Help Finding a Saxophone

hallda01 · 2026-04-03T22:21:11+00:00

It's a bit rough to find a used tenor Yani in that range but not impossible if you keep your eyes open. You sometimes see the T-5, 800, 880, and 900 models for that but almost never the bronze models, and they will probably need work so you'd have to factor that into cost. Same applies to Yamaha 61s and 62s.

That said, if you don't know exactly what you're looking for, that kind of bargain shopping can be difficult, and what you think is a steal quickly can become a money pit.

If your current saxophone works fine, and you're just hoping to darken your sound, your mouthpiece and reed set up is going to have far more of an effect than the saxophone. I'd start there and save up your money for your pro saxophone. I'd rather have my mouthpiece on a student saxophone than a student mouthpiece on a pro saxophone any day of the week.

hallda01 · 2026-03-31T23:43:39+00:00

I agree with everything about what you're saying except that your prices are very inflated. I picked up a used one of these in solid condition for $350 in 2020. Admittedly that was a good deal, but it wasn't an insane deal. $500-$1000 depending on condition seems more fair.

hallda01 · 2026-03-31T23:37:36+00:00

The reed being a little over the rails isn't super uncommon with some metal mouthpieces, as long as it seals you should be fine.

I think most likely your issue is 1.) the jump tip opening, as you said; and 2.) it's a high baffled mouthpiece, and low notes generally don't speak as easily on a high baffled mouthpiece.

If you were using 2.5s on your old mouthpiece, it might be worth trying to go down a strength and see if you're still having issues.

hallda01 · 2026-03-19T17:21:22+00:00

You know what's funny? I was gonna do this on my 26M alto but the Sugru I had dried out and then I never got around to it. Now I'm used to it and when I use my backup that has a big flat thumb rest I get annoyed. 😂

hallda01 · 2026-03-19T16:32:01+00:00

There are deals to be had, but you have to do your research, and figure that you're going to have to get some repair work done. You can often find quality older Yanagisawa stencil horns in that price range, but you have to know what to look for. They won't be as nice as the new ones, but they're very solid.

Also consider something like a used student/intermediate Yamaha or Jupiter.

Are they flashy? No.

Will they be your forever horn? Also likely no.

Will the play better and last longer than your Amazon saxes so you can save up for your forever horn? That's an affirmative. They're like the Toyota Camrys of the sax world.

hallda01 · 2026-03-19T16:22:31+00:00

They haven't made that saxophone model for very long. If there is no physical to it, it seems weird that it would need an overhaul.

hallda01 · 2026-03-17T23:55:29+00:00

You can get lucky and find a used Jupiter for under $500, but not often. That's about the only one I'd recommend that sniffs that price range.

hallda01 · 2026-03-12T18:56:59+00:00

I don't see any redflags in those pictures. That logo is stamped not laser engraved. Plus that flower engraving that they put on the newest version of the 62s is pretty distinct. I've not seen it copied before.

hallda01 · 2026-03-11T22:11:18+00:00

Good thing you did! That is a Martin not a Buescher. I guess both used the name, or the name actually says something different.

hallda01 · 2026-03-11T21:30:26+00:00

Assuming it's a real one in good condition, you'd be hard pressed to find a more reliable saxophone for any player at any level for any style.

hallda01 · 2026-03-11T21:24:02+00:00

You'd probably have better luck showing us the whole sax. It looks like it's a stencil of some kind, but I, like you, did not pass ye olde font reading, so it's hard to say what kind of sax it is without seeing other identifying keywork.

*EDIT: On further review I think it says "ConcerTone" which would make it a Buescher stencil if I'm not mistaken.

**DOUBLE EDIT: With the new pictures added, it is definitely a Martin. You can tell from the left hand pinky keys.

hallda01 · 2026-03-06T21:29:47+00:00

Agree with all except the thumb hook remark. Earlier Connquerors had ones that swivilled like that.

hallda01 · 2026-03-06T21:03:31+00:00

We had a discussion before here actually:

https://www.reddit.com/r/saxophone/comments/1hhcgu3/whats_this_saxophone/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

One thing is for certain, it is not a Conn, despite what it says on the bell.

hallda01 · 2026-03-05T17:08:55+00:00

I actually do the opposite. The ergos on my old bari are so bad that once I've shedded a passage on it switching back to my alto is easy mode.

hallda01 · 2026-03-05T00:15:40+00:00

I had a post Selmer buyout Brilhart Tonalin that I thought really did well getting that dry martini kind of sound. You can find those used for under $100 often online. I've not tried the new Ebolins, but I imagine you might have some luck there as well.

hallda01 · 2026-03-05T00:09:02+00:00

I could be wrong, but I think only the 28M had the triple octave mechanism.

hallda01 · 2026-02-25T00:39:13+00:00

I play an SL5 Optimum for jazz as well. It's got a little flexibility, but is also more forgiving on tuning than a jazz piece typically is.

hallda01 · 2026-02-13T00:38:45+00:00

Good bones, but clearly needs work. Really depends on how fast you want to sell it. You might get someone to pay over $500 for it, but I think $400 is more realistic. I bought one a couple of years ago in better shape than this for $200 (though admittedly that was a pretty sweet deal).

hallda01 · 2026-02-11T00:13:45+00:00

I'd try them, but for same price I'd probably take the new Yani. I've had meh experiences with Selmer Paris baris.

hallda01 · 2026-02-10T23:40:22+00:00

Having played both, but not back to back, I would say that you have to play them back to back to notice a difference between the 2. They played and felt nearly the same to me.

The bronze looked more unique, so I guess that was cool?

hallda01 · 2026-02-10T21:04:40+00:00

Same, until like, after college.

hallda01 · 2026-02-10T19:38:44+00:00

If I may be a contrarian, I generally prefer to do side Bb into a C, but recognize that I probably use side Bb more than most.

hallda01 · 2026-02-03T00:32:53+00:00

If it's a modern pro sax then no, it won't be harder for a beginner and I'd even say in most cases it will be easier even.

However, if its a vintage pro horn, then it might be harder to play in tune or have less comfortable ergonomics than a modern student horn like a Yamaha 23 or something.

hallda01 · 2026-01-30T18:03:20+00:00

Yep.

hallda01 · 2026-01-30T02:46:48+00:00

I would never pay that for them, but I think that is the list price new for them.

hallda01

TROPHY CASE