Saxophone FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Instruments
Which parcel services does Costa Instruments use for shipping? DHL, express, or freight forwarder?
For packages within Germany, we prefer to work with DHL. Items with the status "In stock" are reliably delivered within one to two business days. Shipping damage is extremely rare.
For those in a hurry, your order can also be delivered via DHL Express for an additional charge. Simply add a note requesting DHL Express in the order comments. DHL Express offers scheduled delivery within 3-5 days worldwide, depending on the destination of your shipment. Delivery to recipients within cities in Europe even takes place the following day.
Are the products checked before shipment?
When we receive goods from our suppliers, we check all cartons for shipping or packaging errors, and our quality assurance team performs spot checks for processing quality and defects.
All of our used instruments undergo a final technical inspection before shipment!
How can I pay for my order?
The following payment methods are available for your order:
Please note that the available payment options may vary depending on the delivery country.
Credit card: Payment via Visa or Mastercard. The amount will only be charged upon shipment.
PayPal: Fast and secure payment via your PayPal account.
Klarna – Installment payment: Three interest-free installments. The first installment is due upon ordering, the others after 30 and 60 days.
SOFORT: Direct online bank transfer via your usual online banking. The amount and recipient are pre-filled – simply confirm with your PIN and TAN.
SEPA direct debit: The invoice amount is conveniently debited from your bank account. The deduction is made upon shipment.
Can I pay in installments?
Pay with Klarna in 3 interest-free installments. The first installment is charged at the time of purchase. The remaining two payments will be automatically charged every 30 and 60 days.
PayPal also offers the option to pay in installments.
How does it work? Proceed to checkout as normal. Select Klarna or PayPal as your payment method. The service provider Klarna/PayPal will then ask you to log in. After that, the option to pay in 3 installments, for example, will appear. Select your preferred payment method.
Please note that the availability of installment payments depends on various factors – such as your country of residence, the value of the goods, and the individual credit check performed by the respective payment provider.
How does customs clearance work for customers from non-EU countries?
Third countries are all countries that are NOT in the EU. Special regulations apply to Switzerland.
The EU includes: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Cyprus (Greek part). For some territories that politically belong to the EU, there are separate tax and customs regulations (e.g., Canary Islands, Channel Islands).
Shipping to third countries
For deliveries to third countries (non-EU countries), we charge net prices. All required export customs documents will be enclosed with the shipment in addition to the invoice. The customs authority in the recipient country will calculate the corresponding import duties (customs, taxes, etc.).
Import fees in the respective third country are to be borne by the customer.
FAQs Buying a Saxophone - Berlin
Which saxophone is the right one for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend the alto saxophone. It is smaller and lighter than the tenor saxophone, requires less air pressure, and is easier to intonate. The fingering is intuitive, and there is a wide selection of sheet music and learning materials available. Those who prefer a deeper, richer sound and are a bit taller can also start with the tenor saxophone. At Costa Instruments in Berlin, we let you play all our instruments – that way you can find out which one feels right for you.
How much does a saxophone cost?
Prices depend on the type, brand, and condition. A rough guide:
Student alto saxophone (new): 600 – 2,600 euros
Tenor saxophone (used, inspected with warranty): 1,500 – 4,500 euros
Baritone saxophone (used, inspected with warranty): 3,000 – 6,000 euros
We advise against old used saxophones or unknown cheap saxophones under 300 euros – these instruments make learning difficult because the mechanics and pads are not properly set.
What is the difference between alto, tenor, soprano, and baritone saxophones?
There are four common saxophone types:
Alto saxophone (Eb): The most popular instrument for beginners. Compact, light, versatile. Ideal for jazz, pop, and classical music.
Tenor saxophone (Bb): Larger, heavier, deeper sound. Typical for jazz and rock. The second choice for beginners.
Soprano saxophone (Bb): Small, straight or curved. Bright sound, more demanding in terms of intonation. More for advanced players.
Baritone saxophone (Eb): The largest of the four types. Very deep sound, mainly used in big bands and orchestras.
For most beginners, the alto saxophone is the right choice.
Can I rent a saxophone instead of buying one?
