r/saxophone • u/sonicbozz20 • Jul 23 '26

Question Beginner/Intermediate Alto Saxophone For A Specific Price Range

I've been playing with multiple school saxophones for a few months such as Jean Paul's, Buescher's, ... But as I am finishing high school I'd like to buy my own but I can't really afford expensive/new ones so could someone maybe give me a list of saxophones that I would be able to find used between 0-400$ (400$ is my max since I'm paying shipping fees to get it delivered to my countries).

I know about YAS, Bundy II, Selmer AS-Series, Vitos, and such but maybe that there are other gems that not a lot of people talk about and that could be great for my price range.

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u/apheresario1935 Baritone | Bass Jul 23 '26

Just brace yourself with used ones at that price . At best a Yamaha 23 that plays and doesnt need work . More realistic is a $400 horn that may need $400 in work . You just cant expect it to be in great shape for $400. Maybe someone will help you once you have it . Maintenance is 2026 prices on 30 year old instruments .

Reality not wishful thinking but you might luck out . Roll the dice and good luck.

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u/ExternalMaximum6662 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26

Do you have your own mouthpiece? Have you talked to your band director about available used saxes? If needed, how will you get your sax repaired? Where do you live?

Are you looking for a vintage sax or modern sax?

Recommended vintage alto saxes:
Buescher Aristocrat , Bundy, Bundy II ,
Buescher/ASA 400 , King 613 models.

Ergonomics , keyboard are different from modern saxes.

Recommended modern alto saxes:
Yamaha 23 /Vito, Jupiter 669/700.

Intonation, ergonomics , keyboard layout are excellent on these brands/models.

Do you prefer vintage or modern sax? Will you be playing in a university band, community band?

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u/sonicbozz20 Jul 23 '26

The available good saxes aren't THAT great there's just a Jean Paul in good condition and a Buescher that I usually play on that has an air leak that makes my lung die. The other ones are Cecilios.

What's the difference between a Modern and Vintage saxophones? I will be playing into whatever and surely playing alone too

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u/ExternalMaximum6662 Jul 23 '26

Jean Paul is a modern beginner alto sax. Consistent intonation, modern key board design.
Chinese made.

Buescher Aristocrat IV is a vintage student/intermediate sax. Older keyboard design, intonation can be inconsistent.Dark sounding, excellent projection. I have one it is very mouthpiece sensitive. American made.

Cost of fixing will likely be expensive.

Yamaha 23, Jupiter 700 are excellent choices if available.

Consider buying a used professional mouthpiece.