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Buying a Used Saxophone: Things to Watch Out for When Buying a Used Saxophone

Jul 20, 2009 Blue Grass Music, Cajun Music, Clasical Music, Country Music, Easy Listining, Jazz Music, Modern Music, Music, New Age Music, Oldies, Pop Music, R&B Music, Rap Music, Rock Music
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In buying a used saxophone, the person buying the instrument must take into account 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. 

There are typically four types of saxophones available. The soprano saxophone, which has a higher pictch than the other saxophones, is typically most user “unfriendly and is the most difficult to play.  Henceforth, beginners are advised to steer clear of purchasing a soprano saxophone for practice.  The alto saxophone is recommended as the best practice saxophone for beginners and is most often 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 biggest and is very heavy, so musicians who play the “barry” will have to put on some harness to support the instrument while they play. 

A saxophonist who is considering a used saxophone would be smart to first establish the reason for which the saxophone is to be purchased.  If he intends to practice and play the instrument as a beginner, then the alto saxophone may be the best option.  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 buy the instrument.  He may have the saxophone at the best price, but it will not do any good if he cannot maximize the use of the instrument because it does not best serve his purpose.  Simply put, it is not a good choice for a beginner to purchase a soprano saxophone even if the price is reasonably low.  Hence, being picky about the kinds of saxophone and in accordance with the use and purpose for purchasing the instrument is always a good start in buying a used saxophone. 

Second would be the cost.  Even though used saxophones are expected to be less expensive than new ones, an extremely cheap saxophone could be an indication of the instrument’s poor and/or unflattering quality – though not necessarily.  Nonetheless, used saxophones could also be priced 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.

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

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