I had been talking to Randy Hunter, who teaches sax at Emory University, he has written books and lessons specifically for beginning sax players. His lessons and books are available through Sax Station- Beginning Sax Lessons
Randy:
The first aspect for consideration is whether you should learn on alto or tenor. I usually recommend that kids begin on alto because of size and weight considerations, but allow adults the flexibility to make the decision based on personal preference. Listen to a variety of alto and tenor jazz saxophonists, making note of your tonal preference. If you strongly prefer the sound of the tenor, go with it. If no clear preference emerges, or if you are concerned about the weight of the instrument, choose alto.
Your next question may be whether to rent or purchase a saxophone. My recommendation is that you rent from a band instrument store that offers maintenance included with the rental. This way, you are assured that your instrument is in working condition, and have the flexibility to change from alto to tenor, or vice versa, once you have a better idea of your preference.
Avoid purchasing a cheap off-brand instrument. Some of these instruments are low quality. You may also have a difficult time finding a repairman that will work on it a year or so down the road when it needs servicing. If you are not certain about the quality of a particular brand, contact a saxophone repairman.
I also recommend not purchasing a used instrument at first, unless you have an experienced sax player or repair shop that is willing to play-test it. You should know that your instrument is in good playing condition.
Randy Hunter
Jazz Saxophone Instructor
Artist Affiliate
Emory University
Atlanta
Author: “Beginning Saxophone: The Jazz Approach”
Author: “Complete Jazz Styles” etude, duet, and jazz combo books
Mendini by Cecilio Gold Lacquered Tenor Saxophone
•Model: MTS-L
•Manufactured by: CECILIO
Is this a good saxophone.
I haven’t heard anything positive about them. So ‘good’? Probably not
My soprano saxophone is a Cecilio and I have been pleased with it. That could be because I haven’t played anything else. However, it has served me well and those who have heard me play are impressed. I plan on getting either an alto or tenor soon and will probably stick with that brand.
Cool, thanks for letting us know Brian.
Neal – Just an update for you. I did purchase an alto saxophone from Cecilio and I am very happy with it. So far, the sound is good and I am already getting good at it after only two weeks of playing it.
Hey Brian,
Glad you like it.
Neal,
This link to a You Tube video, about 1 1/2 minute long shows the scales and some simple tunes on a Mendini. They guy puts up some 500+ individual play tests to Saxophones. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b515HVxyxrI Thought it might be of interest to others. Also he has done one of the Opus USA, and Anaxa (Chinese) made Saxophones as well. Vern
Neal,
I am 59 and just started with the sax. I love it….but am having problems with both my embouchure and maybe the horn. I purchased a Conn-Selmer Prelude AS711 to start out. I was looking at the Cannonball Saxes, but decided to wait. I want an Alto Sax that will last and have an increase in value over time. Any suggestions on my next purchase or possibly trade in the AS711 that is only 6 months new?
Thanks,
Christopher
Hey Christopher,
It depends on how you like the Prelude. Changing your saxophone immediately won’t necessarily make a big difference in how you play. Does it feel uncomfortable? How does it compare to other saxophones you have played? I wouldn’t say it’s a bad idea to try other saxophones if you’re curious how they play, but I wouldn’t rush to buy a new one based on brand name alone.
-Neal
Prelude is a Saxophone made for Conn-Selmer in China. The Roy Benson Saxophone and others are nearly the identical to it, but without the Conn-Selmer name, are a lot less expensive. I saw a Yamaha in the music store yesterday and it was made in Indonesia. A Cannonball was made in China, and the Juipiter they had was made in Taiwan. Asian Sax makers have really improved on their manufacturing techniques and also pattererend their instruments off very well made designs, and improved on some considerably by virtue of computer aided design. – Vern
Thanks for writing about that Vernon.
Just got an Opus USA Tenor, works great, sounds great, no complaints, some of the lower notes take a little more air to hit, but hey, 300$, who can complain.