Saxophones Decent budget soprano?

[Di in France]

Hi all,
I'm thinking that I'd like to try soprano sax and wondered if anyone could recommend a decent low-end model to get me started.
Thanks.

 

[aldevis]

A reliable second hand John Packer or a Bauhaus would do. Check our yardsale.

 

[jonf]

If you want new, at the lower end of the scale I'd go for an Academy Jericho at £350. Bargain. Below that price things get a bit more variable. you might get a good'un, might not. Last night I was playing a Fortissimo straight sop bought nearly new for £100. Plays fine, and well in tune to boot.

You really can get good, playable instruments for very little money these days.

 

[Di in France]

I'm looking around, new or second hand, I don't mind. I just have no idea of the quality of soprano saxes, and I can't afford one of the top name brands. I'm hoping someone on here may have one to sell, and then I can rest easy that I'm getting a good player!

 

[ProfJames]

Di, go onto the Cash Converters website. Normally a couple of cheap sops on there.

 

[Jeanette]

Di

Post a wanted Ad in the yard sale

Jx

 

[dref]

I've just ordered a Thomann TSS-350 for just £243. It comes with two necks and a mouthpiece and seems to be building quite a good reputation as a bargain soprano. I should have ordered some reeds as I have no soprano ones.When it arrives I will try it out with some clarinet reeds until I get some proper ones.

 

[Di in France]

Thanks all.
My budget is up to £200, so I guess I'm looking for a second hand one. I'll go and check out the Thomann one, I'd be interested to know what you think of it dref.
I'm not sure about a curvy, I prefer the look of the straight, but I don't suppose that matters if it plays well.
I'm off to post in the yard sale.

 

[aldevis]

Set a budget for a decent mouthpiece. It makes a world of a difference.
Jeannette seems to get along well with the Bari.
Do not expect to use the stock piece. It might happen, though.

 

[BigMartin]

Set a budget for a decent mouthpiece. It makes a world of a difference.
Jeannette seems to get along well with the Bari.
Do not expect to use the stock piece. It might happen, though.

I'm getting on pretty well eith my Graftonite (aka Rico Royal) mouthpiece (size B7, FWIW). Less than £20. The Rovener lig I bought for it is a bit big, but otherwise it does the job on my cheap Venus sop (Venus sounds OK but some of the mechanism is not as sturdy as it might be).

 

[Ads]

I`d Look out for anything with Elkhart Series-II , Elkhart Deluxe or Elkhart 300 series on it , they`re superb Taiwanese horns. the Deluxe and 300 series being the better of those and the 300 series Curvy the best of the lot for build and action ..

 

[ProfJames]

Appreciating Ads view of Elkharts........also look at Roy Benson curved and straight sops. Very good horns!

 

[DavidUK]

I'm getting on pretty well eith my Graftonite (aka Rico Royal) mouthpiece (size B7, FWIW). Less than £20. The Rovener lig I bought for it is a bit big, but otherwise it does the job on my cheap Venus sop (Venus sounds OK but some of the mechanism is not as sturdy as it might be).

Venus sops, straight and curved, here: http://www.discount-musical.com/Saxophones/

 

[Di in France]

Thanks everyone for the advice, lots to think about!!

 

[Colin the Bear]

I tried lots of mouth pieces but have settled on the bari esprit. Lovely tone, fantastic projection and cheap as chips.

If you haven't played sop yet the coice between straight and curvy can be important. The straight is heavy on the right hand thumb. The curvy hags on a sling and plays like a little alto but I find the arm position a little cramped. You may find the look of the curvy a little novel at first but you soon get used to it and stop caring. I like the portability of the curvy too.

 

[Kostas Greece]

If you can try an Amati ASS 62. Low price for second hand and they play really good!!!
I got me one to start on Sop and it turns to be a nice horn with a good mouthpiece. I use on mine an Otto Link 6* STM.
You can get one at the pricerange you mentioned.