[batonstar]

I'm starting to look into buying a sax for xmas either for myself (been playing a couple of years) or my son (been playing about 6 months).

Can anyone tell me if you would recommend any of the following alto saxes:
Boosey and Hawkes
Jupiter SAS 767
Jupiter 500
Florian by Stagg
Yamaha YAS 62

and if anyone can recommend a good make for me to look out for either for me or my son, please list.

Thanks!

 

[queperknuckle]

The yamaha yas 62 is a great horn. If you are thinking of buying one, I am actually selling my 62 alto. Since videos and examples speak louder than words, I'll post a video of me playing the 62 later. It's on youtube. You can judge the sound of this horn for yourself. IMHO, it's a fantastic sounding and superbly built horn. A good first pro horn.

 

[sycc]

I like Keilwerths and Yanagisawas.

 

[Finnerski]

I'm starting to look into buying a sax for xmas either for myself (been playing a couple of years) or my son (been playing about 6 months).

Can anyone tell me if you would recommend any of the following alto saxes:
Boosey and Hawkes
Jupiter SAS 767
Jupiter 500
Florian by Stagg
Yamaha YAS 62

and if anyone can recommend a good make for me to look out for either for me or my son, please list.

Thanks!

I think the best horn on your list is a YAS-62. It is the only one you have listed that is a pro horn. What made you narrow it down to these? Are you looking for a pro model or a student horn? I think jupiter makes a nice student horn but won't do you much good if your playing is advanced. I have never heard of a Florian by Stagg. You should probably avoid that one. You weren't real specific on the Boosey and Hawkes as to what model it is. So anyway go YAS-62 if you want pro, go Jupiter if you are new to the sax and want something that is economical and decent to learn on.

 

[Canadiain]

Boosey and Hawkes are a well known woodwind brand, but didnt make many saxes of there own. MOre often than not they were "stencil" horns from good manufactures, but it will be older, and quality will depend on the model and condition. SOme were very good, some not so much.

Jupiters; in general terms the higher the number the nearer the top of the range. They are a reputable Taiwanese maker, recent output is better than the older ones

Stegg..nasty chinese knock off?

Yamaha 62...distingushed pro horn. The horn yamaha built there reputation on.

The "what to buy" thing has been done to death, but it will help if you supply a likely budget and a location.

IF you dont want to spend >$1000 on the YAS62, (If its less than that and not in pieces its could be a bargain). The Jupiter might be worth a look, but there is a lot of other choice out there, ranging from maybe $300 for a used taiwan made selmer copy like an Antigua 520 that gives my pro level B&S a run for its money, up to several thousand for "big 4" pro horns

There is a ton of info in the archives of this forum to mine.

 

[TetsuoK]

Stagg is quite a decent model of saxophone coming out of china. They are inexpensive, function well, have very good intonation for the price. My only complaint with them is that they have a very peculiar smell to them.

I've often wondered if it was the case that caused the smell. I'll have some additional Stagg saxophones making their way into my store sooon.

For the individual who is debating on getting a first act or their son or daughter and/or a Stagg, i highly recommend the stagg over the first act.

Its really not a bad instrument for what it is.

But since you've listed the YAS-62 there, by no means would I recommend the Stagg if you were knowingly seeking a great professional horn; however...

 

[Morry]

Boosey & Hawkes once owned Keilwerth. Were their horns stencils of the ST series?

 

[michaelbaird]

Boosey & Hawkes once owned Keilwerth. Were their horns stencils of the ST series?

The Boosey & Hawkes might be a steal. Worse case scenario it could be a Kohlert. I would put a Kohlert 57 up against a VI. Mine is great, certainly plays as well as my VII. Good Boosey instruments are built like tanks too.

 

[Alexk]

Take the Yamaha YAS62 - it's the pick of your list.

 

[jazzcat58]

The yamaha 62 is the best by a way on that list , simply a good entry into a professional horn, and you can pick up reasonable second hand ones at a good deal.
you may wish to try out yanigisawas also?
good luck bryan