Saxophones What brand/model of soprano saxophone is ideal for an absolute beginner?

[Sabytet99]

I am primarily a bassoonist but I am about to start lessons for soprano saxophone. I know nothing about saxophones so could you recommend some good-but-not-too-expensive saxophones suitable for students please. Also I have found a second hand, barely used John Packer sax for sale, are they any good? Thanks x

 

[jonf]

An alto

Seriously, the sop isn't the best of instruments to start learning the sax - it's the hardest of the four main types to play well. Having said that, if you can master a bassoon you can probably take on pretty much anything. John Packer saxes are OK overall, and for the money they're sold for are very good value. Just junk the standard mouthpiece and get a Yamaha one instead.

Welcome to the forum, by the way.

 

[Saxlicker]

Seriously, the sop isn't the best of instruments to start learning the sax - John Packer saxes are OK overall, and for the money they're sold for are very good value. Just junk the standard mouthpiece and get a Yamaha one instead.

Welcome to the forum, by the way.

Couldn't agree more!

 

[Nick Wyver]

Seriously, the sop isn't the best of instruments to start learning the sax

Oy!

I did.

It didn't do me any harm.

Probably,

 

[kevgermany]

I used to think this about sops as starters, but earlier this year I saw a young girl, first year of lessons who'd started on sop. A curvy. Sounded great and played well (better than me, but that's no measure).

 

[milandro]

I’m gonna have to disagree with the crowd here, the worst thing about the soprano is that most people DON’t start on it and get to it after they have acquired another embouchure. I actually think that starting on a soprano is as good as starting on any saxophone and that moving to other saxes will actually not be as hard as to move from other saxes to soprano.

Having said this, you need a well made soprano. These days there are many relatively inexpensive ones . I am very happy with my Chinese made curved Action Improved Bauhaus Walstein.

In all honesty, if you want a fail proof straight soprano you might want to look for a second hand Yamaha 475 and you couldn’t go wrong.

 

[Jeanette]

I started on sop too and my tutor and I were just laughing this evening about how bad I sounded when he started teaching me.

My prev tutor hadn't seemed too concerned with the sound I made. First lesson with new tutor and I was left to just concerntrate on blowing it for a week using abdominal muscles and I can still remember the surprised look on his face the next week at the improvement.

Start on the instrument you want to play otherwise you will lose interest. If I can get a reasonable sound out I am sure anybody can.

Jx

 

[Jeanette]

.

Having said this, you need a well made soprano. These days there are many relatively inexpensive ones . I am very happy with my Chinese made curved Action Improved Bauhaus Walstein.

In all honesty, if you want a fail proof straight soprano you might want to look for a second hand Yamaha 475 and you couldn’t go wrong.

I bought a 2nd hand Trevor James Rev11 which is probably equivalent to the John Packer (someone will correct me if I am wrong;}) and it is ok for a starter instrument but I do wish I had tried more saxes, but didn't have the time or confidence.

Having heard my tutor play mine and his Yamaha 62 there is a noticeable difference in tone

Jx

 

[Colin the Bear]

I have recently bought a Gear4music alto to replace my tired old Lafleur and was so pleased with that, I followed up with a curved soprano from them and am satisfied with the quality, playability, tone and intonation on both instruments. They are very inexpensive but are not a cheap instrument. I've tried worse for a lot more money. Worth considering as a starter instrument.