Yes. Costa Instruments offers a rental service for saxophones – ideal for students and beginners who want to find out if the saxophone is the right instrument for them. The monthly rental fee is credited proportionally toward a later purchase. Contact us via WhatsApp or our contact form for current terms and availability.
What are the best saxophone manufacturers?
The most renowned manufacturers worldwide:
Selmer (France): The benchmark brand for professional saxophones, particularly the Mark VI, which is considered a legend.
Buescher (USA): Recommended for advanced players. American saxophones with a characterful, warm sound – a specialty at Costa Instruments. Warm, deep sound and excellent workmanship. Costa M. Instruments specializes in Buescher.
Martin (USA): Top manufacturer with the Martin Committee and RCM as their most famous models. A must for advanced players looking for a round tone, good ergonomics, and a jazzy sound. Costa M. Instruments specializes in Martin.
Conn (USA): Top wind instrument manufacturer. Great for saxophones, trombones, and trumpets; suitable for both students and advanced players.
Yamaha (Japan): Reliable, consistent quality, good for beginners/students and professionals. With the YAS 21, YAS 23, and YAS 280, these are very frequently played models. Whether used or new, Costa M. Instruments always has Yamaha saxophones in stock.
Yanagisawa (Japan): High-quality workmanship, warm sound, popular with professionals.
Buffet Crampon (France): Known for woodwinds, reliable, good intonation, and good value for money.
Keilwerth (Germany): Solid European quality.
What is a vintage saxophone and is it worth buying?
Vintage saxophones are instruments built before 1970 – mostly in the USA (Buescher, Martin, Conn, King) or France (Selmer, Buffet Crampon). Many professional musicians prefer vintage instruments because of their characterful, warm sound, which differs significantly from modern instruments. The materials and workmanship were also much higher quality back then, which is reflected in the sound.
Is it worth buying? Yes, absolutely – provided the instrument has been checked and completely overhauled by a professional. At Costa Instruments, all vintage saxophones are thoroughly inspected and made ready to play in our Berlin workshop before being sold.
How do I recognize a good used saxophone?
These are the points you should pay attention to when buying:
- All pads close tightly – no air loss while playing
- The neck fits firmly and is not bent
- All notes respond cleanly, no outliers in intonation
- There are no dents or bends on the body
- Ideal: The instrument has been inspected by a professional and comes with a warranty
What is the difference between a lacquered and a silver-plated saxophone?
Most saxophones have a gold brass lacquer (gold lacquer). Silver saxophones are silver-plated – meaning they are coated with a thin layer of silver.
Gold lacquer: Round sound, slightly more dampened, classic look, easier to maintain.
Silver-plated: Slightly brighter, warmer, more brilliant sound, more elegant appearance.
The difference in sound is subtle and hardly noticed by beginners. The choice is ultimately a matter of personal taste.
How heavy is a saxophone?
The weight varies depending on the type:
Alto saxophone: approx. 2.5 – 3 kg
Tenor saxophone: approx. 3.5 – 4.5 kg
Soprano saxophone: approx. 1 – 1.5 kg
Baritone saxophone: approx. 6 – 9 kg
When playing, the saxophone is carried on a strap around the neck, so the weight is well distributed. For children, we generally recommend the alto saxophone.
How do I properly maintain my saxophone?
With these simple steps, your saxophone will remain in good condition for a long time:
After every time you play, remove saliva from the body and neck with a swab.
Clean the mouthpiece and reed separately and let them dry.
Always store the instrument in its case.
Do not unnecessarily strain or bend the keys.
Regularly rub the cork on the neck with cork grease.
Take it to a specialist workshop for maintenance every 1–2 years.
Can I still learn the saxophone as an adult?
Yes, without a doubt. The saxophone is considered one of the most accessible wind instruments for adults. With a well-adjusted instrument and regular practice – even just 20 to 30 minutes a day – you can play your first melodies within a few weeks. Many of our customers start only in adulthood and are thrilled with their progress after just a few months. The key is to start with a playable instrument that doesn't work against you.
Which saxophone is suitable for which musical style?
