Eastar AS-Ⅱ Student Alto Saxophone E Flat Beginner Sax Full Kit, Carrying Case, Mouthpiece, Straps, Reeds, Stand, Golden Lacquer

Professional packagequality productaffordableextremely high performance and functioningPerfect appearance

I use to play saxophone some 20 years ago. When I say play, I mean I was able to play a simple tune. I didn't take it any further then as I simply didn't have the time. Now retired, I play the piano, guitar and harmonica and decided I'd like to give alto saxophone another go.I ordered this model as the reviews seemed favourable. That said I ordered some Rico reeds (1.5) as I wasn't expecting the ones that come with saxophone to be of much use. In fact the ones that come with the sax are (3) probably to strong for a beginner.I'm no expert, but the saxophone seems well made, no apparent issues with any keys, not overly noisy key action. I was also a bit worried the mouthpiece wouldn't be up to much, however it seems fine for now. I was able to play a C major scale within ten minutes no squeaks or unwanted noises so I'm very happy with my purchase.Stand seems well made and cleaning tools too.

Returning to sax playing after some years, I was looking for a good quality, inexpensive instrument to see if I still had the wind power to play. The reviews indicated that this instrument seemed to tick the boxes so I bought one and, thus far, am pleased I opted for this model. I’ve only had it a few days and am still trying to get the technique under control, but everything seems to be fine. The notes are true, given my ability to make a squeak appear from nowhere, at least in the lower range where I am concentrating. The sax is well made, the finish is first class and it is a sturdy piece of kit. A decent set of accessories are included BUT BE WARNED. The description clearly states that cork grease and a pad saver are included, but they are not. Apart from that small issue, a decent instrument at a decent price which is an ideal starter sax.

I have always liked the saxophone and I bought this as an early birthday present to myself.Firstly, I was impressed by the quantity of accessories in the box. I know it’s all listed, but I was surprised by the stand and the cork grease being included. Also there was a reed already in the mouthpiece that seemed to be perfectly positioned.Once I’d removed the cork keeping the lower keys closed - you might want to put a note in the case telling us about that, Eastar! - I gave it my best embouchure and blew a clear, warm note. I was thrilled. Over the last few days I’ve been familiarising myself with the tone, hand positions and fingerings, and I’m in love with how this instrument looks, feels and sounds. This is great value for money, as I might never have bought a sax for myself at a higher price point. As it is, this beginner is finally beginning.

This is a very good instrument that arrives with all one could need.It is a joy to play and at a very reasonable price.

Good quality product, just right for a beginner. All you need to start and great quality for a very reasonable price!

Very well made but, you need to buy a Yamaha 4C Alto mouthpiece and a packet of Royal 2.0 reeds. Then it plays very, very well, as good as saxophones costing up to £1,400. It also has a high F# key which some expensive beginner saxophones do not have. All the notes on this saxophone play very clearly, again using a good quality mouthpiece and reed. Do not even attempt to use the mouthpiece and reeds which come with the instrument, they are useless. My saxophone had no sticky pads or loose keys and the posts are not grouped but are individually soldered as you would get on a professional saxophone. Why would anyone pay well over £1000 when this is as good, if not better simply by replacing mouthpiece and reeds. Remember to remove all the cork packing pieces (mine has 8) before attempting to play it, as it will not play correctly. Mine came with no cork grease, so you may need to purchase this to put the mouthpiece on properly. If you don't push the mouthpiece on far enough the instrument will play slightly flat.

I hope 3* is a fair review. I was excited to receive my Alto sad having played a tenor sax some years ago. The build seemed good especially for the money. I'd ordered some reeds as I knew the reef coming with the sax would not be too quality. As I started to play scales I realized that I couldn't get all the notes. The tone and sound of those I could play was encouraging for a new instrument. When I investigated the lever of the G# note was not closing the key, it dabbled in the air. So I've asked for a return and my money back. It is disappointing that the quality control was not good enough to pick up on this defect.