Upgrading to pro

[bethany]

Hi,

I'm 13 and have been playing saxophone (alto) for about 4 1/2 years. I have just done my grade 5 jazz and am wondering where to go now. My current and first saxophone is an Elkhart series II and after nearly 5 years it is starting to show however at the moment it still does fine although now it is getting played more than ever before. i would very much like to upgrade at some point to a pro sax and i would like some advice.

Also, I don't know if this is wise but i don't see the point in getting an intermediate/semi-pro for several hundred and then a few years later paying a thousand or more for a pro.

So, should i upgrade now and if so do you have any starting points or brands you can reccomend (my budget would probably be ?1000-?2000)? And if not when should i look at upgrading?

Another option i thought of, possibly was start looking for the right sax over the next year and then purchase it after doing grade 6. Other things to consider are that i would like my new sax to last several years and I take playing very seriously (I play in my school wind band and big band) so it would have to withstand several hours of playing a week.

Finally, should i be worried about getting the mouthpiece right as well or just focus on the actual instrument when buying?

Any views welcome, i need all the advise i can get! Thanks

PS Sorry that this ended up being so long

 

[Taz]

Hi Bethany, Congrats on grade 5. I wish I had the talent and commitment to take any grades.
I like yourself also play an Elkhart series II and love it to bits.
I also (mainly) play an Amati tenor. Both of these are student models which satisfy my needs. A regular service is all I need to keep them in good playing condition. With regard to your query though I think some of the more experienced players on this site may be able to give you better advice regarding younger players such as yourself.
Keep up the good work, but don't let the sax rule your life. You gotta have fun too 😉

Welcome to the BR by the way.

 

[colin_]

Hi and welcome Bethany, I presume you are playing alto? (EDIT: ah yes, you did say that!)

In my humble opinion you could do worse than check out the Walsteins from Woodwind And Brass. Although not a 'name' brand, they are very well thought of, solidly built, won't break the bank and most importantly sound (and feel) the equal of many pro saxes costing many times the price. The stock mouthpiece is very good but match it up with a 'pro' one which suits you and bob's your auntie! 😉

If in a year or two you still feel you've outgrown it, you will only have spent around ?350 rather than blowing ?2k, and could still sell it on to cover a good deal of that initial outlay.

Great to hear you want to keep going and here's a tip:- Don't let boys and other teenage distractions part you from your sax - you'll only regret it later. 🙂

 

[FastFred]

Hi
I've only been playing since last October but am on grade 5 as I have been 'letting the sax rule my life' probably... Anyway I have just bought a YTS 62 off ebay, saw it first and checked it all out, ?820 two years old. Yes you take your chances but my tutor reckons it a very good one. It does sound better then the YTS 275. Good luck.

 

[Gungehead]

Bethany,
Play as many different saxophones as you can. Go to your local sax shop and explain your situation and they should let you try as many as you wish.
If you can, go to somewhere like saxophones.co.uk (have a look on their website). They have over 300 saxes in stock and are happy to let you play. Get the best (the one that you like the feel and sound of) one you (or your parents) can afford.
I did this and ended up with a yani 901 and have not regretted it for a moment.
Good luck and let us know what you go for.

 

[bethany]

hey,

thanks to everyone who has posted a reply. i've had a good look at saxophones.co.uk so now i know which brands or/and saxes i would like to look at closer. so now its hopefully just a case of having a blow and getting a good feel for the instrument. i've also decided that when i find the right sax that i'll wait until i'm ready to buy.
it may take a while but i'll definately tell you what i go for.
Thanks again for all the advice.

 

[justin_chune]

Hi Bethany. I thought that I would chime in here with answers to the points raised in your original post. If you are certain that you are into playing the sax for the long term it does make sense to skip the intermediate level instrument.

A new pro-level sax will last you a lifetime. I have a Selmer tenor that dates from 1960. I bought it from a friend who had it from new. It still plays as well as ever.

Should you buy a new mouthpiece at the same time? No need. New saxes from Selmer, Yamaha and Yanagisawa will come with good mouthpieces.

Pro models from all the above manufacturers are within your budget. I used John Myatt's price list to check on that.

My one concern is that a top line sax may be OTT for playing in a school band. Only take it there if you can protect it. Otherwise keep the new one for your home devotions 🙂

Follow gungehead's advice and try them all. Take your time.