I've noticed that John Packer are currently selling their own brand of ex-rental saxes (serviced and guaranteed for a year) for £130. Now, I know the quality isn't going to be up to much but that's still a bit of a bargain isn't it....?? Esp with the warranty. Was tthinking of renting a sax but this way I could own one for not much more than the deposit I'd pay on a rental and if I drop it/throw it out of a window I've no-one to answer to....!!

Is it worth going for....???

I've heard of the JP saxes, they're not great but they're supposedly not diabolical either (only going on what others have said).

At that price I would think you wouldn't have much to lose, if after a year you give up playing then you could probably sell it for what you payed for it or very near.
If you keep playing and want a better sax you have a back-up instrument available, which is always handy.

If you straight away upgrade to a decend student mouthpiece, Yamaha 4c or 5c or a Selmer C* you could do a lot worse I think.

i can't speak for their saxes, but i've used a JP011 flute (the lowest-end model, like this sax seems to be). it wasn't unplayable, but it wasn't especially great either; about what you'd expect for the price. i was glad to upgrade to a Yamaha after a couple of months.

personally, if i were going to do it again, i'd start by renting. you get a better instrument to start with, and most places will take the amount you've paid in rent off the price if you decide to buy it.

Thanks Ms Fiddle, I have gone for it. At the very least it should do for a year or so during which time I can save up for a better one should I stick with it.

New toy!

How exciting for you.

At least buying from a reputable shop like JP they should have fully checked over the instrument before they send it to you and you have somewhere to go back to, even if it's via the telephone, if you have any problems or questions.

Good luck.


x

You've judged that about right I'd say. It might go a bit longer.

New toy indeed! Enjoy!

yay!

The nice thing is that because it's ex-rental I know which model it is but not which finish (although I suspect the bog standard lacquer) so it'll be a nice surprise. I worked out that I'd spend more than that renting in the first year so I'm glad I found it.

I know some people feel differently but I do think it makes a difference actually owning the instrument you play. It just feels nicer to me.

I know alot of people who play on John Packer saxes, and everyone I have heard seems to think they are a bargain for the prices they charge. I myself nearly bought one but it hadbeen over a month and it hadent arrived, so I cancelled the order. My teachers's 'back up' sax is even a John Packer and he has a rather hectic solo career!