[Consolas]

Hello everyone

I have return for your advice.

I had a very weak horn which allowed me to learn the ropes and whatnot - had a teacher who taught me a bit, for sure, but mainly "forced" me to play with him on improved sessions alongside some really cool fellows on his band which got me instantly hooked.

Clearly I was the underdog but had a blast.

I reach the point where the horn stopped sounding as good as it did in the beginning.

I thought it was mainly for being just a bad horn that required more maintenance (which was done) but as I've been told, it was a good time to jump to other horns as I would benefit from a better quality instrument.

Then life happened and I didn't get a horn and stopped practicing for a (long) time.

I want and need to get back on the horse and was wondering about what to purchased: had a deal that got away regarding a tenor 875 custom ex in perfect condition for around 2750€

I asked around and people here told me it was a good deal but not a INCREDIBLE deal so I didn't pull the gun.

Now I decided I don't want to get a horn that would require replacement soon but I don't need a top of the line horn as well (money is an issue, of course).

I don't much about brands and I stick with what I know (for reference): I was thinking about the vicinity of a yts-62. Seen a couple for around 1500-1700 in fairly good condition.

It's a price I can pay and I think it's a good amateur horn that if a pro would play it, wouldn't be that disappointed.

Does this make sense? Is this a correct course of action in your opinion?

And do you know alternatives to these segment of horns in other brands that you feel would be better?

Thank you very much and sorry about the gigantic text but I wanted to give details in order to not just say the likes of "yo, want a horn, have this money, help".

Thank you

 

[Consolas]

By the way, been lurking in the marketplace and would prefer to buy from someone from here than a random fellow on ebay.

I don't mind at all (and would prefer) to get a used horn and I don't mind the marks and scratches time and usage do to the horns (although I've seen some horns with a LOT of rust - those I would like to avoid unless told its merely cosmetic and the horn is worth it)

 

[sparq]

It depends on a few different factors.

The three big factors are:
1) What type of sound are you looking for?
2) Modern or Vintage?
3) Price


If you are looking at modern horns, then you have, among others:
* Beaugnier Model 38 ("Duke")
* Keilwerth Superba I, Superba II
* Selmer Super Action 80
* Yamaha YTS 61, YTS 62, YTS-82, YTS-875
* Yanagisawa T-6/T-600, T-800, T-880, T-900, T-990, T-900u, T-901, T-991, T-902, T-992

From the above list if you want to spend under $2,000, then it would be Beaugnier Model 38, Yamaha YTS-61, Yanagisawa T-6/T-600, T-800, and possibly T-880 with some luck.

 

[lesacks]

If - when - I was a better player than my horn, I'd be straight into the biggest music shop I could find. Hands on tests. That's my objective, anyway.

 

[Consolas]

That is actually a very good idea. I don't have shops with really good horns though, but at least I could try some different brands.

Regarding the type of sound, in the classes we always attack the standards. I did play some stevie wonder and the likes and it was also a blast.

I also like funk - well maybe I like everything in all honesty.

Regarding the look, I really don't have a preference mostly because of money contigtencies, can't really be picky at this point and just want to play. 🙂

Thanks for the input and awesome extensive list of horns!

 

[swperry1]

Not sure where in Europe you're located and how taxes work there, but someone in Switzerland has a pretty smoking deal on a Cannonball Vintage Reborn that looked great...$1450 USD. There's always boo birds, but Cannonball has earned a solid reputation in the saxophone world and the VR line tends to be particularly nice.
Anyway, good luck and happy hunting. Your budget is plenty sufficient to find a saxophone you'll never have to replace.

Edit: here's the link: https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showt...age-Reborn-tenor-Switzerland&highlight=Reborn

 

[1saxman]

https://www.kesslerandsons.com/tenor-saxophones/

These Kessler horns are made in China but are a cut above most others from there. I've had a Kessler baritone for 5 years and have really enjoyed it. I know guys are playing these tenors on gigs all over the place. Kessler is having a huge sale right now. The best thing about Kessler is every sax they sell goes through their 'pro shop' before shipping. This makes all the difference. I have had to do very little to my baritone, just the usual piece of cork or felt every so often.

 

[wilco87]

Not as famous as Yamaha, but also check out Borgani, they have some very good sounding horns. Vintage Conn-like sound but modern keywork. The TJ signature custom RAW is another horn I would check out in your position.

 

[malteof]

Not sure where in Europe you';re located and how taxes work there, but someone in Switzerland has a pretty smoking deal on a Cannonball Vintage Reborn that looked great...$1450 USD. There';s always boo birds, but Cannonball has earned a solid reputation in the saxophone world and the VR line tends to be particularly nice.
Anyway, good luck and happy hunting. Your budget is plenty sufficient to find a saxophone you';ll never have to replace.

