Saxophone Forum


by Lyno
(1 post)
6 years ago

Choosing My First Alto Saxophone (UK)

Hi,

I have never even blown into a saxophone once before in my life, but I love the sound of the instrument and would love to be able to play it. I have decided I will definitely buy an alto saxophone. I am already proficient in guitar and know musical theory. 

I have shortlisted a few different Saxophones online which fit my budget, but I have no clue how to distinguish between them. I think going for a new one would be better as I don't have the time, patience or knowledge for the uncertainty of buying second-hand (but I may be open to changing my mind).

Could some people please give me some suggestions as to what to buy, and what not to buy, out of the below models? Or if you know any others around my £250-350 budget available in the UK feel free to post a link. 


Elkhart 100AS Student Alto
http://www.gear4music.com/Woodwind-Brass-Strings/Elkhart-100AS-Student-Alto-Saxophone/RZJ

John Packer JP041
https://www.johnpacker.co.uk/prod/jp041-alto-saxophone-eb-in-lacquer

Windsor Alto Saxophone
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Windsor-Alto-Saxophone-Hard-Case/dp/B000GG4B08/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1505934675&sr=8-5&keywords=alto+saxophone

Gear4Music Alto Sax
http://www.gear4music.com/Woodwind-Brass-Strings/Alto-Saxophone-by-Gear4music-Light-Gold/1EX

Sonata Student Alto
https://www.normans.co.uk/product/sonata-student-alto-saxophone

Vivace 3SKVA-GL Alto
https://www.villagemusic.co.uk/store/product-details.php?page=instruments-brass-woodwind-alto-saxophones&product=vivace-3skva-gl-alto-saxophone

Sakkusu Alto

http://www.sax.co.uk/sakkusu-alto-saxophone-gold-lacquer.ir


Andoer Alto
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Saxophone-Lacquered-Woodwind-Instrument-Cleaning/dp/B013FLLDL0


Tuyama TAS131 Alto
https://haydockmusic.co.uk/woodwind/saxophones-accessories/saxophones-1065/tuyama-tas131-alto-saxophone-outfit-in-lacquer.html


Thank you very very much for your help everyone. I'm very excited to finally start playing this amazing instrument!

Best wishes,
Stephen.

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  1. by GFC
    (842 posts)

    6 years ago

    Re: Choosing My First Alto Saxophone (UK)

    Stick with reputable dealers, i.e. ones that maintain their own website providing contact information and a physical address.  Avoid fly-by-night marketing operations run through Amazon.  Trading companies that don't even understand the products they're selling use Amazon as a platform all the time.  For example, the description of the "Andoer" alto saxophone is ridiculous. 

    You might be able to find a good deal on a used Yamaha or Bundy student saxophone. 

    There's a good Saxophone Buyers' Guide under the Resources tab on this site.

      

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