Purchasing a new or different saxophone can raise many questions. Getting the wrong instrument can be a costly mistake and many times the people involved in making the purchase are 1st time buyers and uncertain about what to do. This article will look at several typical categories of buyers and offer some suggestions based on my experiences.

College students usually have the benefit of a knowledgeable teacher who can give specific recommendations on what brand of instrument and where to buy it.

You want an instrument that has great intonation, even response, and lets you produce the kind of sound you desire.

A person who plans on spending a lot of hours in the practice room will want a well built instrument that stays in regulation for a long period of time. Constant trips to the repairman not only empty your wallet but also take away from your practice time.

If possible, play several different horns of the same model. I've been happy with my Mark VI alto and tenor over the years because I tried out several at the time of purchase and chose the one that worked best for me. Since then, I've never played a Mark VI that I felt was significantly better than the one I chose.

Avoid trendy saxophones. What looks cool now will look dated in 5 years.

Above all-don't purchase anything until you try it out! The only time you should consider buying a horn without trying it out first is, if you are rich enough to afford to make a lamp out of it, or if you are convinced that you could instantly sell it as is for more money than you paid for it.

Category Number 1:

A high school student who already owns and plays a saxophone and is looking for a better instrument.

• A student who is considering making music their career.

You should base your decision on what college you will attend and what degree you will pursue. Once you've made this decision-ask the teacher you will study with what they recommend. Nothing is more frustrating to a teacher than to meet a prospective student who has just spent an enormous amount of money on an instrument that is not well suited for their needs. This usually means that there will be a lot of resistance to any of the teacher's suggestions to buy another more appropriate saxophone. Some teachers simply won't accept a student unless they play whatever the teacher deems best.

If you are considering a career as a performer you need to play what other successful musicians are playing.  Not only the heavy musicians in the magazines ad who are paid endorsers, but the average working musician in your community. If you want to be taken seriously you need the right equipment.
 

• A student who plans on playing for their own enjoyment and simply wants to own a better sax.

You simply need a saxophone that works well for you. Talk to a teacher or working musician-they can help steer you to an acceptable brand and a reputable place to purchase it. 
 

Category Number 2:
 

• A middle school student looking for a better instrument.

If you're already playing a student line instrument in good shape, upgrading to a mid- line instrument is not necessarily a good investment. Often you would be better off to save your money for a year or two, then buy a professional model.
 

Category Number 3:
 

• An adult who played as a child and wants to relearn the instrument.

In this case, the main criterion is: what will you be happy with? A well-built horn that has good response and good intonation would be a top priority. Since playing the sax will be a hobby for you, there are many more choices. If you still have your old sax maybe a simple repad is all you need. A good repairman should be able to give you an estimate on what it would take to fix it up and whether the instrument is worth it.
 

Category Number 4:

An absolute beginner (child).

A child should follow the advice given by their school band director, or if they are not in a school band program, ask the local teacher what they recommend, or perhaps the local music store can tell you what the students are using. 
 

• An absolute beginner (adult).

Category Number 5:
 

• Anyone who already plays a woodwind instrument and is learning to play the saxophone as a second instrument.

If you're intending to work as a professional you need to get a professional grade of saxophone. If you're learning to become a more versatile teacher, or just for the fun of it, then perhaps a mid-line instrument will fit the bill.

Vintage horns:

In general, young students should stay away from vintage instruments unless they are a gift. If you are given one as a gift-put it in the closet and save it until you become an accomplished saxophone player. By then you will be able to judge for yourself whether the instrument is usable. Vintage horns can be excellent instruments but they can be more erratic in intonation and the key mechanism could be worn so much that it's hard to keep in adjustment. 

So what do I recommend? The two big names that have a long history of quality instruments in the United States are Selmer and Yamaha. Their professional instruments are excellent. At the mid-line and beginner levels I have had great luck with Yamaha saxophones. Two other makers of quality instruments are Keilworth and Yanagisawa. I have known several people who have had good luck with these brands.

There are other brands of saxophones that claim to be as good as the above brands, but these instruments are not as highly regarded among the professional musicians and teachers that I know.

• Selmer Mark VI alto and tenor (now vintage horns but brand new when I bought them) 
• vintage Buescher soprano, (good intonation for a vintage horn and it was a given to me when I was in college) 
• Yamaha Model 52 baritone sax (bought it used a few years ago, great intonation and even response necessary for me since I only play it occasionally).

As you may have surmised, I'm a firm believer in bonding with a horn and keeping it for a long time. Someday my horns may need to be retired but I will probably never trade them in because they are like old friends to me.

90% of your playing ability comes from what you do, only 10% (or less) comes from choice of instruments or equipment. Playing a high quality instrument can make you sound better but it won't make up for poor usage of the air stream, lack of practice, or other deficiencies you may have.

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