I agree about talking to the sax teachers at universities. Especially with a lot of the newer students, they'll be looking for more suitable horns for their needs, and a majority of all legit players I know prefer playing on Series II altos over anything else. This is the same way I got my tenor, and I've never been happier. Also, with college students, a lot of them can take out loans through the school for instruments since it directly relates to their major (assuming they're a music major). And music stores are indeed a ripoff. One time when I was thinking about selling a 70's Fender Bass, the local shop wanted to offer me $650, when I could have sold it for $1800 without too much trouble. If I had the extra money, I'd buy the horn. But... happy sellings!