[AmandaP]

Help!

I love to play music, and I am just learning the alto saxophone.

I just got my alto sax. I don't have a very nice model, and I appreciate the quality of the higher end models, even more so now that I have the cheapy.

I am saving up right now to buy a pro model, something that might last a lifetime. In the mean time I have my cheepy to keep me entertained until the funds are added up.. (probably a year or so, money is tight)

{{edit note}}
if you seen my othe post you know that I have to wait for a period of time before I can purchase a quality sax, not only for $$, but my husband says prove you want it. I believe I do want to continue with sax playing, for a long time. In the meantime, I am preparing for the day that I can go out and get a GREAT sax that I would be excited to have.
{{end edit}}

In the mean time, I am researching like crazy!

I like the look of the Keilwerth models. In fact I think they look great!!! Many of the options and styles appeal to me

So which is the better sax- Yamaha (probaly a YAS62) or one of the Keilwerth's?

 

[sycc]

The Yas 62 is a fine sax w/excellent ergonomics. I recently play tested one. It had great intonation and reponse. Low notes spoke easy. The keilwerth SX-90(R) has a bigger fuller darker sound. the low notes come out really easy due to the bigger bow/bell. You should audition both of em.

 

[playitfunky]

Yamaha's IMO are a great horn and very affordable. I got my used YTS-62 for 1200 bucks and never looked back. I don't see the point in spending 3000 bucks if you don't have to. The one thing about JK is that they don't resale fast, or for very much money so you can probably find a good deal on a used on of them also.

 

[queperknuckle]

Have you looked at the Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz saxes. They are very nice. It would be hard to play test one though. I just got their gold plated soprano and it is nice. Also, have you looked at yanagisawa. Their horns are nice and affordable as well. Go to http://saxforte.com for pictures of these horns.

 

[jmm1713]

go with the keilwerth .

 

[Yellowhorn]

Amanda -

First of all, most of what you read here is opinion of and personal experience (preference, to be more exact) with a certain brand. In other words, there is no truth here.

To paraphrase Coltrane, the truth does not have a name, or brand, on it; it is YOURS to find out! So, if you can, go to a shop and try not only Yamies and JK's but also, as someone said earlier, Yani's, RC, or Conns (have you heard of the 26M? Or, for that matter, a King Super 20?). The one that is right for you is the one YOU like most!

On the Yami, the early 62 (with purple logo) is legendary, but you can also spend much less dough on a YAS 32 or YAS 52 (they are the same model) and have yourself a great alto.

Should you go for a modern JK, I would advise you to stay away from the SX90R model. The reason is this:

http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Tenor/Keilwerth_sx90r_tenor.htm

Or go for a P Mauriat one. Kenny Xuan Vu is selling his 67R for $1500 right now.
Good luck finding your horn!

 

[Finnerski]

Should you go for a modern JK, I would advise you to stay away from the SX90R model. The reason is this:
http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Tenor/Keilwerth_sx90r_tenor.htm

I can't wait to see JC Bigler's reaction when or if he sees this.

 

[stevesklar]

Finnerski ..... everytime JK comes up this link has to come up. :twisted:

Keep in mind this is only for the SXR .. SX, EX etc do not have RTH. And JK is not the only maker of RTH horns - P Mauriat, vintage US saxes, etc.

I personally like Yamaha and JK horns. Though the ergos on the Yamaha (for me) are much better on the RH. And each model horn is different

you also haven't listed a maximum budget $$$
Keilwerth has a small line of saxes in comparison to Yamaha. Most ppl here jump right to the top $$$ such as the Keilwerth SX R and Yamaha 875 to compare. But for some reason I think we're talking more like the Keilwerth ST or EX and Yamaha 23, 52 area ???

 

[TJS]

It doesn't seem helpful for me to recommend another brand but I can't help myself. Sorry. Have you considered a Yanagisawa. I personally like them better than Yamaha's and equally as much as Keilwerth's but they cost less. I don't think you can get a better instrument for the money. I have been playing an 880 tenor for a while now and have not played an instrument that I like better. A Keilwerth was the only instrument that was close.

