Sax for begginer?

[arock]

Is there any handicap for a begginer to play a Pro level Sax?
Is a Begginer level Sax easier to play? Can a Begginer start on a Pro level, or Middle level? Could it be easier to start on a better quality Sax?
I am curious.
Thanks.

 

[Jeanette]

I guess everyone's experience is different and there are lots of views about whether starting with a lesser model and moving up helps you appreciate what you are getting in a pro level horn.

After two years and I still consider myself a beginner, I have just bought a better sax and can really appreciate the differences in the key action and even with the same mouthpieces it sounds better and is easier to blow. That said some of the notes I was having problems with on my old sax, it has since transpired were down to a mechanical problem with the sax.

I bought cheaper to start with in case I didn't stick with it but that said if you buy a secondhand pro horn you are unlikely to lose anything on it. I wanted to upgrade now to have a horn that was lighter to hold, of better quality and that I could grow with as I learnt.

Really you should try a few and buy what feels comfortable to hold and blow.

Happy hunting🙂

Jx

 

[QWales]

No
No
Yes
It could but you probably wouldn't notice/appreciate the differences.

 

[jbtsax]

Good answer. There are a few "student model" saxes that have key placements designed for the smaller hands of younger players. With the advent of quality saxes coming from Asia, the entry level saxes today have most of the features that used to be found only on professional model saxes. Some of these are:

Removable Individual Key guards
Detachable Bell
Octave Key Rocker Assembly
Rib Mounted Posts
Adjusting Screws on Key Guards
Adjustable Oversize Thumb rest
Large Octave Thumb pad
Ribbed 3 Point Bell Brace
Adjustable G# Lever
High F#
Metal Pad Resonators
Fully Tilting L.H. Spatula
G#/Bis adjustment on separate arm
Stack Key Adjustment Screws
Removable Fork F# Guard
Blue Steel Springs
Adjustable Front F
Low B to C# Closing Arm

 

[Ivan]

Removable Individual Key guards
Detachable Bell
Octave Key Rocker Assembly
Rib Mounted Posts
Adjusting Screws on Key Guards
Adjustable Oversize Thumb rest
Large Octave Thumb pad
Ribbed 3 Point Bell Brace
Adjustable G# Lever
High F#
Metal Pad Resonators
Fully Tilting L.H. Spatula
G#/Bis adjustment on separate arm
Stack Key Adjustment Screws
Removable Fork F# Guard
Blue Steel Springs
Adjustable Front F
Low B to C# Closing Arm

Add that to your shopping list!

 

[Colin the Bear]

Just had a look see. G4M alto and tenor have all the above apart from adjustable front F. I'd have a look on the sop but It's a bit small and I've misplaced my reading specs. 😎

 

[Saxdiva]

Hi, I'm very new to sax and a hired a horn for 3 months before being particularly impatient and buying a Yanagisawa after a month. I can honestly say my Trevor James hire horn (at almost a quarter of the price to buy) was only fractionally harder to play and didn't have quite the same tone as my Yani. However, if I'd never tried the Yani I would never have known and been blissfully happy.

If you live near somewhere you can hold different horns and get a sound out - and perhaps have someone play them so you can compare them, will help. Or try hiring to see if you will stick with it.

You may play for a while and have a different idea on what you like as you gain experience, so upgrading later might be better fom that perspective.

Good Luck with whatever you decide.

 

[TomMapfumo]

My only thoughts, apart from generally agreeing with what has been said, are that it is generally better to get as high quality sax as you are able to afford providing you are sure that you want to learn a sax. Generally there are more saxes now available that me pro-type standards, which is good for all concerned.

Also, as an adult beginner, it is important not to think that the Alto Sax is a beginners sax, and start learning the one you most like - saves unnecessary expense from the start. Many of us enjoy playing several saxes, but it is good to start learning on the one that you really want to play!

 

[Saxdiva]

My only thoughts, apart from generally agreeing with what has been said, are that it is generally better to get as high quality sax as you are able to afford providing you are sure that you want to learn a sax. Generally there are more saxes now available that me pro-type standards, which is good for all concerned.

Also, as an adult beginner, it is important not to think that the Alto Sax is a beginners sax, and start learning the one you most like - saves unnecessary expense from the start. Many of us enjoy playing several saxes, but it is good to start learning on the one that you really want to play!

Tom is spot on on not immediately going for the Alto. I started on one (and love it) but I love the sound of tenor and kept itching to try one as it has always been the sound I love. It is just as easy to play if you can reach the keys!