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Greetings,

Well, it's that time...my daughter's rent is due for her alto sax and the store wants to know if I want to apply back rent to the purchase of her horn.

It is a Yamaha YAS-23. The price is approx. $1675 (before rent credit).

So here are the questions.

1.Price? Fair or no? A quick google revealed the prices were similar to the large online places so I am guessing it is reasonable for the instrument which then leaves us with question 2...

2. Intstrument Quality? OK, my knowledge of Saxo-ma-phones is somewhat limited. The Yamaha seems well constructed and sounds as good as I expect it to. Are there better makes and models out there? More money or less? I am not concerned new or used...either will do. I just want a sax that sounds good and is well built. So how about it? Brands, prices, recomendations, stay away froms....give it all to me?

3.Features? What does an alto need?

We are not necessarily looking for "pro" quality. Simply a well made horn that sounds good, will last, and will avoid "gee..I shoulda gotten a "___________". My daughter appears to be in this for the long haul.

Bottom line. Any recommendations for a good quality alto suitable for an aspiring middle schooler who will in all likelyhood keep playing for a lifetime.

Thanks,

kegmcnabb wrote:3.Features. What does an alto need?

A brass mouthpiece. (Aw, c'mon. You knew you were gunna get that, and I admit it, I'm weak)

windshieldbug wrote:

kegmcnabb wrote:3.Features. What does an alto need?

A brass mouthpiece. (Aw, c'mon. You knew you were gunna get that, and I admit it, I'm weak)

windshieldbug wrote:

kegmcnabb wrote:3.Features. What does an alto need?

A brass mouthpiece. (Aw, c'mon. You knew you were gunna get that, and I admit it, I'm weak)

It would make a nice little ophicleide, wouldn't it?

kegmcnabb wrote: It is a Yamaha YAS-23. The price is approx. $1675 (before rent credit). .......

1.Price? .....

2. Intstrument Quality? .....

3.Features? What does an alto need? ????

Pricewise, I think you'll find that $1,675 is the list price. It's not a 'deal'. Buy a good used one for $400-500. There are loads of 'em that Little Johnny/Susie has lost interest in. Of course, if you've rented it for a while, the payoff might make it reasonable since if you buy another one you will lose your rental credit.

Qualitywise, the Yamahas are very popular, seem to be the choice in lots of modern high school bands, and from a repair point of view... seem to cause little trouble. Parts are pretty easy to get.

Featurewise? Well... you need a mouthpiece, reed, and neckstrap.