Learn our top tips for buying the right beginner saxophone.
If you're starting saxophone lessons, the quality of the instrument can really make or break your experience. Playing on a poorly made instrument might make you think it's you that sounds bad and have you throwing in the towel before you realize how good you really can be! Thankfully, buying a beginner saxophone that sounds good doesn't have to break the bank.
Here are 5 tips for finding an affordable starter saxophone that's right for you, with some recommendations for some of our favorite, most trusted models.
Tip 1 - Decide on a budget and stick to it
When it comes to saxophones, the sky is the limit in terms of what you could spend, with beginner models starting at a few hundred dollars up to several thousand, so when you're starting your search to buy a beginner saxophone, set a budget before you even start looking. This will help narrow down your options so you feel less overwhelmed, and will also keep you from feeling tempted to look at instruments beyond what you can afford.
Tip 2 - Consider buying a used saxophone
It can be tempting to go with the cheapest option you can find when shopping for your first saxophone. This seldom works out in your favor and can lead to not only frustrations with your playing, but more money spent in the long run on repairs and replacements for a poorly made instrument. This doesn't mean you have to set your sights on the most expensive model either, though! A mid-priced instrument can produce great sound and be a perfect starting point to set the stage for a satisfying journey to learn the saxophone.
If a new saxophone feels cost-prohibitive or if you fall in love with a particular saxophone but it's out of reach of your budget, remember that you don't necessarily have to buy an instrument brand new. Purchasing a used saxophone can be a great option! Just be sure to do your due diligence if purchasing used.
If you'd like further guidance on what to look for when purchasing a used saxophone, just ask us and we'll be happy to help!
A cheap, poorly made saxophone will end up costing you more in repairs and replacements than a well-made, slightly more expensive one.
Tip 3 - Scared to commit? Try before you buy!
When you're just starting out and not sure if you're fully committed to studying the saxophone long-term, dropping a bunch of money on an instrument can feel scary and put unnecessary pressure on you to "make sure you like it" or to feel like you have to learn to play it at a professional level and play it forever, which will inevitably intimidate you and dash your confidence as a new player and paradoxically make you not want to play it.
If you're just testing the waters with playing saxophone and aren't yet ready to commit, renting an instrument can be a great place to start! Many instrument rental companies have rent-to-own options as well, so if you continue on and you really like your instrument, you can put your rental money toward buying it outright. Be sure to choose a reputable instrument rental company (we can provide you with some great suggestions in the Boston and Cape Ann areas), and take the pressure off!
Tip 4 - Be a little bit of a brand snob
When trying out the saxophone for the first time, it's not the best time to be experimental with your purchase. Tried and true brands like Yamaha, Selmer, and Jupiter have withstood the test of time and there are lots of reasons these brands are the brass-... *ahem* gold standard for teachers and music schools worldwide. That said, even within the different brands, each saxophone model is different, and what works for one player won't always work for another. Many retailers allow you to try out the instrument before buying, and provide return and exchange policies to ensure you're satisfied with the saxophone you've chosen. Try a bunch to see what feels good to you.
Tip 5 - Ask for help from an experienced saxophonist
Buying or renting a new saxophone can feel completely overwhelming to a newbie (and even an experienced player!). Finding the right saxophone involves more than just how the instrument looks or feels in your hands. Mouthpieces, reeds, and other accessories can also have a huge impact on the sound and feel of the instrument. This is where expertise from a professional really becomes invaluable. If you're able, bring a more experienced saxophonist with you when you're shopping to help you try out instruments and figure out what's important to you without the ulterior motives of a brand rep or salesperson. If you can't bring a teacher or professional player with you, music stores, particularly smaller, local retailers, will often have someone with professional experience who would be happy to help you.
Even though it can be daunting, this should ultimately be a fun experience! If you're feeling pressured or like you aren't getting the guidance you need, consider shopping somewhere you feel comfortable and free to take all the time you need.
Want help picking the right saxophone? We can help!
Hopefully these tips have given you a helpful starting place as you shop for a saxophone, but if you have more questions or want some one-on-one help picking the right instrument for you, that's what we're here for! We help all of our students get off on the right foot so they can feel as empowered and excited as possible as they start their musical journey. Schedule an introductory lesson today to get started.
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Photo by Gabrielle Mendez on Unsplash
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