Saxophones What to avoid?

[LostCircuits]

Those price ranges seem reasonable. However, I have looked at bari's that were busted and/or missing parts that are still listed for $3-4k. I would love a bari, but an alto seems to be what we're short this time around.

I've seen baris on craigslist for $800 - 1500, including 12M, Buescher or King. Just keep in mind that a set of bari pads is at least 2 x that of an alto set, plus, leveling them is a little more demanding than doing it for the smaller horns.

 

[JayeNM]

So it would be a safe bet to pick up anything king, conn from the 20s to 80s? I have had my eye on a 20s york alto around $300?

The York is OK for a tester...thing is....20s horns, unless it is a Beuscher TruTone or Conn New Wonder 2 (Chu Berry)...have little value and are considered 'too old' by many to have much appeal. Those two models have mythological status hower. The FLIP SIDE is, even as PROJECT HORNS, they usually aren't 'cheap'.

IMHO, stick to '40s or later, both bell keys on same side of the bell.

That York, on auction in US, would not fetch even $125. Take a pass IMHO.

Offer Up and FB marketplace, as already noted, along with Craigslist, can often have very good deals as fewer viewers on those....

 

[JayeNM]

People these days TRY to sell project Baris for a lot, but rarely do. King Zephs tend to go reasonably, as do Euro models like Vito, Noblet. Bundys tend to go cheap too.

The problem is...very few listings for Baris are open auction anymore. They all want Buy Now or Best Offer listings. Open auction/bid old American Baris go cheap, talking $500-800, even for a Conn 12M....

I mean, open auctions for Yanis or Yama low A's ALSO end up cheap.... $1500 tops, oftentimes...for a model another seller wants $2500 for, same condition....

I do agree with your game plan, tho....start with an Alto....unless a Tenor happens to pop up for a great price.

 

[PigSquealer]

So it would be a safe bet to pick up anything king, conn from the 20s to 80s?

There’s an insane amount of differences in each makers models over 60 years. Some / most are above your hinted budget.

I have had my eye on a 20s york alto around $300?

In full play condition / needs nothing that’s ok. As a project starter nope by at least double.
IMHO Yorks are underrated. Still keep in mind the market price point and build were to the humble average musician. The community band player looking for affordable new instruments.

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