[skeller047]

If you have a student level Yamaha now, then a Conn, Buescher, Martin or maybe even a King will be difficult for you ergonomically. If it were me in your situation I would be looking for a lightly used Yanagisawa. If I were emotionally attached to Yamaha I’d be looking for a used 82Z instead of a 62. I would also be looking locally so I could play the d**n thing before buying….

 

[skeller047]

OP mentioned SA 80, Yamaha 62. I mentioned Yanagisawa and 82Z, because OP wants a more old-school type sound and wondered if a vintage horn would be a good idea. Since he is a beginning player, I suggested he might prefer a more modern layout.

Sound is something else. I think it is possible to get almost any sound with almost any saxophone, if the horn is in good repair. Things that affect sound, in order of importance, are: player skill, mouthpiece, reed, neck, ligature and finally the horn itself. Player physical makeup goes into the equation too, but that’s harder to change…