??? ive had a student alto for 5 years now and i would like to upgrade

I agree with the request for a price range. If you are asking generally, what do you tend to play more, jazz or classical?

As far as Jazz, I love Keilwerth Shadow's. For classical, I lean more toward something like a Selmer Series III. Of course they are both very versatile horns...

If you can get your hands on one...
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR AN OLD MARK VI. Even better, one that hasn't been relacquerd.

I was wondering when we were going to see the 'lacquer' subject come up.

What do you mean?

Well Susie, you have a good point there.

Value wise original lacquer is nice.
No lacquer is next best.

Relacquer is a big warning sign. Unless it is done by a really good technician with experience a new lacquer job can be bad.

Regarding relacquering and tone production. It is still argued to death. But, based on resources availabel to me it is suggested only some of the very lower harmonics are affected and then only so that it can measured in the lab and not consistently in blind tests my the human ear.

I suspect the mouthpiece, facing, reed, oral cavity, and ability of the player make more of a difference.

thanks guys....no price range