Getting Your Money’s Worth
When you are looking to buy a used saxophone, the first thing you’ll need to figure out is the primary purpose of the horn. For example, if you plan on participating in marching band, you’ll want a horn that is more sturdy. Brands of horns that hold up well include Conn, Selmer, and Vito. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a sharp looking saxophone if you’re going to be marching with it and most likely getting it banged up.
If you’re planning on playing the saxophone in a jazz band, you’ll want to select a horn that makes the sound you want. The horn will need to have a jazz sound. Deciding how you plan to use your saxophone saves you from spending money on something that does not meet your needs.
The highest quality of saxophones have brand names of Buescher, Conn, King, Keilwerth, Selmer, Vito, Yamaha, and Yanagisawa. Other brands most likely will not stand the test of time. You want to make sure when you spend money on a saxophone that it is an instrument that will stand the test of time. Get one that you can play for years, not just a few months.
When you’re shopping for a good used saxophone, it is a good idea to take your time. Don’t just buy the first thing you happen to see. Come up with a strategy to make sure you don’t buy something and then end up regretting it later. Visit several music stores, writing down the models and serial numbers as well as price of each horn. Check your local newspaper and search the internet for bargains on saxophones. Write down the model and serial numbers and price of those horns as well. Cross off any horn that is too much over your price range.
Using the internet, you can do some research to find out more information about the horns. You can find sites that provides information on horns that allow you to look up by serial number. Keep in mind whether you plan on using the horn for the marching band or for another use. Remember that if you’re going to use the horn for a marching band that you don’t have to get too high of a quality.
It is important that you view the horn before purchasing if at all possible. Be sure to check pads, springs and cork of the horn. The last thing you want is to buy a new saxophone and discover that it will take a lot of work to get the horn into playable condition. If possible, bring someone who has experience with saxophones with you to catch any problems you may miss. Try to play the horn to hear what kind of sound it makes.
For beginner players or if you plan on using your used saxophone in a marching band, you should not have to spend over $500.00. Playing a saxophone is a fun way to share your musical talents with others. Part of the fun is searching and finding the perfect saxophone for you.