Jazz: Tenor saxophone or alto saxophone – Especially popular brands: Buescher, Martin.
Pop / Rock: Alto saxophone or tenor saxophone.
Classical / Chamber music: Alto saxophone, less frequently soprano saxophone; especially popular brands: Selmer, Buffet Crampon.
Big band / Orchestra: All four types, depending on the part; especially popular brands: Buescher, Martin, Selmer saxophones.
Ska / Reggae: Alto saxophone or tenor saxophone.
Folklore / Folk music: Tenor saxophone.
At Costa Music Instruments, we carry saxophones for all styles – we will help you find the right instrument for your music.
What does a saxophone repair cost?
The costs depend on the scope of the work. Typical repairs at Costa Instruments in Berlin:
Adjusting a single key / replacing a pad: from 25 euros.
Renewing the neck cork: from 15 euros.
Removing a minor dent: from 40 euros.
General overhaul (all pads, all springs, tuning): Alto saxophone (from 900€), Tenor saxophone (from 1000€), Baritone saxophone (from 1100€).
Customization service: from 450 euros.
The assessment in our workshop in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg is free of charge. Simply drop by or arrange an appointment via WhatsApp.
Can I also buy my saxophone online?
Yes. All saxophones in our online shop at costa-instruments.com are fully inspected, cleaned, and adjusted to be ready to play in our Berlin workshop. We ship securely packed to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and worldwide. If you have any questions before purchasing, you can reach us at any time via WhatsApp – we are happy to send you additional photos or videos of the desired instrument.
Where can I buy and try out a saxophone in Berlin?
At Costa Instruments at Buchholzer Str. 9, 10437 Berlin Prenzlauer Berg. In our showroom, you can pick up and play all the saxophones from our range – without any pressure to buy and with personal expert advice. Our workshop is located directly on-site. You can reach us via WhatsApp, phone, or the contact form on our website. We also accept repairs and maintenance work.
Where/Who repairs saxophones in Berlin?
Costa Music Instruments performs repairs and general overhauls on saxophones. Bring the saxophone by, and within 1 working day, we will provide a diagnosis (20€, credited if the order is placed) with a detailed cost estimate.
Saxophone manufacturers / brands
Yamaha
Buescher
The History of Buescher – An American Saxophone Pioneer
The Buescher Band Instrument Company was founded in 1894 by Ferdinand August “Gus” Buescher in Elkhart, Indiana, and is one of the oldest and most influential American saxophone manufacturers in history. Following a factory fire in 1903, the company was officially renamed the “Buescher Band Instrument Company” – a name that underscores its clear focus on wind instruments.
Buescher played a decisive role in developing the saxophone in the USA from a curiosity into a serious professional instrument – played in concert bands, dance halls, and early jazz ensembles. To this day, Buescher saxophones are considered milestones of American instrument manufacturing.
Change of Ownership and Company History
In 1916, Gus Buescher sold the majority of his shares to six businessmen. One of these investors was Andrew Hubble Beardsley, who later co-founded the Elkhart Band Instrument Company with Carl Dimond Greenleaf – the then-president of Conn. Beardsley took over the presidency of the Buescher Company in 1919, while Buescher himself remained active as vice president and general manager. He retired from these positions in 1929 and served thereafter as a consulting engineer.
In 1926, the Buescher Band Company merged with Beardsley's Elkhart Band Instrument Company – which company acquired the other is not historically clear. After Beardsley’s death in 1936, the merged company was dissolved. However, Buescher continued to use the Elkhart brand for student instruments until 1959.
The Most Important Buescher Saxophone Models
Buescher True Tone (from approx. 1905)
The True Tone series is among the first mass-produced saxophones in America. It was characterized by precise intonation, elegant engravings, and a build quality that was exceptional for its time. Today, the True Tone is a sought-after collector's item.
Buescher Aristocrat (from the 1930s)
The Aristocrat line introduced significant technical advancements: snap-on pads, threaded Norton springs, and improved key geometry made the instruments more robust and mechanically reliable. The Aristocrat was played by both students and professional musicians and remains one of the most sought-after Buescher series today.
