Help choosing a sax please

[frankb]

nosaxyet wrote:

bobk wrote:
I think they both do no-quibble return deals. So, if you can spare the money to buy two saxes for a short period, the ideal thing would be to try and get both at the same time. You could try them back-to-back (use the same mouthpiece on both) and then send back the one you liked less.

cheers,

Bob (didn't send my Walstein tenor back!)

May be a good idea though I am so 'green' I am not that sure that I will spot anything major between them - or am I wrong here? Also, won't they expect me to 'buy something else from them' if I return one?

It's a fair point and subtle differences in tone may elude you. But weight, balance, quality of finish, degree of comfort in ergonomics... Play them back-to-back with the same mouthpiece and reed and you will find that differences start to show themselves.

Saxes (and all their accessories) are intensely personal things. Other people's preferences will tell you what is generally likely to be a well made and well performing sax, but won't necessarily tell you what's right for you.

As for wanting you to buy something else... I believe the trial periods are "no obligation". If on returning a sax you are made to feel that there is an obligation (I don't think for a moment that it'll happen), please do post the experience here...!

 

[Pete Thomas]

Companies who offer this kind of return do not expect you to be obliged to buy something else, that's why it's money back not a credit note. They do this because they have enough faith in their own product. ie I imagine they sell more this way - many people like that kind of guarantee and are usually happy with what they get.

Of course if everybody bought from two comapnies at once knowing that one would be returned it may not be so good for the companies, but I doubt many people actually do that.

 

[Pjonah]

What about "Havesaxnow"?

 

[nosaxyet]

What about mouthpeices?

The Hanson SA-8 has a choice of Selmer S-80 C?, Vandoren or Ottolink. Which should I opt for? If I go for the SA-5 or Walstein, should I upgrade the mouthpeice and if so to what?

Also, is the finish on the SA-8 unlacquered and if so will that be a problem to keep the sax looking great on either the Vintage of S2K silver plated model?

Finally can anyone recommend a stand that is robust but great value?

cheers

Ian

 

[Pjonah]

Mouthpieces are very much a personal choice, for a starter I would get a Yamaha 4c or 5c and consider upgrading later on.

Also a sax which looks old and shabby is just the dogs B.........s, dead kewl! its also a personal thing though, so if you want your sax to look like new in five years time don't get a natural unlaquered finish.

I have a silver baritone which is hard work to keep looking new, but hey what the heck let it go, they always look better IMO when they look stressed and grubby.

I have a Rosetti stand which was cheapish and is pretty robust, I have a neat folding stand for my alto and tenor saxes.

Simon

 

[Pete Thomas]

I agree with Simon, a Yamaha 4C is a good starter mouthpiece.

I don't see the point in getting an unlacquered saxophone. Saxrax are the satnds I like best.

 

[nosaxyet]

Thanks both but as I said, if I opt for the SA-8 (which I am begining to lean towards) it comes with a choice of Selmer S-80 C*, Vandoren or Ottolink so the Yamaha 4C would not be an option.

 

[Rogerb]

Vandorens, are, reputedly, very consistent, and I got on very easily, as a beginner, with a V5 A25 model. If in doubt, ring Hanson and ask what models/tip sizes they can supply as standard....they don't bite 🙂

Only the SA-8R is 'raw brass', all the other 8s are lacquered or silver/gold-plated.

I personally like a shiny sax(preferably 'gold' coloured), but don't like polishing, so I'd opt for lacquered or gold-plated finishes.

I think that old.... sorry 'Vintage' 😉 .... saxophones often look (and smell) pretty horrible! I really dislike the smell of raw brass 🙁

 

[Pete Thomas]

Yes, Vandorens are good. I would choose one over a Link or Selmer s-80.

 

[Col9]

I had the Ottolink with my SA-8, I cant play it yet easily so am using a 4c But its there for practice and when I fancy a challenge.

If you speak to them they will put in a ESM (4c Equiv I think) standard mouthpiece. I suppose if you're paying for a branded one though you should have a branded one.


Like people have said phone them, they are very very helpful and don't try to push you one way or the other, they just advise. Although he did warn against the raw brass one as it requires alot of work to keep it looking good.

Col.

 

[nosaxyet]

Thanks again one and all!

I'll let you know what I buy 🙂

cheers

Ian

 

[Rogerb]

What often happens, I've found, is that the enquirer comes back and says "In the end I bought an X" ....which wasn't on his original list of options, nor mentioned by any of the advsors, at all 😱
Aaaaaarrgh! 😀

 

[nosaxyet]

Funny you should say that, might be tempted by this...........scroll down. 😉

http://www.woodwindandbrass.co.uk/acatalog/saxophone_secondhand_Instruments.html

Conn Chuberry Alto

or though probably not 8|

 

[griff136]

[No message]

 

[Pete Thomas]

Also, for a beginner the intonation might be a bit tricky.

 

[nosaxyet]

Well it's ordered and should arrive on Thursday.

Hanson SA-8 in all silver finish - a new finish that Alastair is going to be offering. I'll post some pics when it arrives.

I decided that I'd go for the best I could afford rather than the Walstein. Very helpful guy Alastair and thanks again for everyone's help.

cheers

Ian

 

[phil_edwards]

Congrats Ian, enjoy it. Won't be going out anywhere this weekend will you... 😉

regards, Phil

 

[nosaxyet]

Rogerb wrote:
What often happens, I've found, is that the enquirer comes back and says "In the end I bought an X" ....which wasn't on his original list of options, nor mentioned by any of the advsors, at all 😱
Aaaaaarrgh! 😀

Roger

Nope. followed the advice

Phil Edwards wrote:
Congrats Ian, enjoy it. Won't be going out anywhere this weekend will you... 😉

regards, Phil

You got it!

Should I buy the wife some earplugs?

One amusing point, my daughter is with us at the moment and is at grade 4 flute. We have two border terries and the little 'girl' (hate to say bitch) howls as soon as she starts to play. Should be interesting!

cheers

Ian

 

[phil_edwards]

nosaxyet wrote:

One amusing point, my daughter is with us at the moment and is at grade 4 flute. We have two border terries and the little 'girl' (hate to say bitch) howls as soon as she starts to play. Should be interesting!

cheers

Ian

That'll be OK. You can drown out the howling with the Sax much easier than you can on a flute.

Or use one of them to mute the Sax (but that might upset the animal lovers) :whistle:

regards, Phil

 

[nosaxyet]

Leave the dogs alone!

Sax arrives Thursday, 1st lesson booked for 5th September :S 8)