what is a good starter brand for an alto saxophone?

Question

my son is starting band this year and playing saxophone, but I don't know what brand(s) is good.

Answer 1

It depends on how much you want to spend. Most students start out with brands like King and Bundy, which are perfectly fine for beginning. Just have a music shop make sure the instrument is in decent shape--no new player should have to be fighting a saxophone that won't play just because the instrument is not adjusted properly.

If you want to spend a little more and are interested in buying a new saxophone, the Yamaha 23 is a student model instrument that is actually very good for what you'd want in a beginner.

My basic recommendation is that the saxophone isn't nearly as important as getting your son a good mouthpiece. I suggest putting your money in that--the mouthpieces that are in the cases with most saxophones you rent or buy are really bad and can hurt a new musician's ability to play easily. That may discourage them from continuing to play and enjoy it. I like Selmer mouthpieces. Ask your music store for more suggestions.

Good luck! The saxophone is a great instrument to play if you have the right fundamentals.

Answer 2

This hard to say. I would probably buy something in a mid-price range or used. Then if he drop out it not a big amount of money and you most likely can get most of your money back selling it. Then have the stipulation, if he practice regular, enjoys, stays with it and take good care of the instrument. Then spring for a nice new Sax. Not sure off hand. Bundy, Conn, I think they make a good sax in a reasonable price range.
Saxophones are not cheap. Even a crap brand cost a lot just for the Brass. The link is just for you to see what you get into. I say out of these Yamaha is the better brand. Not real familar with the others, though Selmer may be OK too.
http://www.music123.com/Saxophones-Woodwind-Instruments.Music123?pcid=93
There is a Prelude for $429 may be OK for a starter, but, I figure it not one people will brag about.

Answer 3

The best brands are Selmer and Yamaha. But I wouldn't recommend you to buy a saxophone, especially if it's his 1st year of playing and in the band. You should look in the phone book for music stores that let you rent musical instruments.
It's cheaper and better to do when their a beginner.

Answer 4

Yamaha is a good brand when you're tight on budget. Their student horns are really good (for being student horns). Their professional horns are great too (Custom Z). But of course, Selmer is the best :)