Hi, I`m an eigth grader living in New Jersey, and I recently found out that my old (used, 15 yrs) Selmer sax is unplayable. It will not hit any note above an E (on the staff) and I think it`s time to get a new one. Mind you, I also play clarinet and Bari, so it could be a lack of practice, but I don`t think so. I recently checked out a site and saw a very cheap Monique Sax. I thought it was really cool, beacause it was green. My dad said, "Is that French? Don`t buy a French sax, I read somewhere that they`re not as good as American Model." Is this true? If you have any other opinions, I want to hear them. I need to upgrade past a starter sax anyway, and don`t want to pay over $800. P.S.- My Selmer has been kept in a gig bag and kicked around alot over the past three years.

Jim

First and foremost: FRENCH INSTRUMENTS WORSE THAN AMERICAN???? HELLO, SELMER PARIS?? Selmer Paris is one of the best saxophones in the world, and its...made in France. Now, referring to the engraving on the green sax "supervised by french technicians" or "designed by french technicians" or anything to that effect does NOT mean that it was manufactured in France. Actually, Moniques are either made in Taiwan or China. First of all I would suggest seeing if your sax is repairable or if it is indeed a lack of practice. If not, then go for the Monique ONLY if its a Taiwan model. I say this because the Chinese models are easily breakable, made of soft metal, and go flat from regular use in a matter of months, if that. I have a Monique alto that plays beautifully for 6 years and a soprano that is a few months old. Make sure, however, that you get a proper mouthpiece as the intonation and response come from the mouthpiece.