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765 Posts
I'd look around for a YAS-23 alto. They're pretty tough horns, and although used for students, I can bet you could find one in decent condition for your price if you spent some time looking around. If you could get your budget up to $500-$600, I'd bet that you could find a decent tenor.
There are some good saxes coming out of the Far East that are worth taking a look at, but unless you have someone who knows how to play, it can really be tricky sorting out the good ones from the crap. WWBW.com offers a company called "Barrington" which at least on alto is a Selmer S80 copy. I was really impressed with the quality of sound that I got out of it, I'd give it about 75% compared to my personal Selmer Paris Series II, and they sit at a tenth the price. However, I can't speak for their build quality as I never had to have on repaired. Some of these saxes, you put them under a repairman's torch and they'll melt away. Gear4Music from the UK has also gotten excellent reviews. If you search around the forum, I'm sure you'll find other brands that are capable.
There are some good saxes coming out of the Far East that are worth taking a look at, but unless you have someone who knows how to play, it can really be tricky sorting out the good ones from the crap. WWBW.com offers a company called "Barrington" which at least on alto is a Selmer S80 copy. I was really impressed with the quality of sound that I got out of it, I'd give it about 75% compared to my personal Selmer Paris Series II, and they sit at a tenth the price. However, I can't speak for their build quality as I never had to have on repaired. Some of these saxes, you put them under a repairman's torch and they'll melt away. Gear4Music from the UK has also gotten excellent reviews. If you search around the forum, I'm sure you'll find other brands that are capable.
