The best alternate for Conn 10M

[sriharip]

I thought of trying out Hanson ST-5 since lot of experienced players in this forum suggest it, especially Pete. I am looking for one which has a tone similar to that of a Conn 10M and Pete thinks the Hanson comes the closest.

Lee the link you gave is a very interesting experiment. The 'Sound Color' experiment is very significant which proves that there are very small not recognizable differences! And also proves that players make all the difference. Thanks for sharing the information.

So I think Hanson is probably the best value for money.

 

[Linky Lee]

Definitely best value for money if you like them, in terms of best for you, that's not always the case.

Say you like the Hanson, and it's great value for money.
You then play something else, for arguments sake the YTS62 that's on your list, you find that one to feel nicer under your fingers, slightly better sound, and generally feels more suited to yourself.

You then say well the Hanson is half the price and the YTS is only marinally better. So I'll get the Hanson as it's better value for money.

Hopefully you'll get to the stage where you start to think about those little pedantic bits that you want your saxophone to deliver.

At this point, you'll probably find something you don't like about the Hanson, and you'll feel slightly regretful you didn't get the YTS as the value for money wasn't quite so good.

The point is, you need to look into the future, It may be brilliant to buy a horn that is acceptable right now and great value for money, but if in 2 years you are going to want something that bit better is it really great value for money?

That's why I recommended the ST-8 over the ST-5, it's that little bit better, and slightly more satisfying.
You may find that something that doesn't appear to be the best deal, is actually better suited to yourself and in the long run becomes a great buy.

Think about what you want to be able to get out of a saxophone, think about where your playing is going to take you, what you want to be able to do/have in so many years time etc. Are you going to want to upgrade again later? Is spending 1.5K now better than getting a cheaper sax now, selling it and buying an upgrade sax later?

The most important thing in buying a saxophone is that you like it, and you can't resist it, it really makes you want to play it and practise, care for it. And above all it makes you proud and gives you massive enjoyment.

There is always that feeling of slight regret that you didn't get 'the one' even though you may of gotten more sax for your pound.

Ask lots of questions (even if they seem pointless, or if you already know the answer, you'll find people answer in different ways that give you different outlooks and angles which you can take into account with your own), be critical and make informed decisions.