Alto Control 30

Advantages: Fine quality, hand made in france, boasting all the quality of selmer's. Deep, rich tone, easy to play and well designed keywork.
Disadvantages: It'll set you back a fair bit of money, and some of the intonation could be improved, but thats being really picky, and really it hasn't got many disadvantages!

...This is without a doubt one of the best alto saxes I have ever played, and I now own one. A superb sax, with a deep rich tone right from the bottom of the horn all the way up into the altissimo register. It is fairly easy to reach the altissimo notes on this horn, however I find them easier with my own meyer 7 mouthpiece to the C* mouthpiece provided. Although the C* mouthpiece provided is good quality, and used widely by beginners and professionals alike, I prefer a mouthpiece with a wider opening and I am predominantly a jazz musician, and find that the C* is more suited to classical. I find that the Serie II sits very comfortably in the hands, and all of the keys are in the right place. I prefer the Serie II sax to the Serie III, which I find has a slightly harsher and brighter tone, as well as higher palm keys, which I do... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Incredible tone, easy to play, good intonation - everything you want in a sax!
Disadvantages: It's quite pricey - around £2600+

...This is without a doubt the nicest alto saxophone that I have ever played, and I have played almost all of the leading saxes, (including 2 Mark VI's, Serie II, Serie III, Keilwerth SX90R, yamaha customs, professional yanagisawas etc.) This saxophone is my perfect saxophone, and if I could afford one then I would most definitely trade up my Serie II for one! This sax is basically a mark VI, but improved! It has the same classic tone of a mark VI, but it is easier to play, with improved intonation, and also the keys are more responsive and better designed. This sax is finished in dark lacquer, to try and mimic a vintage look, and it looks spectacular. Selmer have also recently started making a version in an antique matt finish and not engraved, which I don't like as much, but it still looks impressive and sounds great. I would... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Beauty and Sound
Disadvantages: None

...Yamaha Alto Saxophone YS62 Silver Finish Bought new recently plays beautifully, easy top notes with clear sound, good low notes although for me the low note L.H. 5 finger will need work to get smooth transitions between notes. Quite a bright tone which suits me. Silver finish adds to the price but to me impresses more than the slightly yellow appearance of the gold one. Sturdy case although I have reverted to my Gig bag as the sturdy case is quite heavy but good for commutes or school runs. Case has feet on two sides making vertical or horizontal stacking standing possible good for tight spots on the bus or car boot. Adjustable R.H. thumb support good for kids possibly. Came with sensible sized mouthpiece for good all round use.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful