Beginner Sax New sax question???

I have been playing my Alto Selmer Omega MG288 for 2-1/2 months.

I have decided to buy a professional model. I have been looking for a newer sax ever since I started and would really like to continue from this point with a better quality horn. I know nothing about mouthpieces so I would play with whatever came with the sax. I currently play with a Yamaha C mouthpiece.

What would be the best sax for around $3000.00.
I would like to buy a newer, used sax,

I have looked at Kessler's and the handmade ones look good.

They have a store demo Yanagisawa A991 for $2700.00.

Thanks, Chris
 
Seeing you are in the US, you might also want to look at Viking and Phil Barone saxophones. Both of them are well below your budget, and they have received good reviews.
 
Hey mate,

I would suggest you to try the Buffet Crampon 400 alto sax. It´s about the same price of the Yanagisawa A991.

Many persons are saying amazing things about his horn.

Here are some great reviews about it:

http://felixssaxophonecorner.blogspot.com.br/2010/07/saxophone-review-buffet-400-alto-sax.html

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showth...uffet-400-Series-Professional-alto-saxophones

Arizona Music is selling them considerably cheaper than the retail price, on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Buffet-Crampon-400-Series-Professional-Alto-Saxophone-Antique-Matte-Finish-New-/170771335511


Cheers,

Raf.
 
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Same here about the Buffet Crampon A400, which I have the satisfaction of owning and playing. As you are in the US I would also suggest you look at a Bari Esprit II alto mouthpiece or a Clark Fobes Debut mouthpiece as superb beginner mouthpieces and at a bargain price.
 
Thanks for the recommendations. I had a question about mouthpieces, Tom you suggested the Bari Esprit II alto mouthpiece or a Clark Fobes Debut. What is the difference and also are they close to my Yamaha C mouthpiece.

Are the Kessler Handmade or Sonus sax's worth a look?

Thanks, Chris
 
The Bari and Clark Fobes are better than the Yamaha C in my opinion - reviewed them all recently on the Forum. Bari is great for pop, rock, blues, contemporary and similar. The Fobes is better for both Classical and Jazz. They are both very low cost, too. Kessler are excellent saxes at excellent prices - you can't go wrong with them either.
 
Thanks for the new sax suggestions!
I ended up finding a very nice Selmer Reference 54 Kookaburra Alto from a very nice guy from Michigan.

I have been playing for almost 6 months on a Selmer MG288 USA Alto. I am using a Yamaha C mouthpiece.

What can I expect going from a beginner sax to a professional one. I understand that it is not going to make me play any better. But ease of action, sound etc., what would change?

I have no idea if my beginner mouthpiece would compliment this horn or should I look for a better one more suited for this type of sax. I am using Rico #2 reeds.

Thanks, Chris
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The embouchure is the dominant producer of sound on any saxophone.

The mouthpieces that Tom recommended earlier in the thread will be fine till you develop the muscles in your embouchure.

When you feel as if you have more to give than the mouthpiece offers, that's the time to be looking for a more suitable piece.

Recommendations are fine as a starting point but it's a very personal thing. You will need to try different pieces on your horn.

Your mouth is more or less unique and the mouthpiece needs to interface between this and the metal tube you've chosen.

What works for one may not work for another, otherwise we'd all sound the same.

I would have thought the main difference you'll notice at your level, being six months in, between a professional horn and a beginner is the amount you swear if you drop it.
 
"I would have thought the main difference you'll notice at your level, being six months in, between a professional horn and a beginner is the amount you'll swear if you drop it".

Thanks Colin!
You would hear me scream clear across the pond!

I thought it was a good deal and this is what happens when you continue to look and search for a different sax.

I don't think I really needed it, but I figure I would break down sooner or later.





There is nothing wrong with my current Selmer. In fact, the teacher that I see once a week plays a Mark IV and there are times when we are playing in sync that my horn sounds the same.

I'll have to get to a larger music store and try different mouthpieces.
 

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