I'll start by reiterating that the best way to get a horn for the beginning student is to have the student's teacher test some horns and buy the one he likes.
OK, that being said, it's sometimes not economically or logistically possible to have someone test a horn, so I can at least tell you about some good ones you can buy.
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This is a list of horns currently on eBay with the following considerations:
* $500 US (all numbers are US dollars) or under, excluding shipping.
* Horn looks to need less than $300 in repairs. Assume all these horns need to be looked over by a real wooodwind tech and you'll have to pay something.
* Seller has over 1000 feedback.
* Buy-it-Now listings. No need to wait to see someone outbid you.
* Yamaha YAS-23s or the Vito stencil equivalent (Model 7131, IIRC). "YAS" stands for "Yamaha Alto Sax." "23" is their old student model. They were about $1900 new (probably list).
* Always remember that if it isn't listed in the ad, it's probably not going to come to you. You don't see a mouthpiece? You're probably not going to get one. (Check this thread for mouthpieces.)
Standard disclaimer: I don't know these sellers and I can't guarantee anything. Ask the sellers if you have questions, not me.
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Here are some from dealers:
YAS-23 $379 and up + $40 Shipping @ MusicGoRound (several at this price at different MusicGoRound stores)
YAS-23 $399 to $950 @ Reverb.com
YAS-23 $499 to $699 @ SamAsh
Note that I didn't list the Vito stencils from the above dealers. Vito student saxophones were made by a variety of companies and their quality varies greatly. If the horn isn't expressly stamped "Japan," it's not a Yamaha.
OK, that being said, it's sometimes not economically or logistically possible to have someone test a horn, so I can at least tell you about some good ones you can buy.
=========
This is a list of horns currently on eBay with the following considerations:
* $500 US (all numbers are US dollars) or under, excluding shipping.
* Horn looks to need less than $300 in repairs. Assume all these horns need to be looked over by a real wooodwind tech and you'll have to pay something.
* Seller has over 1000 feedback.
* Buy-it-Now listings. No need to wait to see someone outbid you.
* Yamaha YAS-23s or the Vito stencil equivalent (Model 7131, IIRC). "YAS" stands for "Yamaha Alto Sax." "23" is their old student model. They were about $1900 new (probably list).
* Always remember that if it isn't listed in the ad, it's probably not going to come to you. You don't see a mouthpiece? You're probably not going to get one. (Check this thread for mouthpieces.)
Standard disclaimer: I don't know these sellers and I can't guarantee anything. Ask the sellers if you have questions, not me.
========
Here are some from dealers:
YAS-23 $379 and up + $40 Shipping @ MusicGoRound (several at this price at different MusicGoRound stores)
YAS-23 $399 to $950 @ Reverb.com
YAS-23 $499 to $699 @ SamAsh
Note that I didn't list the Vito stencils from the above dealers. Vito student saxophones were made by a variety of companies and their quality varies greatly. If the horn isn't expressly stamped "Japan," it's not a Yamaha.
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