[Bjroosevelt]

For sure a brand new Yamaha (YAS200ADII or YAS 26) student alto for a middle school kid is the most over-rated instrument. (This is age where band starts in the United States). Costs about $2,700 now and in the LIKELY event that the student stops playing it in a few years, the average Joe (parent) can sell it for about $800 - $1,000. (Loss of over $1,500). You can get lots of brand new or used student Altos for less than $1,500 (after repairs if buying used). And you are still doing better financially if you end up throwing it away.

Besides, if you bought the new Yamaha and you truly are good enough to advance into music in college, you are definitely going to want an upgrade (more $$$$) ...unless you are only doing marching band.

Another way to say it is "By the time that instrument is paid off you will most likely either be grown out of the horn or you won't be playing any more". I've been the parent who has been stuck writing the check for my son on a brand new Yamaha band instrument due to pressure from the school band director. It ain't no fun.

.....and lets be honest, a Yamaha Alto is not going to make your middle school kid sound good.

The time to spend money on a new Yamaha is after you figure out if you have passion and skill related to the sax...and if you have passion and skill, I would not recommend a baseline student horn. Get one that is maybe a bit lighter and maybe has a high F# key, etc.