Yamaha has taken the lead as the go to producer for

student instruments. They are produced cheaper in China today.

They are easy to work on if you need a technician. For a student line new instrument,

I would go no place else but Yamaha. But once you buy it, it is now used.

With that said, I personally would get an older student yamaha made in Japan off Craigslist. It will be heavier, made with a better brass mixture, and hold its value in the used market. You can get a good playing one in good condition for 650 or less. There are many more used saxophones out there than there are sax players.

But, some new players want a fresh, unused horn.

So pay that extra!!

I hope this helps.

Good Luck