Becks37 Posted May 23, 2009 Posted May 23, 2009 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
Becky B Posted May 24, 2009 Posted May 24, 2009 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!
Dave1989 Posted May 25, 2009 Posted May 25, 2009 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.
heartshaped1 Posted May 27, 2009 Posted May 27, 2009 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!
Becky B Posted May 27, 2009 Posted May 27, 2009 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
Becks37 Posted May 27, 2009 Author Posted May 27, 2009 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
rachele Posted June 10, 2009 Posted June 10, 2009 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.
Dave1989 Posted July 19, 2009 Posted July 19, 2009 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.
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