first sax

[ian_tutty]

which sax for a total novice?
please help

 

[mfox]

one that works..

 

[ian_tutty]

?

 

[peter_fitton]

Most people seem to start on the alto, as I did. But I'd say that the tenor is just as suitable for a beginner, if not more so.

In terms of playability there isn't much to choose between them IMO...but I personally find the tenor requires slightly less physical effort as far as 'air support' is concerned and I also find that intonation can be a little tricky on the higher notes on the alto, whereas this seems to be much less of an issue on the tenor.

Altos have the advantage of being cheaper, smaller and lighter though.

I've never played a soprano or a baritone but the general consensus seems to be that neither is really ideal for a beginner.


I'd suggest you have a look at www.sax.co.uk to get an idea of prices and what's worth buying. There's lots good info about the various saxes and they're a good company that doesn't sell any rubbish or fob you off with BS.

You could try getting a second hand bargain on ebay too, though the risk of buying a pup that needs lots of work done to make it playable is probably quite high.

Cheers

Peter

 

[Bobby G]

The gear4music horns seem to have quite a good reputation if you want something cheap'n'cheerful to start on. Also, judging from how people sing their praises in the Breakfast Room, a Hanson would be worth looking at.

Cheers, Bob

 

[jambo]

I recomment a good tiwanese make such as Earlham or Elkhart.

If you want to go for something more expensive that will last longer, i would recommend Yammah or Trevor James.

Take a look at Sax.co.uk for info ect.

If you decide to go for Yamaha or Trevor James, get back to me because I know somewhere that you can get them for a really good deal!

 

[Pete Thomas]

Alto or tenor. Any of the makes people have recommended here should be OK, but I don't have any personal experience of Earlham or Elhart. If you buy from a reputable dealer who give a money back no quoibble 14 day guarantee you should be OK, but as a beginner you should show the instrument to a good teacher or repairer during this period to check.

What mfox means is that it must be in good playing condition, so my last point is important as you may not know as a beginner what is working and what isn't.

 

[jambo]

try this:

www.saxhire.co.uk

 

[tengu01]

I can speak for earlham saxophones, as my first alto was one. The finish didn't last all that long (black nickle) but it certainly held its own favourably with all other saxophones, once I figured out the ideal mouthpiece to go with it.

I can also recommend trevor james as a beginner instrument as my first tenor was one.

I have HEARD loads of things about Yamahas, Elkharts, Arbiter etc, but I cannot possibly pass comment, never having played any of them. I found the people at saxophones.co.uk really helpful on the phone and quite knowledgeable.

Let us know what you decide to do

 

[ian_tutty]

Hi all

After reading, all the good advice on my first sax. I have decided to change my sax to a TJ classic alto.
It seems this is a proven sax.
Can anyone give me an idea on how much I will pay for lessons I live in the Northeast? Durham area
Please can anybody recommend a Teacher for a student who is totally clueless about music?

Thanks in advance

 

[jambo]

Try www.saxhire.co.uk.

That dude sells Trevor James Horn Alto's (next step up from the classic) for around the same price as everyone else sell the classic for!

 

[Bobby G]

I liked the Trevor James I had, it was a Horn Revolution II alto, and I used a Selmer mpc on it. It only had one minor problem, the Bb on the l.h. pinky was a bit of a stretch for my smallish hands, and when pushed it did get a bit thin in the upper register... two minor problems... but the upper register thin-ness could have been the mpc I suppose, but then I was very inexperienced when I had it.

All things considered, though, I'd say the James is a good choice.

Cheers, Bob

 

[simon_andrews]

i kicked off on a yas 275, its fine for a beginner.it does everything that a sax should do.the action plays as fast as a beginner will be able to play.they are a resonable price on sax.co.uk also.