Are old saxophones better than new ones?

It's a subjective matter really, but for all intents and purposes, modern saxophones are more perfect in terms of tone and intonation. Some players, most who have grown up on vintage, feel that older horns have more character and are more flexible.

How long will a saxophone last?

But, you should keep this point in mind: these saxophones are most likely disposable, meaning they'll probably only last 2-5 years.

What are old saxophones worth?

Gold-plated examples dating from the '40s are worth $1,000, silver-plated ones about $800, and brass ones around $650, says Dr. Rick and Terry Dean, who buy, sell and appraise old saxophones, flutes, clarinets and related odd or unusual instruments. Those dating from the '50s would be worth less, they say.

Should I upgrade my saxophone?

Signs It's Time for a Saxophone Upgrade

But if they're putting in the work and still find their instrument hard to play after a period of months, it's probably time for a new one. Student saxs are designed to give kids a broad introduction to the instrument.

Are used saxophones good?

The great thing about buying a used sax is that you can get an instrument that would have cost a lot more when it was new, and it could be a much better quality than a new sax for the same price. It might not be as shiny, but you're getting more saxophone for your money! That means: Better quality materials.

What do I need to know before buying a saxophone?

What to Look For When Buying a Used Saxophone

• Brands: there are many quality brands, and many poor quality brands. Brandon recommends Yamaha, Cannonball, Vito, Selmer, P. ...
• Mechanics: This includes key action and body condition. Look for smooth action with tight fitting keys. ...
• Organics: Organics include pads, corks, felts.

When should I upgrade my mouthpiece?

An upgraded mouthpiece at around grade 4 will help the student progress as they start to discover their personal sound. Around the same time, it's good to get feelers out for how much a full instrument upgrade might cost!

When should I upgrade my instrument?

Once you reach an intermediate level and have been playing for several years, most players are able to truly hear the difference between a cheaper beginner's model and one that's been made from better materials. When playing your string instrument becomes a true passion, it's time for an instrument upgrade.

What is considered a vintage saxophone?

The term vintage saxophone has been used to describe everything from 100+ year-old horns—which would really be considered antiques in the truest sense of the word—to modern horns with a faux vintage finish.

What is the rarest saxophone?

The Contrabass Saxophone

A rare and expensive instrument, it's also very difficult to play, though its offers an extremely warm, full sound to the big-breathed master.

Is Etude a good saxophone brand?

The simple answer is: really well for the price. It would be unfair to compare the Etude to my $5,000 professional saxophone, but for a young student beginning his saxophone career, the Etude EAS-100 alto sax is a great option. Overall, it plays really well, and it will save students a lot of money.

How often should I clean my saxophone?

You should clean your saxophone out with a swab at least once per day, immediately after you finish practicing. The mouthpiece should be cleaned once per month with lukewarm water and soap, and you should use a soft polish cloth on the body of the saxophone about once per week or as needed.

Do you need long fingers to play saxophone?

You do not need big hands to play the saxophone. While you do need hands large enough to fit around the instrument, it is more common to have hands which are too large for the saxophone and necessitate adjustments on some keys.

How long do saxophone mouthpieces last?

In general, mouthpieces DO wear down over time due to the normal wear and tear that it is subject to during performance, as well as breakdown from saliva. Even the reed vibration alone is enough to, over time, physically change a mouthpiece. On average, regular players seem to notice these changes after 2-3 years.

Do saxophone mouthpieces make a difference?

Saxophone mouthpieces make a big difference in playing the woodwind instrument. A good mouthpiece helps with tone quality, sound production, and intonation flexibility. Mouthpieces are made of all sorts of materials, including plastic, hard rubber, metal, and wood.

How does sax mouthpiece affect sound?

The saxophone is a wind instrument, so from an acoustic point of view, the material of the different components (including the mouthpiece) has no effect on the sound. In fact, it's the internal geometry of the bore which is most important.

Does sax mouthpiece matter?

Being your first point of contact with the mouthpiece, your mouthpiece has more influence on the quality of your sound than any other piece of equipment. In order to set yourself up for the most success, a quality mouthpiece is simply a must-have.

How long do brass mouthpieces last?

A trumpet mouthpiece can last for more than 100 years if it's well taken care of. However, the silver plating might wear off after 30-50 years if it's not cleaned properly and stored in a dry environment. The mouthpiece on a trumpet will typically outlast the pistons and valves.

How do I choose a saxophone mouthpiece?

For sax mouthpieces the common rule is that softer materials produce a darker sound with less projection, while harder materials just the opposite (brighter and more projection). From plastics to metal though, you have a wide range of options to choose from, allowing you to truly customize your sound.

Why are old saxophones better?

Vintage saxophones were designed to play with a big sound - loud - because they didn't have microphones and PA's to help them. And thusly, they are very flexible as far as tone quality and intonation are concerned. This is a good thing if you know how to tame one - You play the horn and you tell it what to do.

Is it worth getting a cheap saxophone?

#1 — Cheap Saxophone Play Suprisingly Well

Okay. This is a bit of a pro than a difference. Most cheap saxophones play surprisingly well — almost shockingly well (even with their mouthpieces). For what they cost, they don't sound half bad over the whole range, and they play in tune.

What saxophone should a beginner buy?

Learn Alto Saxophone

Generally, the alto is a good place to start if you're a total beginner, like the idea of playing a recognisable saxophone, or are inspired by some of the jazz greats who played that instrument.