Why do you say the horn isn't cutting it? If the horn leaks badly, have it fixed. Go to Home Depot and buy a 18inch rope light; $4.00. Check it yourself. If the horn doesnt leak like a sive, and all the pads aren't all sticking, then spend your Dad's money on a better mouthpiece and lessons, if you aren't taking already. (Selmer C* for school band, and Claude Lakey for jazz.) Work on your tone quality and technique (speed and accuracy!) everyday. Sightread everything you can find. When you are a junior and really seriously linked into music education, then spend the money on a new horn. Till then, if you just ahve money to burn, buy a clarinet and learn to double. So what do I think about the YAS-52. Dont really know; I played a Conn through HS, then moved to a Selmer for college. That was 35 years ago. I do know that the YAS-23 is not a pos, and you only make yourself better by playing what you have better. The horn doesnt make you. Good luck.