Beginner Saxes Buying my first tenor sax

[Colin the Bear]

There's not many bargains for beginners because they probably won't spot a lemon.
A used horn from a repairer with a good reputation would be my advice.
A few years down the line when you know what you want and you can go bargain hunting.

 

[MarkSax]

② Saxophone Yamaha 23 — Instruments à vent | Saxophones — 2ememain

À vendre YTS23 avec valise Gator entretenu et réglé. Aucun frais a prévoir. Joue très bien. Qualité et solidité des Yams. En plus vente éventuelle d’un

www.2ememain.be

 

[turf3]

OP, do you have a teacher? Do you have a friend who's an experienced saxophone player?

I am positive that in Paris (one of the "world cities") you can find multiple good quality used tenor saxes for 1000 Euro. Take an experienced player with you to test them. You'll get a lot less for 1000 Euro if you insist on a new horn.

In the US, for example, we have several online retailers who specialize in used saxophones, often they do re-pads and adjustments before selling. For US$1160 you could, in the US, buy for example:

Used Yamaha student tenor in very good condition, both mechanical and appearance
Used late model Conn 10M pro tenor (would probably be ugly)
Martin Indiana
Several different models of late production Buescher pro tenors
King Cleveland tenor, maybe late production King Zephyr tenor

All of these are either professional quality saxophones or derived from pro saxophones. You'd probably have to accept one that is ugly. But at that price you could expect the horn to be in good playing order and properly adjusted.

I see no reason why you couldn't find comparable deals in Paris (probably different brands, though). It's hardly a backwater.

 

[Aox]

OP, do you have a teacher? Do you have a friend who's an experienced saxophone player?

I am positive that in Paris (one of the "world cities") you can find multiple good quality used tenor saxes for 1000 Euro. Take an experienced player with you to test them. You'll get a lot less for 1000 Euro if you insist on a new horn.

In the US, for example, we have several online retailers who specialize in used saxophones, often they do re-pads and adjustments before selling. For US$1160 you could, in the US, buy for example:

Used Yamaha student tenor in very good condition, both mechanical and appearance
Used late model Conn 10M pro tenor (would probably be ugly)
Martin Indiana
Several different models of late production Buescher pro tenors
King Cleveland tenor, maybe late production King Zephyr tenor

All of these are either professional quality saxophones or derived from pro saxophones. You'd probably have to accept one that is ugly. But at that price you could expect the horn to be in good playing order and properly adjusted.

I see no reason why you couldn't find comparable deals in Paris (probably different brands, though). It's hardly a backwater.

I find the used appearance very pretty so I would be happy to buy an used Sax.
Unfortunately, I don't have a teacher nor any friend playing the sax, so I wouldn't be able to judge the status/quality of the sax.
Should I look out for the references you guys gave me ?
If u have any leads on online retaielrs based in France or Shops in paris (or Lille) , Im all ears!

 

[Aox]

② Saxophone Yamaha 23 — Instruments à vent | Saxophones — 2ememain

À vendre YTS23 avec valise Gator entretenu et réglé. Aucun frais a prévoir. Joue très bien. Qualité et solidité des Yams. En plus vente éventuelle d’un

www.2ememain.be

There doesn't seemn to be any kind of refund option if the sax is found to be damaged.
Are the photos posted enough to say that the sax is in good state and will sounds good ?

 

[DavidUK]

No, photos are NEVER a guide to condition or playability.

If in doubt ALWAYS walk away.

You need to find a local woodwind shop, or a local group of sax players, or a local repairer, or a local tutor who can help you find a good used horn. In Paris this must surely be easy, really easy?

 

[Aox]

No, photos are NEVER a guide to condition or playability.

If in doubt ALWAYS walk away.

You need to find a local woodwind shop, or a local group of sax players, or a local repairer, or a local tutor who can help you find a good used horn. In Paris this must surely be easy, really easy?

Thought so.
This option truly seems to be the best one, does anyone have adresses they would recommand in Paris ?

 

[turf3]

Gee, why don't you call several local schools and ask to be put in touch with woodwind instructors? I'm sure there are several local conservatories as well, with saxophone instructors who would be willing to spend an hour going to a shop and checking out horns for you, at their usual hourly rate (maybe plus a bit for travel, and maybe a coffee afterward).

 

[Aox]

Gee, why don't you call several local schools and ask to be put in touch with woodwind instructors? I'm sure there are several local conservatories as well, with saxophone instructors who would be willing to spend an hour going to a shop and checking out horns for you, at their usual hourly rate (maybe plus a bit for travel, and maybe a coffee afterward).

I haven't thought about that, that's a great idea !

 

[DavidUK]

I asked my friend in Paris. His neighbour plays many instruments so he's going to ask him if he knows any sax player, jazz group, woodwind shop, sax tutor, woodwind repairer. Don't get too excited.

 

[Aox]

I asked my friend in Paris. His neighbour plays many instruments so he's going to ask him if he knows any sax player, jazz group, woodwind shop, sax tutor, woodwind repairer. Don't get too excited.

Oh that's so kind of you ! Wheter it brings results or not, thank you !

 

[nigeld]

When I bought my first (used) saxophone I get a local professional player to try it out for me. It cost me the same as a lesson.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Google it.

 

[MarkSax]

There doesn't seemn to be any kind of refund option if the sax is found to be damaged.
Are the photos posted enough to say that the sax is in good state and will sounds good ?

That ad was more of an indication of price in the area. Although SaxmachineParis, JFSax and Arpèges are good shops they rarely carry 2nd hand Yams or other starter saxes. Maybe the margin on these is not enough but my impression is that marketplaces online are better for that kind of purchase. Browse the ads, call and test. Bring a tutor or player with you for a 2nd opinion and always take a timeout before you commit.

 

[Aox]

That ad was more of an indication of price in the area. Although SaxmachineParis, JFSax and Arpèges are good shops they rarely carry 2nd hand Yams or other starter saxes. Maybe the margin on these is not enough but my impression is that marketplaces online are better for that kind of purchase. Browse the ads, call and test. Bring a tutor or player with you for a 2nd opinion and always take a timeout before you commit.

Oh mb. I'll still try those places but if it doesnt bear any fruit I'll try that.