey all,

I'm primarily a tenor player, and I never really owned an Alto. I'm looking to get back into playing that horn at a very low price-point.

any suggestions on a rather cheap alto? even something in a weird alternative finish like silver or nickel, just to experiment on and dabble.

i found these on ebay, http://search.stores.ebay.com/K-K-M...Z122407850QQsatitleZQ22asQ2d180bngQ22QQsofpZ0 I was wondering if anyone knew anything about these horns, and If they'd be so unplayable to not justify their cheapness.

thanks a lot,

John

 

[LiteReeding]

Sognar7, I played on a Yamaha YAS-23 for years and it was a very good horn for me. Most of the time they can be picked up pretty cheaply (I paid $65 for mine but I think $300 is more in the normal ballpark.) Good intonation, nice tone, decent ergos and very solid keywork. Should do extremely well for dabbling for some time.

 

[saxmanglen]

Look at the Japan Yamaha/ Vito stencil. There's several out there and relatively cheap.

Here's an example here: http://cgi.ebay.com/Nice-Condition-...ryZ16232QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

PS It's the same as a Yamaha 23.

 

[Pgraves]

.

 

[bruce bailey]

For a cheapie, don't get one of those ebay things from China. THe Yamaha is a very good choice and has good resale. Also look for a Vito, Martin Galaxy or any of the Leblanc models as they are rebranded good quality horns from Japan.

 

[stevesklar]

i'd support that Vito. I had a Vito tenor and i've had Vito alto/Tenors cross my bench and they are all solidly built and have a GREAT tone. very surprising for the money.

 

[mlscnr]

http://www.kesslermusic.com/KesslerCustomSax/kesslercustom.htm

 

[Canadiain]

I paid $200 for an Antigua 520, $300 after a trip to the tech for a couple of new pads and an adjustment or two. Its served me very well until I had the money to recently upgrade to a B&S stencil. I think its a nicer made and better sounding horn than a 23, with Selmer ergonomics.

New cheap noname (chinese?) horns like the ebay ones are pretty much a heavy depreciation loss as soon as you buy them, they have no resale value. A used branded horn is a better bet in my opinion.

 

[Gigante]

I would also agree that the Yamaha 23 is a good buy. There are tons of these out there for sale. They are much better than the student models put out today. Don't forget about the Selmer Bundy. These were the workhorses of school bands when I was growing up. These horns are real sturdy and sound better than any chinese student model made today. There are a lot of these out there as well. Just make sure you have a good mouthpiece. Good Luck.

 

[davevillajr]

Vitos are great. I have a kid in my band class playing on one, sounds great -even for someone who's only been playing 12 weeks.

Don't forget the King 613! Another kid in my band is playing one - solid sound and robustly built.

Bundys and Bundy II are FANTASTIC beginner horns. Strong and good sound.

Any of the classic Buescher, Martin or Conn horns can be great instruments on a budget - however - they may require some work if bought through ebay or other sources than a music store (does any music store actually have them on hand? Enquiring minds want to know...).


dv

 

[retread]

And keep your eyes open for a Bundy Special. Made by Keilwerth in the 1960s. Rolled tone holes, great sound, low priced.

 

[retread]

NYMeyerLansky just posted a Yani that looks interesting.

 

[Sand3853]

Yeah, I would stay clear of any of the chinese horns you find on ebay, a freind of mine bought one, and it was practically unplayable. YAS-23's are good, vito's too. You might try looking for a King Zephyr, or a vintage Buescher. I played on both when I started. My Zephyr was only $400 and played great.