Break Away II

In purchasing a used saxophone, the purchaser should think about a number of considerations which emphasize the value of the price or amount paid on top of the intended use for which the saxophone is purchased. 

generally there are four types of saxophones available. The soprano saxophone, which has a higher pictch than the other saxophones, is typically the most complex instrument and is the most difficult to play.  So beginners are suggested to shun away from purchasing a soprano saxophone for practice.  The alto saxophone is suggested as the best practice saxophone for beginners and is usually used in school bands.  The third, the tenor saxophone is ideal for jazz tunes as well as some rock music.    The baritone saxophone is the most massive and is very heavy, so people who carry the saxophone will have to wear some harness to support the instrument while they play. 

A saxophonist who is purchasing a used saxophone must first determine the reason for which the saxophone is to be bought.  If he intends to practice and play the instrument as a beginner, then the alto saxophone should be the best decision.  It is therefore important to remember that it should not be the case that just because the used saxophone is bought at a cheap price one may already rush in and purchase the instrument.  He may have the saxophone at the best price, but it will not be worth the time and investment if he cannot maximize the use of the instrument because it does not best serve his purpose.  In other words, it is not a good decision for a beginner to buy a soprano saxophone even if the price is a steal.  Thus, discriminating according to the types of saxophone and in accordance with the use and reason for purchasing the instrument is always a good start in buying a used saxophone. 

Second would be the price.  Even though used saxophones are expected to be less expensive than new ones, an extremely cheap saxophone might suggest the instrument’s poor and/or low quality – though not necessarily.  Nonetheless, used saxophones may also be sold at a price only slightly lower than the price for other brand new saxophones.  This may be due to several factors: the saxophone’s high quality, brand, make and model.  Thus even at that price, the used saxophone may still be worth buying.  This implies that buying a used saxophone also entails a consideration of the brand, make and model of the instrument. 

Most importantly, in buying a used saxophone, one must never hesitate to ask questions about the saxophone.  It is advisable to ask as many questions as one can pertain to the “history” of the saxophone such as: how was it used in the past?  How often was it used?  Had it even been repaired?  When was the last time it had been repaired?  How long has it been since it was first purchased?  Questions like these will help a person decide whether or not he is amenable to buying a used saxophone.  One may also inquire why the saxophone is being sold.

Finally, it is suggested to play the saxophone first to personally test the sound, the tone, and the quality of the instrument before entering into the deal of buying the saxophone.  In case one is a beginner and does not yet know what to listen for, bringing someone along who knows the things to look and listen for in a quality instrument would be practical and reasonable.

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