Edit: here';s the link: https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showt...age-Reborn-tenor-Switzerland&highlight=Reborn

Thanks, I'm selling this one. It's a really, really good horn with modern key work and a nice smokey tone. It plays really well currently, shouldn't need anything done to it for a while. OP: message me if you're interested.

 

[Consolas]

Guys sorry about not answering, not getting the emails notifications regarding new posts.

Will read and answer!

 

[Consolas]

Guys thank you for all your answers - I will check both your recommendations and will get in touch with you, Malteof, after a little bit more search (for the sake of everything)

Thanks!!

 

[Dr G]

Guys sorry about not answering, not getting the emails notifications regarding new posts.

Will read and answer!

Consoles - I will contact the moderator on your behalf to grant you access to the Marketplace.

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

Consoles - I will contact the moderator on your behalf to grant you access to the Marketplace.

.......and may all your dreams come true.......

 

[jthole]

Guys thank you for all your answers - I will check both your recommendations and will get in touch with you, Malteof, after a little bit more search (for the sake of everything)

Thanks!!

If you are in Europe, there are three places (apart from regular shops and repair specialists) that I had great experiences with; this forum, the Cafe Saxophone forum (UK based), and the German Saxophonforum. I would stay away from eBay personally. Yes, you can pick up bargains, but there is a lot more risk involved than in dealing with fellow forum members or reputable shops.

Regarding brands:
- hard to go wrong with Yamaha; even the student models sound great with a good mouthpiece
- I don't have a lot of experience with Yanagisawa, but their reputation is good
- same with modern Taiwanese horns, no more experience than quick testing, but they have a solid reputation by now
- vintage Keilwerths can be great, but be wary of ergonomics and intonation
- the same with vintage American saxes.

I once picked up a Martin tenor that is great, and a Grassi Professional 2000 which is excellent as well. For a few years, I had a Buescher Aristocrat stencil that was a good player as well (but no way as good as my Martin). But in the past, I also have thrown way too much money in a Martin bari to make it work for me.

If you want safe; go for a modern Japanese or Taiwanese instrument. But vintage can be a lot of fun too! As a kid, I started on a Martin alto; that did wonders for my intonation and listening.

 

[Consolas]

Thank you all for your answers

If you are in Europe, there are three places (apart from regular shops and repair specialists) that I had great experiences with; this forum, the Cafe Saxophone forum (UK based), and the German Saxophonforum. I would stay away from eBay personally. Yes, you can pick up bargains, but there is a lot more risk involved than in dealing with fellow forum members or reputable shops.

Regarding brands:

• hard to go wrong with Yamaha; even the student models sound great with a good mouthpiece
• I don't have a lot of experience with Yanagisawa, but their reputation is good
• same with modern Taiwanese horns, no more experience than quick testing, but they have a solid reputation by now
• vintage Keilwerths can be great, but be wary of ergonomics and intonation
• the same with vintage American saxes.

I once picked up a Martin tenor that is great, and a Grassi Professional 2000 which is excellent as well. For a few years, I had a Buescher Aristocrat stencil that was a good player as well (but no way as good as my Martin). But in the past, I also have thrown way too much money in a Martin bari to make it work for me.

If you want safe; go for a modern Japanese or Taiwanese instrument. But vintage can be a lot of fun too! As a kid, I started on a Martin alto; that did wonders for my intonation and listening.

Thanks a lot for this invaluable information! Will check other forums closer to home - since my knowledge is still very limited (alongside my skill ) I will stick to whatever is safer before venturing into a specific style of playing or horn. I think it is better for me, at least for now - don't want to pick up vices.

 

[Consolas]

.......and may all your dreams come true.......

Love your signature! aha

 

[Saxophone Strange]

I know someone was selling a Medusa here for a more than reasonable price. I second Martins and Yamahas. Nothing will beat just being able to try horns. As for the Medusa, I keep trying to stay away from the marketplace because I have already bought two horns this year.

 

[turf3]

OP, you mention "Yamaha 62 or similar amateur-grade horn".

The Yamaha 62 is a fully top grade instrument. It is absolutely NOT a "student" instrument. It was sold as the top grade Yamaha saxophone for many years before they introduced the Custom and 82 series. If it suits you, it can serve you throughout your entire playing life, no matter what level you reach.

 

[Pete Kelly]

I purchased a Yamaha YTS 62iii about 6 weeks ago and I love it. I can highly recommend it for quality of tone, construction and anywhere in the world replaceability if it gets lost/stolen/damaged. If worst case scenario happens I don't want to start researching/looking/purchasing a back-up all over again, I'd would just go and get another one.

 

[Pete Kelly]

OP, you mention "Yamaha 62 or similar amateur-grade horn".

The Yamaha 62 is a fully top grade instrument. It is absolutely NOT a "student" instrument. It was sold as the top grade Yamaha saxophone for many years before they introduced the Custom and 82 series. If it suits you, it can serve you throughout your entire playing life, no matter what level you reach.

Totally agree with this statement.