No, Merano is not a very good brand. I think the cheapest saxophone I would suggest is a Winston. They're not too bad. The Kessler Custom and Antigua Winds are pretty good also. Check out www.kesslermusic.com I wouldn't waste my money on a cheap sax though. They never play right, the keys break, and the pads fall off; and they fall apart in no time. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg on a new Selmer, but buy a good horn.