Disclaimer: I sell saxophones
As much as I like finding a bargain horn, I seem not to understand a general attitude I see in many posts.
It seems that the commercial value of a horn is more important of its "instrumental" value.
Example: if someone decides to spend 5k on a tenor saxophone, can buy a Selmer MkVI or a new top horn.
The MkVI is seen as a bargain because it will keep its value, the new horn is not.
What I do not understand, is that if the MkVI is a bad player, it is no longer a bargain, while if the new horn is the very best tool for the job, it should be seen as such.
Same applies to lower priced horns (I am willingly keeping Sequoia price range out):
£600 for a new Chinese horn that works or £500 for a battered ex marching band mexiConn?
What is kept out of the equation is "how does it play". That should be the main issue for any player, amateur or professional. Dealers follow different guidelines: buy cheap, sell dear. In some cases dealer put their expertise that is worth paying for.
I seldom see posts like "I bought this battered unwatchable horn that plays a dream".
Now about my horns. The maker has a fixed price policy: shops cannot sell it cheaper.
If I convince him to put "RRP £7500", would it suddenly make all the horns sold for the usual price a bargain?
Please discuss.
(at least one post before going off topic, please)
As much as I like finding a bargain horn, I seem not to understand a general attitude I see in many posts.
It seems that the commercial value of a horn is more important of its "instrumental" value.
Example: if someone decides to spend 5k on a tenor saxophone, can buy a Selmer MkVI or a new top horn.
The MkVI is seen as a bargain because it will keep its value, the new horn is not.
What I do not understand, is that if the MkVI is a bad player, it is no longer a bargain, while if the new horn is the very best tool for the job, it should be seen as such.
Same applies to lower priced horns (I am willingly keeping Sequoia price range out):
£600 for a new Chinese horn that works or £500 for a battered ex marching band mexiConn?
What is kept out of the equation is "how does it play". That should be the main issue for any player, amateur or professional. Dealers follow different guidelines: buy cheap, sell dear. In some cases dealer put their expertise that is worth paying for.
I seldom see posts like "I bought this battered unwatchable horn that plays a dream".
Now about my horns. The maker has a fixed price policy: shops cannot sell it cheaper.
If I convince him to put "RRP £7500", would it suddenly make all the horns sold for the usual price a bargain?
Please discuss.
(at least one post before going off topic, please)