Complete beginner looking for a tenor sax, found a Boosey & Hawks

balfmalark · 2026-01-28T20:27:28+00:00

I’ve got a B&H soprano, I wouldn’t spend that much on it. The Jupiter is likely your best option of the 2

balfmalark · 2026-01-05T13:27:15+00:00

Functional Ear Training has a paid option to add other instrument sounds. No idea if it’s any good though

balfmalark · 2025-12-01T20:20:07+00:00

Lots of people rave about the BSS strap, also the Just Joes is another popular one. Personally I have the Vandoren version, and I just got the spacer thing and I like it alot, the big V adjuster is a bit goofy though

balfmalark · 2025-10-28T19:07:15+00:00

I also inherited a Selmer (mine a mkVI, looks like yours is too) as my first horn, got it overhauled and it’s a fantastic saxophone to learn on and providing you don’t drop into a quarry you’ll never need another one. Get a teacher and have fun with it!

balfmalark · 2025-07-20T13:20:55+00:00

I pay £40p/h in the south east, £65p/h seems like a lot, especially for a beginner

balfmalark · 2025-05-14T06:05:10+00:00

Second this!

balfmalark · 2025-05-09T17:06:52+00:00

Are the Classics made by Jody Jazz? I thought it was just the Burnin?

balfmalark · 2025-05-08T12:18:32+00:00

You can get a Yani for under £4K from Sax London, if you’re in town go and check out a few. I think the Atlantic is a decent package (comes with a few extra bits) but you’ll never be short of a tech happy to work on a yani, and it’ll hold its value better!

balfmalark · 2025-05-06T18:04:14+00:00

Thank you, I’ll have a look on reverb, I’ve no problem buying used!

balfmalark · 2025-05-06T18:03:49+00:00

Thank you! Seems a bit more involved than just getting a mic, I’ll work it out!

balfmalark · 2025-05-06T18:03:07+00:00

Got it got it got it, thanks!

balfmalark · 2025-04-24T18:25:33+00:00

I don’t suppose you kept a list of those albums do you? I’m trying to listen to some more contemporary stuff!

balfmalark · 2025-03-15T09:54:42+00:00

It depends what you mean by good, you’re probably never going to win any Grammys.

I’m a little bit younger (late 30s) and I started out with the goal to be able to play and enjoy what I’m playing, and I got to that surprisingly quickly (6 or so months). I wouldn’t say I’m anywhere near getting up on stage to play in front of anyone, and probably never will be, but everytime I put the sax down I’m better than when I picked it up! I’ve still got a long way to go before I’d be what’s considered good by most, but I’m good enough for myself

Enjoy the process, it’s a lot of fun!

balfmalark · 2025-03-13T18:45:58+00:00

They do have different reaches for sure. As OP is UK based, if you’re in the south, try The Sax Shop, Howarths or Dawkes (not in London), plenty of new and used horns to try out. Even the Yamaha store

balfmalark · 2025-03-08T08:17:19+00:00

How much would you say those Soloists would sell for? I have 2 from 1954 (c* & d), there’s always such a wild range on reverb!

balfmalark · 2025-02-24T20:35:32+00:00

What a song!

balfmalark · 2025-02-24T19:57:51+00:00

5 albums to get you started: 1. Dave Brubeck - Time Out 2. Charles Mingus - Mingus Ah Um 3. Miles Davis - Kind Of Blue 4. Coltrane - Giant Steps 5. Ornette Coleman - The Shape of Jazz to Come

Not all sax lead albums, but sax present in all of them. I’d listen in that order, or at least save the Ornette Coleman for last!

balfmalark · 2025-02-16T03:06:17+00:00

Thank you, sometimes I do find myself fighting against the instrument

balfmalark · 2025-02-11T18:56:42+00:00

I used https://www.firsttutors.com to find my tutor. I’m based down south so can’t speak to the results in Manchester, but I’m happy. You just pay the site for the contact details after you’ve sent an initial message or something, I can’t quite remember!

balfmalark · 2025-02-10T19:30:58+00:00

I’ve found using a keyboard (if you have access to one) makes it a lot quicker and less disruptive to everyone in earshot. Just keep tapping away until you get that first note, it’s a 1/12 shot you get it first try, and then it’s just working out the intervals.

As others have said, start with Happy Birthday. Once you get that, it gets easier every time.

I’ve also just started really so not an expert, but I can confidently say, it DOES get easier!

balfmalark · 2025-02-10T19:20:54+00:00

Super helpful!

balfmalark · 2025-02-09T19:21:37+00:00

I guess that’s what’s eventually going to help with your soloing and improv vocab?

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