I just recently turned fourteen and I would like to learn the Alto Saxophone. Is fourteen considered a good age to learn or am I a little on the old side? Did anyone else start at this age?

I know I'm not going to be a professional over night or anything but (I know it might sound stupid since this varies so much from peoples learning capacity etc) how long will it take me to move up the grades? This might be a little too optimistic but I'd like to be Grade 6 in two years time. Is this possible?

For my first Sax I'm not really certain what to look for. I have read plenty of reviews and questions, Most advise a beginner start on first off an Alto Sax . . . Student Model and a well known brand such as Yamaha. My parents aren't totally convinced of my commitment and are unwilling to spend any more than 400 euro.

I saw a Sax I thought was pretty nice on Gear4Music.com, It's really pretty and a nice price (around the 250 mark) It is a Gear4Music Alto Sax in Nickel . . . I have been searching for reviews and haven't found any really help full. Has anyone got experience with Gear4Music Saxophones? Would you recommend them?

I'm not really sure on anything like what books, mouthpiece, reeds etc to get . . . Any suggestions and tips would be great. I hope to start in the next month or two and would like to be well prepared. Mainly I would just like to find out if the Gear4Music Saxophone is worthwhile buying . . .

Thanks, <3

If you want to play sax go for it - age is irrelevant provided you are large enough to handle it!

Grade 6 in 2 years is probably pushing it a bit but some people do. It helps if you have had experience of playing other instruments & can read music already.

I have only seen 1 Gear4music sax & an old one at that but it seemed a reasonable one - looked as if from E Europe. However companies do change their suppliers so what they sell now I don't know but most are sourced from the far East these days & the quality varies from OK to absolute rubbish.
Personally I'd go for a known brand - like Yamaha - but don't restrict yourself to new - second hand ones can be a good buy provided they are not too old - but do get advice from a teacher, expert player or repairer on the state of it & the likely cost of any repairs needed before parting with your money.

Thanks, ^^^
To be honest . . . I'd rather get a new Sax. My parents are unwilling to spend anything more than 400 euro which will, unfortunately, restrict my choices. Are there any other well-known, trustworthy brands like Yamaha for substantially less?