when I first came across the Jupiters in the early nineties, they were pretty sorry horns..over the years the quality of their instruments has increased to the point that today they are a very respectable brand. The Jupiter student flutes hold their own with any brand and are better than most..the saxophones are a decent student horn,m and the step ups are very nice, indeed. Their brass horns are now very nice. Repair parts are readily available, and customer service is excellent. I've been repairing horns professionally for over twenty years..I have very few predjudices, and am not that easily impressed..you could do well to look into this brand, and oh yeah, y'all are welcome to disagree with me.