Quality control was maybe less that optimal with the Nogales Conns. I've been able to salvage just about any horn that hasn't been completely smashed, but there are certainly things like mis-aligned posts that are certainly repairable but annoying to have to deal with. So barring issues like those that can cause poor action - once addressed, they are certainly not all that bad to play. They are certainly affordable! Value and playability are not necessarily aligned. you can find Mexiconns that play incredibly well and you can find Mark VI's that don't. Again, to me, I find that most of it has to do with how the instrument is set up and the quality of the materials used. With a newer or more professional horn, you might notice the key action being smoother and the sound being perhaps different, but as a beginner - any saxophone in good regulation is good enough.