Beginner Sax Which Tenor saxophone to choose

[Amine.m12]

Hi guys,
I will soon buy a new tenor saxophone on the internet but I still didn't choose the model. I would like to have your opinion.
I think about choosing one of those

Conn: CONN TS650 - BB TENOR - Woodbrass UK
Yamaha: YAMAHA YTS-280 - Woodbrass UK
Thomann: Thomann MK IV Handmade Tenor Sax – Thomann Mobile
Jupiter: JUPITER JTS700Q - Woodbrass UK
Keilwerth: KEILWERTH KEILWERTH ST90 TENOR SAXOPHONE (GOLD LACQUER) - Woodbrass UK

From the reviews I read, the Thomann model seems to be the best for the price, but I am still skeptical.
Thank you in advance for your help !

 

[garrobito]

Judging just for the list, without know what you want to do, I would choose Keilwerth ST90...
Good luck!!

 

[Jazzaferri]

Are you able to try them before you buy

 

[Amine.m12]

Are you able to try them before you buy

No I cannot try any instrument before buying it, so I'm just going for the opinions and reviews.

 

[Karolis]

Bear in mind that if you'll wish to upgrade in the future, Yamaha and probably Keilwerth will have the best resale value.

 

[kevgermany]

More important is to make sure the shop sets the sax up before sending it to you. I'd also suggest you get a mouthpiece and ask them to fit that to the cork.

I agree with Karolis on resale.

 

[jonf]

I would go for the Yamaha out of this list, every time. The Keilwerth isn't a German-made sax, it's made for them by Jupiter. Given that the OP can't try before buying, the Yamaha's reputation for reliability, playability and being able to be serviced anywhere would swing it for me.

 

[nigeld]

I haven't played any of these horns, but if I was buying one without being able to try it, it would be between Yamaha and Thomann.

I would go for the Yamaha as the safest option because of their reputation for quality and playability. However the Thomann is presumably a Taiwanese-made horn, and may well, as you say, be the best value for money.

 

[Ivan]

I'd also suggest you get a mouthpiece and ask them to fit that to the cork....

I've pondered this advice, but it doesn't make sense (to me)

Do you mean sand the cork to fit the mouthpiece?

 

[nigeld]

The Thomann site has sample recordings of the Thomann and the Yamaha, for what it's worth.

 

[Nick Wyver]

If you can't try them - Yamaha.

 

[Jules]

If you can't try them - Yamaha.

would agree with that

 

[kevgermany]

I've pondered this advice, but it doesn't make sense (to me)

Do you mean sand the cork to fit the mouthpiece?

Yes

 

[Stephen Howard]

On build quality alone the Yamaha is well ahead of the pack.

One of my clients has a bari version of the Thomann, and is very pleased with it. I have a fair idea who made it, and it's likely to be a decent horn.

I would also suggest you consider the TJ SR - you can just about find them within your budget.

 

[Colin the Bear]

I wouldn't go for the copper thomann. Their bog standard the 150 is a third of the price. Thomann gear is very good. I've blown a couple. Very similar to the G4M.

Any saxophone new or second hand will need setting up. So, seeing as a trip to your local tech is on the cards, why not pop down and see what they've got second hand.

 

[Stephen Howard]

I wouldn't go for the copper thomann. Their bog standard the 150 is a third of the price. Thomann gear is very good. I've blown a couple. Very similar to the G4M.

Assuming it's the same model (and manufacturer) as the basic model, I'd agree - but isn't it a Taiwanese model?
For that price, it ought to be. If it ain't - yeah, skip it.

 

[Colin the Bear]

I can't see the point of increasing the copper content of the brass from 85% to 92%. I think they use a copper coloured lacquer any how.

 

[Amine.m12]

From Your opinions Yamaha seems the best option. However I can't stop thinking about the Thomann model.
If you have more to say about the Thomann saxophone please share your opinion.

 

[nigeld]

If the OP is buying via the Internet, then the customer service and returns policy of the supplier is important.
I have not come across Woodbrass before. Does anyone have experience of buying from them?

 

[Stephen Howard]

I think you have to be careful.
If it's just a jazzed-up version of their basic horn then you're really not getting that much value for money.
I know they say 'handbuilt' but (surprisingly enough) that's also true of a great many cheap Chinese horns.
And building a so-so horn better doesn't make it a better horn...it just makes it a better-built horn.
I'd be more inclined to lean towards the Custom line. There are a number of features on these horns that turn up on other more well-known brands...and you can make of that what you will.

If you're still dead set on it I'd recommend having it professionally checked over as soon as it arrives. If there's anything mechanically off with it, send it right back. It shouldn't be a problem - Thomann seem pretty clued-up when it comes to customer service.