What is the best brand for Saxophones to look for?

Question

After two years of marching band, my used Selmer alto sax has taken a lot of beatings, and unfortunately, is literally falling apart. Now, I don't know how old it is, but before it was broken I loved my Selmer sax. What I'm looking for is an alto that is sturdy enough for marching band, but also looks good.

Answer 1

HI Cazzi.   Unfortunately...   even the student model alto saxes are so expensive....  around $1300.00   which makes taking a beautiful new saxophone out on the marching field not very smart.    Look around for a used alto which might cost your parents $700-$800.   You say you like the Selmer...  I know for a fact there are tons of used Selmers out there.   The brand that is the most sturdy, plays well and you can also find used for a good price is the Yamaha YAS 23.   But this is what I advise for my students......   Keep your old friend.. the beat-up Selmer for out on the marching field (as any sax you take out there is going to be taking a beating as well and who can see it from the stands anyway???) and get a nice saxophone for concerts, contests, competitions.   My first choice is the Yamaha.. and my second is the Selmer.  I think Selmer numbers now are the Selmer 300.    I never let my students take their good horn out on the field.. as to do so turns their good horn into a crummy marching horn... then when it is time for chair tests or solo & emsemble or regionals... the horn is just not competition ready..  and besides that... students are either proud of their instrument or they aren't.  A banged up / scratched up dull and leaking saxophone is nothing to be proud of when you are trying to make first chair.  Right??  So anyway, that is my advice to you.   Get a Yamaha or a Selmer..  Expect to pay around $1300.00 + tax brand new or look for used in Craigslist . org  in your city or close to it.... or check on eBay for a much better bargain price.  Hope I was able to help..

Answer 2

As a former marcher and then music major and now father of a freshman music major on sax, I highly suggest you fix up your Selmer if possible and use it strickly for marching (don't worry about how it looks)!  For concert season, I think you can look at Cannonball as a high-end lower cost professional level saxaphones.  I would stay away from ebay and such as shipping can cause damage to any horn but expecially the allignmnet of a sax.  There is also craigslist which is good to watch for local instruments for sales and you are able to check it out before you buy!  Can't go wrong with Selmer but watch the model as many are student models which you will want a little more for college.  If you have your private lessons instructor's e-mail address, he - she would be the best source of advice as to model...  Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Selmers actually make very nice saxophones.  So, you could try and find another identical saxophone. Also, a lot of students like the Yamaha saxophones.  Are you looking to bumb up to the next level, to get a better one?  Or are you just needing one for marching band?