How to Buy a Good Saxophone

Antoine-Joseph "Adolphe" Sax, from Belgium, invented the saxophone in around 1840.

Since the 19th century, the saxophone has delighted audiences and fans of every genre of music, including classical, jazz and pop. When purchasing an instrument you want to last for years and that plays a pleasing sound, pay attention to a few key areas.

Types

Saxophones come in nine basic types, differing in size and pitch, but most musicians play alto or tenor sax.

Price

While child and student saxophones start at a few hundred dollars, a good quality adult saxophone costs more than $1,000. Professional saxophones cost $3,000 or more. Someone who professionally repairs and restores instruments can bring a used saxophone up to a good standard for as little as a few hundred dollars.

Stores

Buy from an independent musical instrument store or online from a quality saxophone retailer such as Saxophone.com, Yamaha.com or USAHorn.com. If you buy online, visit a store first to view and try the instrument. Shop around before you settle on a product.

Advice

Take an experienced musician such as your sax tutor or a professional saxophonist with you to the store. They know the best questions to ask and how to test for quality.

Considerations

Play the sax and judge its sound or ask an experienced player to try it. Your own enjoyment of the sound is important. Check that the tuning remains constant and easily changeable. Test the keys and parts for strength and agility. Signs of a good saxophone include stronger metal, more adjustment options, silver and gold plating, and decorative flourishes etched into the instrument.

References

• "Tipbook: Saxophone"; Hugo Pinksterboer; 2004
• Saxophone Buyers' Guide
• Saxophone.us: Frequently Asked Questions