Recently, I've tried a number of lower cost alternatives to expensive saxes. I always use my Meyer 5M mouthpiece when trying them. It is now possible to get a cheaper sax which sounds fine. I recently tried a number of those Chinese made saxes and while they're not bad, still don't cut it. However, the stuff from Taiwan now is quite amazing really. I tried Antigua Winds and I have to say, that they sounded as good as anything I've played that costs much more. Beautiful hand engraving too. I'm going to add soprano and tenor to my arsenal, which I've always wanted to do, but couldn't because of cash restraints. Now I can get both of these for less than one alto sax made by the big 4, and they sound and play great.