Which saxophone

[whiskychick]

My daughter would like to learn to play the saxophone and I want to buy one for her 21st birthday.She plays the flute and clarinet quite well. Could anyone suggest a suitable make and model please. I have been reading reviews on the Yamaha S62 alto but would like more opinions. Thankyou

[saxy_jag]

I take it you mean either the YAS62 (alto) or the YTS63 (tenor)? Most people learn on alto, but at 21 with clarinet and saxophone experience, the tenor is also a realistic choice.

A Yamaha sax is never a bad buy. I have a 475 alto which is the one below the 62, the 475 being upper student and 62 graduating from upper student through to pro. They are well made and consistent in tone, and hold their value well should the player decide to upgrade or (please, no!) give up.

Other makes to look out for, depending on the size of your bank balance are Selmer (the French made ones, not the American), Yanagisawa and Trevor James. There's also the Cannonball brand - fairly new and receiving mixed reviews, but a young friend of mine plays one (very well) and is more than pleased with it. Jupiter is also a good student make, but cheaper and don't hold their value so well.

A good website/shop for loads of information and a wide range of saxes is http://www.saxophones.co.uk/

[saxy_jag]

Sorry, I meant YTS62.

[The Builder]

...agree completely with Saxy..........I just wanted to add.......don't disregard a good used one though.
Players are upgrading all the time. Also, consider the various rental schemes about. You rent for a certain time.............if it's no go, you just give it back. If you like it you keep it, and the payments you made are deducted from the price....................good luck............she won't regret it .......ain't that right Saxy? :o)

[saxy_jag]

Absolutely, Builder. You're never alone with a saxophone.

Re. the used bargains - that's quite right. My tenor is a 1943 'leftie' Buescher that could no doubt tell me a few stories. It's heavy and clunky and is a real beast to play, but it makes a fantastic sound and I doubt I could get a modern one with the same character.

Secondhand instruments don't have to be that old, though. Players who have GAS - Gear Acquisition Syndrome - will often trade on something that's just a few years old in their endless search for the 'perfect' saxophone. Most good music shops, including the link I gave you, will have a selection of ex-rental or part-exchanged instruments that are in perfectly good condition.

I will give you just one general word of warning - it's addictive. Expect to get the bug yourself once you've treated your very lucky daughter.

[whiskychick]

Thankyou so much Saxy_jag and Builder. I think I am convinced now, I will buy the YamahaYAS 62. I know nothing and always buy....eventually on recommendations. The flute is Trevor James and clarinet Yamaha so not done bad so far. Going to buy new though asI am not experienced to spot a good used one and she's only 21 once. I'm sure we will all have many years of pleasure as she ispassionate about music. Thankyou again I am very grateful