Should beginners buy student or pro alto sax?

Answer 1

Good student saxes are made to stand up to some abuse and are less likely to get knocked out of adjustment. You can't beat one to death, but with reasonable care they hold up well. Student models are also less expensive, which makes it a less risky investment if a student decides not to stick with it. To save cost and achieve the extra sturdiness, there is some sacrifice in tone quality, intonation and response in fast passages, but those are not primary concerns for the first several years. For those reasons, most beginners will be better served with a good student model instrument.

The very cheap models make all of the sacrifices in tone quality, intonation and response, but are not sturdy. Many arrive from the factory with serious leaks and other flaws, and it may be very difficult, if not impossible, to make them play well. Always talk with a knowledgable teacher or other expert to find out what quality student models are available in your area.

Professional models are designed with an emphasis on good intonation, excellent tone and lightening fast response. To accomplish this, the very best materials are used, and mechanisms are balanced delicately, requiring that their players be more careful in handling the instrument. The better materials and careful adjustment are very expensive, driving up the cost of pro saxes. For an accomplished player, it's well worth the cost, but most beginners wouldn't know the difference