Saxophone Shopping Guide

Choose a store that has a reputation for selling quality brand name instruments. Saxophone manufacturers such as Yamaha, Yanigasawa, and Selmer have developed a reputation for quality throughout the years.

A reputable store should have a knowledgeable sales staff as well as a certified band instrument repair technician. It is imperative that your instrument leaves the store in proper playing condition. You also will need an experienced and reliable technician to perform routine adjustments throughout the year.

New saxophones are good because you will be the first owner. You know that the instrument has not been damaged in any way and don’t have to worry about any initial repairs. Some stores even offer a free short-term maintenance policy to buyers of new instruments.

You can save yourself some money by buying used, but buyer beware because there can be many unseen problems. One thing you should remember is, never purchase a used saxophone without the advice of a certified technician. Many used saxophones need several, if not all, of their pads replaced in addition to a mechanical adjustment. Some instruments may require a complete overhaul. Take these issues into consideration when determining the price you are willing to pay. As discussed above, a reputable store is a good place to buy used gear. Used saxophones should be cleaned and adjusted before they even go on to the sales floor.

The best beginner saxophone is the Yamaha YAS-23. There are many of these horns available, used and new. This is an excellent instrument because it plays well, sounds good, and is easy for repair technicians to work on. Selmer (Bundy), Vito, Jupiter, and Conn are other brands that will work just fine.

The best intermediate saxophone is the Yamaha YAS-62 (series I). Unfortunately Yamaha recently replaced it with the cheaper YAS-62II. The YAS-62II is a nice horn, but it does not have the quality of sound that the original model had. The Yanigasawa 901 is also a very nice saxophone.

The Yamaha Custom YAS-875 is the professional saxophone that I prefer. Yamaha discontinued the YAS-875 last year and replaced it with the YAS-875EX and the YAS-82Z (this is basically the old YAS-62). Again, these are nice saxophones but don’t live up the previous models. Other good horns are the Selmer Paris Super Action 80 model II or III, and the Yanigasawa 991.

For those of you who are interested in playing jazz you will want to consider finding a good vintage saxophone. Saxophones from the 1920’s - 1960’s have a sound that is more conducive to playing jazz. The drawback to these horns is that the intonation and response is not very consistent. You can buy them at fairly low prices if they need work, but you take risk by spending $500 on a mechanical overhaul, which most of them will need, on a horn you can’t even play.

If you are looking for a vintage saxophone some models to try out are: Buescher True Tone, Buescher Aristocrat, Buescher 400, Conn New Wonder, Conn "Chu Berry" New Wonder Series II, Conn 6m viii "Naked Lady", King Super 20, King Zephyr, and the Selmer Mark VI.

Check for dents in the neck or bow of the instrument. These are sensitive areas that effect intonation and response. Once a dent has been made in these locations, the instrument is forever changed. It is often better to leave the dent than to remove it and further change the shape of the bore.

You will probably need to buy a new case for your new vintage saxophone. The Protec contoured Propac works well with many vintage saxophones.

Once you have decided on all of the choices listed above, you need to consider the more aesthetic point of view. A saxophone should appeal to your senses. It should sound good, feel good, and look good. All these are important because this is an instrument you will develop a relationship with, spending hours upon hours together. You want the saxophone to inspire you to play and make the best music you have ever made.

Last but not least, have fun…