Buescher 400 – “Top Hat and Cane” (from 1942)
The absolute top model of the brand is the 400 series – popularly known as “Top Hat and Cane,” named after the characteristic bell engraving featuring a top hat and walking stick. Development began in the mid-1930s, with the official market launch taking place in early 1942. With its rear-mounted key layout and outstanding workmanship, the Buescher 400 is still considered the highest-quality instrument the brand ever produced.
Model overview by year of release:
True Tone | from approx. 1905 | First American mass production, elegant engravings
New Aristocrat | from the 1930s | Improved mechanics, Snap-On pads
Buescher Aristocrat | 1930s–1960s | Main professional series
Buescher 400 “Top Hat and Cane” | from 1942 | Top class, most desirable vintage model
Technical Innovations by Buescher
One of the most significant innovations was the Snap-On pad system: it allowed for quick pad changes with greater seating stability – a practical relief for workshops and players alike, which was groundbreaking in the industry.
Furthermore, Buescher was one of the leading suppliers for school bands and wind classes in the USA, covering beginners, advanced students, and professionals with its range.
The End of an Era – Acquisition by Selmer in 1963
In 1963, Buescher was acquired by the H&A Selmer Company – the company known as Conn-Selmer since 2003. Production continued for a few more years under the Buescher name, but the build quality and reputation of the brand suffered increasingly under the new ownership.
Why Buescher Vintage Saxophones Are Still Sought After Today
Vintage Buescher saxophones from the period before 1963 – especially the Aristocrat and 400 models – are highly valued today by collectors, vintage enthusiasts, and jazz musicians worldwide. The reasons:
- Warm, centered sound with an unmistakably American character
- Solid intonation across the entire range
- Robust mechanics that can be overhauled well even after decades
- Significantly lower prices than comparable vintage Selmer models despite similar sound quality
Frequently Asked Questions about Buescher Saxophones
When was Buescher founded?
The Buescher Band Instrument Company was founded in 1894 by Ferdinand August “Gus” Buescher in Elkhart, Indiana.
What does “Top Hat and Cane” mean?
“Top Hat and Cane” is the nickname for the Buescher 400 series, named after the bell engraving of a top hat and walking stick. The series is considered the highest-quality model Buescher ever produced.
When was Buescher sold?
In 1963, Buescher was acquired by the H&A Selmer Company, which has been known as Conn-Selmer since 2003.
Are Buescher saxophones still playable today?
Yes – well-preserved or professionally overhauled vintage Buescher saxophones are fully functional instruments and very popular among jazz musicians.
Where can I buy a vintage Buescher saxophone?
At Costa Instruments in Berlin, you can find inspected and professionally overhauled vintage saxophones, including Buescher models – with a warranty and worldwide shipping.
Martin
Martin Band Instrument Company
Founding & History
The Martin Band Instrument Company was founded in 1904 in Elkhart, Indiana, by the sons of German immigrant John Henry Martin. The brand was known for exceptional craftsmanship and a warm, resonant sound. Production ended in the 1970s.
Models & Eras
Handcraft Era (1910s–1930s)
Martin's first significant saxophone line was the Handcraft series. Its trademark was heavily soldered, beveled tone holes, which provided superior sonic characteristics. The series evolved through several variants – including Troubadour and Imperial – and laid the foundation for the later Committee line.
Committee Line (1930s–1950s)
The Committee series is considered the brand's most legendary and most collected line.
Committee I & II – Introduction of Art Deco key guards and finely crafted engravings, including the well-known "Searchlight" or "Mars Attacks" motif.
"The Martin" – Committee III (1945–1971) – The most famous model of all. Known for its massive, dark, and powerful sound. Very popular with jazz and military band musicians.
Acquisition
In 1971, the company was acquired by the G. Leblanc Corporation. Under Leblanc, Martin saxophones were briefly replaced by rebranded instruments from the Japanese manufacturer Yanagisawa. In 2007, the Martin brand was discontinued for good.
Vintage Martin saxophones remain highly prized to this day for their unique, smoky, and bluesy sound and are in great demand among collectors worldwide.
