[bamattson]

I was all set to pick up a used YAS 23 for my daughter. 600 bucks for practically new. She decided she doesnt like the look of the nickle plated keys on the brass body. Go figure. What is the next best thing? ( in the 400-600 range) Thank you!

I should note that I'm not specifically looking at Yamaha's, just something that hopefully will get us through the elementary/middle (maybe HS) years. Something that's decent but wont break the bank. Thanks.

 

[Seasax]

a yas 23 without nickel plated keys (or a more modern 275)
you could probably get one here for under $600 in the marketplace

 

[Raphyel]

Yas 52

Yas 52 is a good choice, and allows a lot of flexibility as far as growth

 

[saintsday]

The first best thing would be to get lucky on a Buescher 140 or late 20's-early 30's True Tone. Then your daughter would have a full blown pro horn.

 

[bamattson]

a yas 23 without nickel plated keys (or a more modern 275)
you could probably get one here for under $600 in the marketplace

I was told that all 23's come with the nickel plating. Not true?????

 

[Dave Dolson]

When it was time to buy a new alto for my then 10-year old grandson, I bought a new Kessler Custom. I played a bunch of inexpensive altos that day and every one of them sounded better to my ears than any YAS23 I've ever played. DAVE

 

[Seasax]

I was told that all 23's come with the nickel plating. Not true?????

yes, i think you're right, sorry,
but 275s are still a valid option

 

[bamattson]

yes, i think you're right, sorry,
but 275s are still a valid option

Thanks for the great info!! The 275's look great- but seem to be few and far between. The only ones I see are a couple on ebay for 900. way out of my range. maybe one will turn up here in the marketplace!!

 

[Tim Wolfe]

I second Dave Dolson's recommendation regarding Kessler's house brand. The KesslerMusic.com link is found at the top of this page.

I have one of Kessler's tenor saxes and couldn't be happier.

For $695 you can get one of his altos that will come in a nice case and with a very decent mouthpiece, too.

Kessler Music provides outstanding service.

I'm in no way affiliated with Kessler music, I'm just a satisfied customer.

Best,
Tim

 

[Agent27]

The first best thing would be to get lucky on a Buescher 140 or late 20's-early 30's True Tone. Then your daughter would have a full blown pro horn.

She probably wants a shiny one.

 

[saintsday]

She probably wants a shiny one.

:shock: You think so?!?!?

The really sad thing is that she probably could get a really nice silver plated TT for not much more than her budget. It still amazes me that the only curved TT alto that I've seen hit the price of a new YAS 23 was a gold plated museum piece.