Saxophones What questions should I ask a seller when looking at a sax on eBay?

sesherd · Dec 6, 2014

First I am new to this and have beed using your site to help research tenor saxophones for my son, so thank you. I have found it helpful and admittedly still confusing. Son looking to switch to tenor sax from alto, we don't have much options for in person purchases where we live but he did play a few at the local music store. All of the reviews point to Yamaha which was the one in the store (new model) he liked the least, but it was also the first he played. He said it was not like the model they have at school (not sure of the model but it is older). He liked the selmer prelude the best and that was the one he sounded the least "spitty" (don't know what the real term would be). So now I am looking on eBay using what knowledge I have but still don't know how to tell if I a getting something good or not. Are there things to look for or questions to ask to make sure we are getting something that will last and not require hundreds in repair costs to make it sound right? Also still looking for any advice on an easy playing sax that will make the transition easy. He currently plays an Antigua wind alto and is looking to join jazz band next year.

Justin Chune · Dec 6, 2014

I'd give eBay a miss and buy from your local music store, or a more reliable source. I found this in the Yard Sale on here. http://cafesaxophone.com/threads/hanson-st5-tenor-saxophone.14443/

Recently I went with a friend to help her choose a new tenor and we tried a Selmer Prelude. It played fine, and only cost £495 new and guaranteed for a year. However, it was not in the same league as the second hand Buffet 400 my friend bought for £800. If you tell us how much you want to spend I'm sure you will get some good advice.

Jim.

ProfJames · Dec 6, 2014

What part of the world are you living?

sesherd · Dec 7, 2014

Like to stay under a grand. We are in the states.

ProfJames · Dec 7, 2014

Cannot go wrong with a Yamaha. Even when it comes to resale they hold their value. You will have other horns unique to the USA upon which you should exact some due diligance but other makes to consider should include -
Cannonball, P Mauriat, Yanagisawa. I would purchase a used horn from a retailer. I would also ask my tutor for advice.