Good luck.

 

[ismail]

try an old keilwerth if you can.
mine is a toneking, about 30 years old.
plays wonderfully.
wasn´t expensive, either.

edit:
I like the ergonomics, as well.
perfect for my relatively large hands.
don´t see why people care so much about different ergonomics as long as they are possible to adapt to...
they won´t cripple your hands, they just take some getting used to.

 

[EZ]

My SX90 toneholes were uneven as much as the SX90R toneholes were. 'Til I dun fix'd em, of course.

See fire. Throw gas...

Yamaha and Keilwerth horns are all great but different enough you have to try them to know what's right for you.

Gotta throw Yani in there, too, like TJS says. They have always made incredible altos. And sopranos. And tenors.....

 

[AmandaP]

Thanks for the comments thus far.

I realize that all votes for either saxophone brand or other is the opinion of each individual and not fact.

But that is what I am interested.. what do the masses go for and why?

I don't have a $$ figure, its pretty open, since I believe it will be a year before I make that great purchase. And what my options will be at that time.. do I put money down on something that is high$$ or will I have saved enough to buy it out right.. we will see when that time comes.

I am pretty certain I do not want a YAS23 or other student model. Reason being; I have read alot on the boards and have come to the conclusion, that the best horn for you is the best you can get.

When I finally get it, I want to keep it for a very long time. I don't want to have to "upgrade" later on.

There was some other brands mentioned that I will have a look at also.

My research is far from over...it continues

 

[JimD]

The masses don't play the saxophone and around here the masses play an awful lot of different horns. Over the years I've played Yamahas, Keilwerths and Kings for extended periods and liked them all and I can say that they are all very different. When you feel that you've got something of a handle on playing the horn then you need to try a lot of different horns over a fairly long period.

You don't say how long you've been playing but it seems not long. Keilwerths are great horns, Syephen Howard's reviews notwithstanding, but you might find them a bit hard going until you've played for some time. Yamahas and Yanagisawas will probably sit under your fingers easier. Somebody is already disagreeing with me but never mind, the point is that your husband is right but not just for the reasons he has but also because the longer you leave it the better you'll be able to make an informed choice. Don't be in too much of a rush. What are you playing now?

 

[jthole]

Help!
I am saving up right now to buy a pro model, something that might last a lifetime. In the mean time I have my cheepy to keep me entertained until the funds are added up.. (probably a year or so, money is tight)

Personally I think your money is best spent on lessons from a good teacher. Use the horn you have now to learn the basics, and select a new one then with the experience you gained in the meantime. That process will likely take a couple of years.

I am pretty certain I do not want a YAS23 or other student model. Reason being; I have read alot on the boards and have come to the conclusion, that the best horn for you is the best you can get.

It probably takes years until you outgrow a YAS23, so why not? Use the time to build your skills, and make a better decision on what you want to buy in the end. Buying an "instrument for a lifetime" in a year from now, sounds like an impossible mission to me.

 

[AmandaP]

I have a cheap chinese alto saxophone. This is my sax to learn the fingering. I do have lessons planned, although I haven't started them yet. Next week actually. I have heard sax players, watched closely to how they play and sound. The sax I have is far from the sax they have...lol. I am perfectly aware of it.

I am very new to saxophone, but not new to wanting to learn it. I played alto and bass clarinet. When in school i wanted to play the saxophone, but there were only so many to play and I wasnt fast enough. I ended up with bass clarinet, and alto- depending on what we were playing or doing at the time. (band or class) I love to make music. I have a piano, but it never satisfied me. I like the woodwinds.

A year is a long time away.... plenty of time to decide what I want to play. I am just learning about the details of a saxophone- the differences in brands and their quality. Of course I want to get the most out of my dollar.

A student model YAS23. I am sure its great. Infact I have a friend who has that sax. He loves it and has played it for years, but longs for something more.

I don't know what I will ultimately decide... again... I am learning- seeking opinions and thoughts of those who have and are still playing. Maybe its too soon to think about buying a sax a year from now?.. not for me. I want to be well educated in the sax I choose- so I have confidence when buying it.. as well as no regrets in the choice I make.

