Saxophone beginners Just bought a used alto sax. Can't produce notes :(

[jonf]

This thread shows a few key things:

• Buying a sax from eBay when you can't play and are inexperienced is risky.
  
• There is no point whatsoever wondering what you're doing wrong - no-one can play that sax as it currently is.
• It is at least missing a pad and a spring is broken or missing. Maybe much more, maybe that's it.
• If you bought the sax as in playing order you can ask for your money back, as it won't play.
• If you bought it as is, it's down to you to get it sorted. If it's just the two problems mentioned it's a quick and easy repair and won't cost much. You will then have a decent sax.
• If there's much more wrong you could have a more expensive repair bill. At worst the sax might be completely junk.

This is an object lesson in why complete beginners shouldn't gamble on buying a sax from eBay. Much better to get something warranted from a shop where you have a better ability to enforce your consumer rights if something's wrong.

 

[Dabaqallo]

@jonf I guess that's a $585 lesson lol. I've requested a refund and will see how things go.

 

[kevgermany]

@jonf I guess that's a $585 lesson lol. I've requested a refund and will see how things go.

Ouch, that's an expensive one. If it was ebay, make sure you go through the right steps with them. Some of the members may help. @DavidUK perhaps.

 

[jonf]

@jonf I guess that's a $585 lesson lol. I've requested a refund and will see how things go.

That's expensive for a YAS23 even if it plays.

 

[Dabaqallo]

Yeah, actually a big portion of that went into shipping costs.

I requested a refund anyway, will see how things goes. I might keep it, if it's repairable (the seller will have to pay the costs). For inspection, should I take it to Yamaha service center, or an ordinary repair workshop? Or should I just return it and get a new one?

 

[jonf]

Yeah, actually a big portion of that went into shipping costs.

I requested a refund anyway, will see how things goes. I might keep it, if it's repairable (the seller will have to pay the costs). For inspection, should I take it to Yamaha service center, or an ordinary repair workshop? Or should I just return it and get a new one?

Any competent repair technician will be able to work on a YAS23. The key question, as I said earlier, is whether it was sold as playable. If it was, then it's down to the seller to either refund you or pay for repairs. if it wasn't, it's down to you.

 

[Dabaqallo]

The listing said "It has been tested, and it is in proper working condition" also "fully operational and functions as intended.". So yeah.

 

[kevgermany]

Get a written quote, with pics, in case the seller gets funny. Depending on what else is wrong with it, it may be expensive. If there's a Yamaha service centre near you, they'd be good for a second quote. But as Jonf said, any competent sax tech can work on it. Just make sure the guy/gal is competent.

 

[jbtsax]

Just for your information, the small key cup above the B key is called the C since it is the C note that vents through that tonehole. With that pad missing none of the notes will work except the palm keys. In defense of the seller, that pad may have become dislodged during shipping. Did you find the pad anywhere in the case. If the sax just needs a new C pad and some adjustment and regulation, it is not a major repair. In my shop it would be around $25 + the cost of the pad. I didn't understand the bit about the E key, but it sounds as if a spring might be disconnected from its cradle---another easy fix.

 

[Colin the Bear]

There are always excellent instruments for sale in the yard sale here. A multitude of opinions on the horn for sale and the member selling it will be forthcoming by request. The forum can do little to help after the deal is done. It's best to get advice before you buy. This place is full of helpful, knowledgeable members.

 

[Dabaqallo]

@jbtsax damn! I found the pad inside the case (in the accessory compartment)!. Didn't noticed earlier because of the low lighting in my room 😀. Thanks man! I guess I can't use it right?, it looks damaged and tiny part of it still attached to the cap. No wonder I couldn't play any notes, the C pad / key indeed affect playing of most of the other notes.

@Colin Thanks for the tip! I've spent a lot of money on this Sax which shouldn't been spent somewhere. Yet I feel very relieved sharing my ordeal here. Didn't expect this level of feedback and support 🙂.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Be careful refitting the pad. It needs to go in exactly the same position as it was before so as to seat properly.

 

[Jeanette]

Didn't expect this level of feedback and support 🙂.

Lots of help and support here 🙂

Thanks to all our lovely clever members...

Jx