Looking to buy a sax and start learning it, are they all basically the same, ive seen some saying they have a high f# key, do some of them not have this? and some thing about a rock key? I really dont have a clue. what should i be looking for to start off?...spec wise. thanks

Rocker Style Ocatve Key Mechanism....(not rock key), I know what ocatve are, but is this key mechanism standard on saxophones??

I think the high F# key is standard on most horns now, I do know that some vintage replicas are leaving out the F# key, but in order to have an easier time playing saxophone repertoire the F# will be a smarter investment (yes you can play F# without it but that goes into a whole new ball of wax). You might be thinking of a Low Bb rocker mechanism which makes much easier transitioning from low C# to low Bb.
Before buying you have to ask yourself are you serious about playing the sax or just to mess around with? What style of music are you planning on playing? What are you willing to spend?

CJ

why ask yourself if your serious about playing sax?surely music is supposed to be fun so if you get the urge and really want to start playing then do!!!enjoy!!!!

I don't think anyone would want to spend 3,000 on a horn that they are not serious about playing. So yes ask yourself that question before you spend the money.

well im not spending 3000, Yea im pretty serious about playing it, not spending too much on my 1st one though, cant afford it right now, still in college. but thanks for the info.

Talk to one of the saxophone majors usually they have an older one for sale.

Later
CJ

Thats helpful, thanks. Well...take this instrument for example, what are you opinions on this?
A one year old Stagg tenor sax with a yamaha mouthpiece, he wants about $280 for it. Is that even a good brand or like a budget brand? As it does sound very cheap. But considering what you said about it being the mouth piece and reed, would it matter so much? He has assured me it is in mint condition. Have a look, see what you think? Thanks

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330036637611&sspagename=ADME:L:RTQ:UK:1

Looks like Stagg is an saxophone from the U.K. and it seems to be respected over there as a good budget priced saxophone.

It looks like the conversion price of 149.99 pounds to American dollar = $282.41.

I used the currency converter at: http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi

Check out these two posts, they both seem to speak highly of Stagg.

accoring to http://www.molemusic.co.uk/ says "In our opinion by far the best budget-priced full size acoustic on the market"

http://www.saxquest.com/forumThreadView.asp?ForumUID=2&ThreadUID=2750

The yamaha student models are pretty popular and if you want to buy used you can always check ebay or your local craislist and find some dynamite bargain basement stuff.

Usually if you know exactly what price range you are willing to pay, and have an exact model in mind before you shop you can compare prices and find it.

Some people frown on buying a horn online but it has seem to work out fine for me.

happy hunting,

don manuel

sir...

try taking a look at this saxaphone. almost brand new condition and lots of !***! comes with it.

go to this url,

http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-Selmer-Alto-Saxaphone-with-many-extras_W0QQitemZ300039477107QQihZ020QQcategoryZ64455QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

the auction I mentioned ends tonight!

It was bought for over a grand and looks like it might sell for less than 500.

ive been playing for about four years now, at first i just borrowed saxophones but then i went and bought my first one, it was a fontaine-stay away from them there cheep korean rubbish, it barely got me thru grade 2, i now a play a yamaha YAS275 with a russea 5R mouthpiece and a rico select jazz tenor reed, and i am really happy with my sound.
I hope that helps a bit
ps. if your playing an alto, try using a tenor reed it sounds awesome!

Don't use a tenor reed on an alto, there are reasons they cut the reeds to specific sizes.

i was actually going to buy a jazz sax and i posted a forum already.....but i'm anxious for input. has anyone heard about the quality of the rampone and cazzani r1 jazz sax?

i was actually going to buy a jazz sax and i posted a forum already.....but i'm anxious for input. has anyone heard about the quality of the rampone and cazzani r1 jazz sax?