 

[jthole]

You don't say how long you've been playing but it seems not long. Keilwerths are great horns, Syephen Howard's reviews notwithstanding, but you might find them a bit hard going until you've played for some time. Yamahas and Yanagisawas will probably sit under your fingers easier. Somebody is already disagreeing with me but never mind, the point is that your husband is right but not just for the reasons he has but also because the longer you leave it the better you'll be able to make an informed choice. Don't be in too much of a rush. What are you playing now?

That sounds like an excellent advice!

If you really want something else in a couple of months; buy that YAS23 from your friend (I understand he wants another instrument eventually anyway), play that sax for five years, and then make an informed decision on what YOU like.

 

[EZ]

At one point, I switched from a Selmer Serie III to a YAS23 because I liked the Yamaha better - it was better for me for intonation and playability. Didn't look as cool as the silver plated III, but I sounded worlds better on the YAS, so it was the right decision. This is not to say that Serie III altos are bad, by the way.

Mature musicianship requires ignoring your setup so you can choose the right setup. Maybe a bit Zen and paradoxical.

No matter what horn you choose, leave breathing room in your budget for lessons. Otherwise you could end up being on a first name basis with your UPS delivery guy before long.

If you want a bigger darker sound, JK is the way to go, and I'd recommend the SX90. If you want more focus, look the Yamaha/Yanagisawa route. Try out as many horns as you can.

 

[gary]

Just a comment about the article quoted above (http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/...x90r_tenor.htm). Don't read more into it than is there**. The JKs are outstanding saxes. Try them out before making a decision.

**This is not to say that that review hasn't value. But I would point out that it has been controversial and there is no need to rehash it here. So without taking sides, I'll just suggest trying out the JKs with no prior prejudices in your mind and let your playing make the judgements for you. If you want many-sided comments on it please do a search on the article and reactions to it.

 

[Finnerski]

Thanks for the comments thus far.

I realize that all votes for either saxophone brand or other is the opinion of each individual and not fact.

But that is what I am interested.. what do the masses go for and why?

I don't have a $$ figure, its pretty open, since I believe it will be a year before I make that great purchase. And what my options will be at that time.. do I put money down on something that is high$$ or will I have saved enough to buy it out right.. we will see when that time comes.

I am pretty certain I do not want a YAS23 or other student model. Reason being; I have read alot on the boards and have come to the conclusion, that the best horn for you is the best you can get.

When I finally get it, I want to keep it for a very long time. I don't want to have to "upgrade" later on.

There was some other brands mentioned that I will have a look at also.

My research is far from over...it continues

Well, learning on a top notch pro horn is actually more enjoyable because the top of the line horns play easier and sound better than the student horns. The number one reason for a student horn is just that. Its made for young students, who carry them to the bus stop, and around school. Then they go home and along the way their horns get beat up more.

If you are a responsible adult (sounds like you are), then by all means go for it. It sounds as if you have the drive so why not drive the top of the line Turbo Carerra. (Hmm, that sounds German to me!) I'm a late bloomer, I started on a old beat up Revelle Tenor, then upgraded to a Vito Alto, basically a YAS-23. Then I finally got some money and got the Mack daddy of them all (not my quote), a 5 digit Selmer Mark VI. I must say that going from a student horn to that Mark 6 was a religious, almost out of body experience. It really responded and sounded so much better than anything I had played before. That said, I say late bloomers should be playing on pro horns, if you can afford it and you can take care of it.

I no longer play that Mark 6, I sold it for enough dough to buy me 2 pro horns of a different brand (JK's). I love them both, and I miss that six too! Go for it!

 

[stevesklar]

..... and got the Mack daddy of them all (not my quote), a 5 digit Selmer Mark IV. I must say that going from a student horn to that Mark 6 was a religious, almost out of body experience. .....

he meant a Mark VI (not Mark IV) aka "Mark 6"

Only showing that because it can confuse ppl. At one time (several decades ago) I thought Selmer Paris made a mk I IV, V, VI & VII due to misspellings