Hi all,

I finally plucked up the courage to mention my aspirations of trying the sax to my husband yesterday - and he thought it was a good idea!!!! Not sure who's kidnapped him but I'm going to make the most of it .

Anyhoo,

As I am still a bit skint I am considering renting one - my local shop does quite good rentals, and I've also checked out www.saxophones.co.uk. Has anyone any other recommendations for places that hire (they must do mail order). I was going to get the aged clari I have serviced but thought I'd spend the money on this instead (for now anyway).

Am still hankering after a soprano, but am also considering the alto. I'm still concerned about the noise to my neighbours as well, but I may live here for years so perhaps I need to find another solution rather than just not doing it - does the 'cloth stuffed down the bell' method work.....???

Yes, t works, but will hamper your playing (no notes below D, for a start). Beginners on saxophone are always loud - you might talk to your neighbours and explain what you're doing, and ask which half-hour of the day would inconvenience them least (!). Generally, if people feel they have some control over the noise it's less of a problem. And/or play into a wardrobe - the clothes do a good job of muffling the sound, but you can still hear yourself and learn to control pitch and tone better than with the tea-towel in the bell option.

Just watch out for fauns and witches ...

I think that Hanson now operate their own rental scheme.
www.saxophonesdirect.co.uk
They also have a buyback scheme which I would personally prefer whereby you purchase a new saxophone outright and if at any time in the future you decide that sax is not for you they will but it back for £15 for each month you've owned the instrument plus the original vat.
(Not sure if Hanson rent sopranos, you'd have to check.)
The sax.co.uk scheme is also a good one, if I were renting from them I'd rent for 3 or 6 months to see if I liked playing sax and then buy a Hanson anyway as in my opinion they make the best value student saxes available.

The Hanson intermediate soprano and alto are both £459 (inclusing free delivery, and 5 years free repairs and servicing), the nearest instrument in quality from the likes of Yamaha will cost approx twice that.

I'd give Hanson a ring and discuss your requirements, I've always found them incredibly friendy and helpful.


I don't think sax is necassarily that loud to be honest, as long as you're considerate as to the times you practice I doubt your neighbours would even notice much but then I used to be a drummer and they didn't mind that so sax is probably a walk in the park volume wise.

Are you a secret agent for hanson Ms Fiddle?

I though their name may pop up here! Will have a look.

Nope, just one of many satisfied customers.

Hey Sianie, If you are serious about a Sax, then i'd recommend the scheme ran through the Arts Council, basicly you buy the Sax via an Arts Council Grant then pay it back in 9 monthly instalments. Its almost like renting but you get to keep the Sax. There is no extra charge for doing this, no interest or admin fees.

I've just bought a Jupitor 969 from Saxophone.co.uk and basicly paying back £100 a month (obviously you don't need to spend that much on a student sax).

Goofs

the sax.xo.uk programme is good because i think they take off the moeny that you have paid in renting if you decide to BUY the sax.
also try saxhire.co.uk

I've been offered a used Corton for about £80 - any opinions?

Not the best make in the world, I'm afraid, in my opinion. Most Cortons I've come across have very rattly and unreliable keywork, sadly.

Good to know, will avoid!

Ta Barry