Saxophone Forum


by dlove
(2 posts)
19 years ago

Purchasing sax for 6th grader

My son has been playing sax for 2 yrs. He is doing quite well and wants to continue. His rental is up on his Selmer Student Horn so we need to purchase him a new one. We're having a hard time deciding on a Yamaha YAS-23 or should we bite the bullet and take a step up into a YAS-475 intermeidate horn. He's played several including the 475 and he likes that one. He has not played a 23 yet. I've also seen a couple of Yas-52's in great shape on Ebay. I know that the 475 was the replacement for the 52. Any thoughts about the 52? Right now the price difference between a 23 and a 475 is about $500. Would we be able to get by with the 23 say through his jr. or sr. year or are we going to have to buy another horn in 2 to 3 yrs. My wife and I both have Master's degrees in music but neither one in sax so we would appreciate any input . THANKS

Reply To Post [Report Abuse]

Report Abuse

Replies

  1. by connsaxman_jim
    (2336 posts)

    19 years ago

    Re: Purchasing sax for 6th grader

    The YAS475 is more an intermediate level horn, and a step above a YAS23, but the YAS23 is a GREAT beginner horn. The YAS 475 has a few features that would be better if he decided to continue playing beyond high school. The YAS 475 and YAS 62 are constructed a differently than the 23 and I think they have a better tone also. The YAS 52 is constructed more like the YAS 23, only with a hi F# key, and is also considered an intermediate model. The model that impressed me the most is the YAS 62 Series II (intermediate-pro level) which sells for around $1900. GREAT horn for the money!

    Reply To Post Yahoo!


    1. by west
      (242 posts)

      19 years ago

      Re: Purchasing sax for 6th grader

      I agree with Connsaxmanjim. A YAS 62 is a great, great horn. I have played my friends and i recommend it.

      Reply To Post


      1. by dlove
        (2 posts)

        19 years ago

        Re: Purchasing sax for 6th grader

        Thanks for the response. The YAS 62 is just too expensive for us at this point. Which would be better. A NEW YAS 23 or a used YAS 52 that's in great shape? No dents, no scratches on the 52. Basically the same price.

        Reply To Post