Saxbob, I have been reading the posts about the member with the Monique/Schill delima. So many questions but he never posted his decision. Can he tell us if he made the right decision?? I am looking at the Monique Pro Model myself. Just as a hobby horn and don't expect to make a living at it. I e-mailed uigrad but never got a response. Kimo

Ouch, that's a rough response for a first-time poster like me. Well, I've read 3 of the 14 pages of posts, and noticed several similar posts to mine, but my situation is decidedly different than the others. My post was a little open-ended, but I did have a few more specific questions. I was hoping that the post would draw some recommendations, without me specifically soliciting them, but I should have known better. Here's how my situation is different from most of the other posts (which are primarily for students in music, not hobbyist): ------------------------------------------------------ 1.) I may use it only recreationaly, so I'm unlikely to require a lot of maintence, even over a large amount of time. 2.) I know how to treat musical instruments, and won't be putting it through the abuse that many student horns endure. 3.) It may go through long periods without use, so renting is not an option. (I noticed renting is commonly suggest as an alternative in other threads) Here's some of the comments that I was hoping an experienced player might make: ------------------------------------------------------ 1.) Comment on the copper/gold lacquer. Will it tarnish quickly? (faster than standard finishes) 2.) Comment on the prices of my local music store. Are they unreasonably high? 3.) Compare Schill to Monique. Is the different in price based on quality of sound, or is it just because the fancy color schemes that Monique likes to use? 4.) Comment about the F# key. It seems like it would be useful, even to a beginner like me, but I'm not experienced here. Would it be better to give up the concede the F# key, just so that I can have a non-China instrument? 5.) For those of you who would recommend a used Selmer Bundy, or Winston, or Conn, where should I go? I think my local store is ripping people off. 6.) The Bundy that I mentioned (with large dents, gaps under pads, and bad solder jobs), will it be a good instrument after my local shop "fixes it up" Or, should I be scared and run? If you can just comment on 1 or 2 of those 6 points, that's fine. I don't think any of them have been covered in any other posts here. Thanks!

If you're planning on sticking with the sax (once you go sax, you never go back )-- then coughing up the extra cash for a better horn will probably suit you better on down the road. Keep in mind: there is a reason they're cheap. . .Right? Well, as far as a beginner horn goes, many of us started on a Yamaha 23. They are very versitile, durable, and affordable (please excuse my typing). They won't have a high F#, but alt fingerings come out pretty easily when you get used to them-- also by the time you're REALLY ready for the higher notes, you'll be well on your way to intermediate level. You can find good used Yamaha 23s for arounf $500 or so. I'm with a majority when I say beware of ebay-bargains. . .