I gotta tell ya, though I grew up on a Selmer clarinet, the Helmke curved and straight (red!) sopranos,and the Helmke Alto and Tenors I`ve bought (also red!) are outta sight as far as smooth and easy to play. I traded in my Buescher 400 alto and I do not miss it! I also acquired a new Taiwan-made Monique Bari Sax in a pawn shop today, and it plays like a dream! I`m a 27-year band director, and I`m just telling you that no matter who makes the horn, if its got quality going for it, you`ll know it the first 5 minutes you play the horn, no matter how little it costs!!!! Anyone out there familiar with Venus saxophones? Good luck with those eBay sax purchases!