JPSaxMan
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What to acquire first? Alto or soprano?Ok guys, here's the scoop.
I currently play alto, tenor, and bari with the most experience on alto (but for some reason have a natural knack for tenor, don't know why). But anyway, I have the option of either renting an alto or soprano. I was thinking about it...I was going to rent one now and one later (and maybe the one later would be off of a personal loan rather than a Musician's Friend loan). The alto I currently own is beat to hell and the one I'm borrowing I can't borrow forever. I do not get many calls for an alto however, so I really don't have an immediate need for one unless I get called, in which case I could just borrow one for a gig. Plus I've always wanted a soprano; I was going to get one before I got my Selmer LaVoix tenor (glad I got the Selmer however, because I have gotten much use out of it). Plus money is an issue and the soprano is somewhat cheaper to rent than the alto.
So herein lies my question...is it a huge deal if I rent a soprano instead of an alto? I was thinking of a Selmer Super Action 80 II in silver plate for a soprano (I can get for about $95/month) or a SA80II alto in clear lacquer (which is about $104/month...I think that's what it was before the sale and I'm not sure I will be able to get it for $89/month which I think it's at now). What should I do? Rent the alto or soprano? The other upside I think to renting a soprano is now is that much more experience on soprano (I was going to wait until at least next year before I rented out my second instrument).
So...what should the final verdict be? Any opinions are appreciated, thanks!  
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kirbay
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pick the one that you think you will have the most fun with ^_^
since music = fun! ^_^ well you already have an alto... so try out a soprano! :O (tenor still rocks) :P the reason why you probably have a natural knack for tenor is because we get more and better solos :P
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JazZz
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You're a student right? If you are, your school probably has some rental option where you can get one or both for a reasonable price. I know that I was able to rent a intermeddiate Jupiter for around $20 for the year + any MAJOR damage fees, like if I ran over it with a car and than jumped on it a lot. I know that to step up to a selmer paris was like $50-$80 for the year and these where nice saxes. Check through your school, in which case you may be able to rent both for a killer price.
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JPSaxMan
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I'm still in high school...I don't know if you meant school as in HS or college, but I will look into it. Thanks!
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GAS_Wyoming
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I have a few questions to help give you MY opinion.
What alto are you playing now that's beat to hell?
What are you going to do with either the alto or soprano? Gig? Classical or Jazz?
Why rent? Can you muster up the funds to buy?
I remember asking mom & dad for a new tenor when I was in 7th & 8th grade (1974-75). The music store had the best...a Selmer Paris Mark VI for around $600!!!! Mom & Dad just couldn't afford it.  I got an old Selmer Bundy (1967) that ended up being an awesome horn for about $140. I played it all the way through college.
I would look to buy if at all possible. Maybe JazZz is right; the rental prices can be pretty good these days, but you might be able to get something good for a cheap price (1/4 of the best horn's price) that will get you through until you can afford the best!
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JPSaxMan
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Ok.
I am playing an old Armstrong (not THAT old...a Selmer model Armstrong) that is at least 10 years old and never had pad replacements or anything. Has leaks everywhere, and is virtually dead.
I am going into college as a saxophone major (I so hope) so I figured I'd be fluent on all big four saxophones. I'd be doing both jazz and classical either as paid gigs or just as a recital.
I cannot pay for a horn at this point in time. I have yet to see a horn for quarter of it's suggested price! If I did though...you'd bet I'd be eyeing it though. I do not have enough funds to muster. I really wish everyone would stop trying to talk me out of the rental plan. It's the only option I have. Period.
So...what would be your proposed answer Greg?
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GAS_Wyoming
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Well, with that, I'd say you have no options. I'd rent a Great Alto with an option to buy! The soprano is a lot less in demand in most situations.
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JPSaxMan
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Thanks for your opinion 
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JazZz
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i'm in high school, and through 2 different high schools I know of at least 4 music stores around me that offer the same [highly] discounted rates on instrument rentals
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JPSaxMan
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The music store that our school uses does not supply pro instruments. I am in hickville...gotta remember that...lol
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