I would like to say first off, that the japaneese Vitos are yamaha 23's, yes they are. I would suggest any yamaha. I have been playin sax for a long time, now playin 4-5 nights a week. I own several sax's, even a few vintage Pro horns, and i have allways had this YAS-23 that i cant bring myself to get rid of because it plays so well, and i have never had a problem with it. I got it at a pawn shop for like 350 about 8 years ago, and never had to mess with anything, and yes i do play it and it doesnt just sit. I would suggest a japaneese vito, over the Taiwan ones, they cost more, but they are just better quality. My overall opinion in all reality is..... GET THE HORN YOU CAN AFFORD. Thats all there is to it. I would rather have someone play on a horn that isnt all that great than not have them play at all.