Hi, I'm looking to start playing the sax and just wondered if anyone could advise what typeis best for beginners, and may be where would be a good place to start looking for one?

Don't want to spend too much money (typical) but again don't want something that won't last.

any advise would be great : )

Thanks

I would hire one first, then you can see how you get on with it, maybe try different models.
My first sax was a really cheap student model, I struggled with it for ages before a teacher lent me a different mouthpiece, which made me able to actually play the thing! I hadn't realised up to that point what a difference a mouthpiece makes...
Once you know that you enjoy playing and a little bit more about the instrument and how you play, you'll be able to choose a decent sax. I've recently bought a new one, and it plays like a dream (though anything would have been an improvement on the first!).
The trouble is, if you want something decent you'll have to lay out a bit - you get what you pay for. That's why I suggested hiring to start with!

Been considering this for a while too, and after doing a ton of research seems it is definately worthwhile renting first. There is a place in Sheffield (AB Saxophone Sales and Rental) that does rentals. And a few places online that can post you one out. Prices start around £15 a month.. bargain :) I might take a trip to AB Rentals later this week..

Dave.

Definitely agree with the above - I've been playing sax for 20 years now and rented mine first - this also allowed me to try out both alto and tenor. In the end the alto won as it's a right pain getting a tenor sax on a bus!

If you do end up buying one, do go for the best one you can afford - my first one was relatively cheap and I ended up spending a fortune on repairs anyway so it was definitely a false economy. And get decent reeds too - I second what Becky said about the mouthpiece making a difference as does the reed - get the wrong strength and you'll be ineffectually puffing away forever! Good luck!

Definitely agree with the above - I've been playing sax for 20 years now and rented mine first - this also allowed me to try out both alto and tenor. In the end the alto won as it's a right pain getting a tenor sax on a bus!



Try playing baritone :D

Thata great guys, thanks for all your advice. some great pointers, think I'll check out AB rentals too Dave, will let you know how i get on with it : ) thanks again

I'd suggest the alto. It's alot easier to move from alto to tenor once you've learned how to play sax on alto.

If you need lessons, I can provide them too. Just let me know how you want to go about it and we can have a go.

Cheers, Rachel.

I went for the rental from AB Saxophone Hire and Rentals, nice bloke.
Picked it up yesterday - now just trying to teach myself a few things before I take a few lessons.

Dave.