None of the above.
Used Yamaha would be good, or a new Antigua or Kessler Alto.
Used Yamaha would be good, or a new Antigua or Kessler Alto.
Need Help?? Which Alto???
Okay... to all who have addressed or answered this somewhere on this forum, I apologize for a repeat question. I'm new... no music training... played sports for most of my life and when was band practice? Right after school when sports practiced.
Trying to keep my costs low and at the same time, get something I can learn and be happy with the way it sounds. So far, the alto field that fits my budget seems to be the Conn-Selmer Prelude, Kohlert 450 or this guy on Ebay who is pushing this Topsax brand. Any ideas? Suggestions? I don't want to rent.
I appreciate your help well in advance of your thoughtful, knowledgable answers.
Trying to keep my costs low and at the same time, get something I can learn and be happy with the way it sounds. So far, the alto field that fits my budget seems to be the Conn-Selmer Prelude, Kohlert 450 or this guy on Ebay who is pushing this Topsax brand. Any ideas? Suggestions? I don't want to rent.
I appreciate your help well in advance of your thoughtful, knowledgable answers.
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
I'm not knowledgable about horns like most members, but I was in a similar predicament several months ago. I needed to upgrade from my son's old Bundy II I received in a trade for cigars. It had been a teacher's sax that had been used by numerous students. We had to have some minor repairs done to it and were forced to rent while it was out. The rental was pure junk. The Bundy II played well, but it really needed a good going over. it made more sense to just buy a better horn.BoilerUp said:Okay... to all who have addressed or answered this somewhere on this forum, I apologize for a repeat question. I'm new... no music training... played sports for most of my life and when was band practice? Right after school when sports practiced.
Trying to keep my costs low and at the same time, get something I can learn and be happy with the way it sounds. So far, the alto field that fits my budget seems to be the Conn-Selmer Prelude, Kohlert 450 or this guy on Ebay who is pushing this Topsax brand. Any ideas? Suggestions? I don't want to rent.
I appreciate your help well in advance of your thoughtful, knowledgable answers.
Anyway, Carl H is right about Yamaha. Vito is pretty good, too.
We decided to go with an older True Tone and are happy we did.
If you decide on an older horn - contact SOTW member Bruce Bailey. He sells very nice horns that arrive ready to play. I've bought 3 items from him and they were all better than described. He can help you out or point you in the right direction.
BoilerUp: It would help us if we knew where you lived, so we could better direct you to a source other than that eBay guy, whoever he is. Of the brands you listed, I'd pass on all of them although there may be someone who likes their Prelude, Kohlert, or whatever.
I'm with the others, although for a newbie, a vintage saxophone may be too much. I LOVE my vintage horns but I've been playing awhile. If you are able to contact Dave Kessler (a trusted dealer on this site), he can get you into a really nice inexpensive saxophone - one that will hold together and play well and still not cost you a bundle. DAVE
I'm with the others, although for a newbie, a vintage saxophone may be too much. I LOVE my vintage horns but I've been playing awhile. If you are able to contact Dave Kessler (a trusted dealer on this site), he can get you into a really nice inexpensive saxophone - one that will hold together and play well and still not cost you a bundle. DAVE
I second or third the motion to talk to Kessler. Or place a Want Ad out for a 23.
Conn Selmer Prelude Alto
My son has a Conn/Selmer Prelude Alto, he is going into the 8th grade.
I gave him a Meyer 5MM and some Java's 3's and he's all set. I didn't want him to use my mark 6 alto, until he could prove how to take care of a horn...
I've been playing for 36 years now, and on one of my pay gig's, the Johnny Mack Super Big-Band, I did the gig on my kids alto, just for kicks.
I was using a Morgan Excalibur 7E and Java 3 1/2's and this horn was great.
It felt like my Mark VI but was way less expensive.
The workmanship is top notch. No one in the band knew, that I didn't have the mark 6 that night, great for soloing, and section work...
It's not as expensive as the Yamaha 62, or even the 23 ,and it's perfect for a beginner. Great Warranty.
Both Selmer and Conn have been around for ever, this new horn is made in China, under their design and oversight. It is then sent to Elkhart, Indiana where it's gone over with a looking glass, and they do the final set-up...
Best horn for the money!!
Bar None!!
My son has a Conn/Selmer Prelude Alto, he is going into the 8th grade.
I gave him a Meyer 5MM and some Java's 3's and he's all set. I didn't want him to use my mark 6 alto, until he could prove how to take care of a horn...
I've been playing for 36 years now, and on one of my pay gig's, the Johnny Mack Super Big-Band, I did the gig on my kids alto, just for kicks.
I was using a Morgan Excalibur 7E and Java 3 1/2's and this horn was great.
It felt like my Mark VI but was way less expensive.
The workmanship is top notch. No one in the band knew, that I didn't have the mark 6 that night, great for soloing, and section work...
It's not as expensive as the Yamaha 62, or even the 23 ,and it's perfect for a beginner. Great Warranty.
Both Selmer and Conn have been around for ever, this new horn is made in China, under their design and oversight. It is then sent to Elkhart, Indiana where it's gone over with a looking glass, and they do the final set-up...
Best horn for the money!!
Bar None!!
I would personally go with either a
Kessler Custom
YAS-23
Conn/Selmer Prelude
Kessler's horns are made in I believe Tiawan, and are pretty popular here. Infact I don't believe I have heard a bad review of one of their horns. The 23, to date is one of the best made Student Saxophones in production. I have not personally heard any bad opinions on the Prelulde, but then I haven't done much searching for information on it.
Kessler Custom
YAS-23
Conn/Selmer Prelude
Kessler's horns are made in I believe Tiawan, and are pretty popular here. Infact I don't believe I have heard a bad review of one of their horns. The 23, to date is one of the best made Student Saxophones in production. I have not personally heard any bad opinions on the Prelulde, but then I haven't done much searching for information on it.
i have several 23's at different price points from $350 to $875 if you are interested.all are great players that have been adjusted and ready to play.sound and intonation is very good.
Sound advice.Carl H. said:None of the above.
Used Yamaha would be good, or a new Antigua or Kessler Alto.
If you are on a really tight budget a used Antigua can be a great deal too. Lots seem to go for around ~$300 or less.
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
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