New good saxophones have become so expensive that the junk that's sold are all some folks can afford. With all the competition in the music industry one would expect prices to go down. If I were a beginning 'want to be' sax player, I would first make friends with a sax player or acquire a saxophone teacher before I spent any money on the sax. After doing this I would go on Craigs list and look for a Yamaha model 23 alto. After finding what looked like a good deal I would have my friend or teacher check it out as far as being in good working condition. Then I'd spend the money. I've seen used YAS23s for as little as $400.00 although be prepared to spend more. This is a very popular saxophone and is a favorite of beginning band students. There are tons of them for sale after school lets out in the summer.......Kelsey