Need intermediate model alto sax.

[Rayne]

Yo jazzers,

I am a jazz guitar player (or at least I like to think I am), and like many of you I assume, I play another instrument as well. In my case I play the alto saxophone, and I have been playing on a cheap beginner model for 6 years and I am looking to jump up to an intermediate level alto saxophone...price range somewhere between 1k and 1.5k US dollars.

I would just go to a music store if I could and ask to play a bunch and choose one, but a music store that sells saxophones is a long ways a way from where I live, a day trip or more...

I plan on playing a lot, and I want to get a good saxophone so I am encouraged to keep playing.

So, sorry this is not guitar related, but I will be grateful for any sort of response.

[cosmic gumbo]

Can't go wrong with a Yamaha.

[Dad3353]

Would a Selmer Mk VII be too expensive, for a life-time instrument?

[shoome]

I own a '52 keilwerth new king, made in germany, which got a general overhaul 2 years ago, but (on my demand) no new finish, since I really love an old looking instrument as long as it really is old and I also was afraid a new finish could alter the sound of the horn to much... I loved it and it has a great intonation, so good for beginners/intermediates...
I dont have the time to play it anylonger, if youre interested, pm me...

If you don't want to buy used, i'd recommend selmer, keilwerth, yanagisawa and yamaha... you can't go 'wrong' with those instruments.. but I think selmer will be a little bit too pricey
(You should take a look at the Yanagisawa A-901 alto... I plaied it once, and I think it's really nice for ~1700,-)

[Rayne]

Thanks for all the responses, considering all the suggestions...haha except for the Selmer MK VII, a good chunk of money more than my budget.

[Jabberwocky]

Yanagisawa. saxforte saxophones selmer paris yanagisawa rampone cazzani keilwerth yamaha saxophone is a good dealer. Or check out Tenor Saxophone Sales and Service by Tenor Madness.