As any saxophone player will (or at least tell you) is that the looks aren't the most important aspect of a saxophone, its the sound.

I haven't heard anything too bad about E.M. Winston, and some have said, for the price, it can be a fairly good instrument. I have no personal experience to back that up, though. If you look long enough, you may find a used horn with a reliable reputation that does look quite good. Another possibility it to relaquer a used horn. (Some people will not consider any relaquering. Depending on how it is done, it could change the tone of the instrument. On the other hand, it could be a purist attitude...) Blessings on your search.

EM Winston is a high quality appealing instrument that will be ideal and will fit within your budget. visit my selection at store.yahoo.com/brandsplace/musical-instruments-wind.html

It seems really interesting when the only entry on any discussion forum from the previous respondent is to promote a product that he sells, and to praise it in the process. But certainly, in the Land of the Free, he's entitled. As for my entitlement, as a repairman of 30+ years and a saxophonist since 1960, I would not have a Winston sax up my broad backside, even if there was room for a sawmill---regardless of price. In a world where image is everything, they DO look nice in the case when new. Substandard pads, less that tool steel temperment in the hinge rods, genuine mother of plastic instead of shell, light weight keys and mechanisms that allow for stability in adjustments to last for weeks, etc. Perhaps what should be done, Mr. L. Tripp, is to contact the repairman of record in your neighborhood and ask what HE thinks; will he even work on them? And perhaps, too, Mr. Tripp, if budgetary considerations are driving this decision, and the daughter won't contenance a used sax, thaen she should join the free enterprise system, and help pay for what she needs, not just what she wants. Lefty

It seems really interesting when the only entry on any discussion forum from the previous respondent is to promote a product that he sells, and to praise it in the process. But certainly, in the Land of the Free, he's entitled. As for my entitlement, as a repairman of 30+ years and a saxophonist since 1960, I would not have a Winston sax up my broad backside, even if there was room for a sawmill---regardless of price. In a world where image is everything, they DO look nice in the case when new. Substandard pads, less that tool steel temperment in the hinge rods, genuine mother of plastic instead of shell, light weight keys and mechanisms that allow for stability in adjustments to last for weeks, etc. Perhaps what should be done, Mr. L. Tripp, is to contact the repairman of record in your neighborhood and ask what HE thinks; will he even work on them? And perhaps, too, Mr. Tripp, if budgetary considerations are driving this decision, and the daughter won't contenance a used sax, thaen she should join the free enterprise system, and help pay for what she needs, not just what she wants. Lefty