Jean Paul AS-400 Alto Saxophone - Golden Brass Lacquered

It's been some time since I purchased this, and I've been playing it ever since. Before this sax, I had used ones and they are not even comparable. I also played several other saxophones of my friends but Jean Paul was still better than them. I have not tried the really good ones like Yamaha so cannot say anything about them. After a couple of years, it's still working great. I clean it after every practice, so probably that helps too. There are no broken or non-functioning pieces. However, the only problem is that sometimes the G# key gets stuck. In that case, I am using the dollar bill trick to fix it. I recommend this saxophone to all beginners.UPDATE AFTER A VERY LONG TIME:Reliability: From the moment I unboxed the AS-400SP, its silver-plated finish stood out, giving it a sleek and professional look. The build quality is impressive for a student-level saxophone, with sturdy keywork and a comfortable feel. The instrument came ready to play, requiring no additional setup, which was perfect for a beginner like me.Consistency: Throughout my practice sessions, the AS-400SP has delivered a robust and resonant tone. Its playability has remained consistent, and the intonation is reliable across the range. I make it a point to clean the saxophone after every practice, and I believe this maintenance has contributed to its longevity. Even after extensive use, there are no broken or non-functioning parts.Minor Issues and Maintenance: The only recurring issue I've encountered is the G# key occasionally sticking. However, using the "dollar bill trick" to clean the pad resolves this quickly. It's a minor inconvenience that doesn't detract from the overall quality of the instrument.Ideal for Aspiring Saxophonists: Having tried several other student saxophones, the AS-400SP stands out in terms of sound quality and build. While I haven't had the opportunity to compare it directly with higher-end models like Yamaha, this saxophone has exceeded my expectations for a beginner instrument. It's an excellent choice for those starting their musical journey.Final Thoughts: The Jean Paul AS-400SP has been a dependable and high-performing saxophone throughout my learning experience. Its quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment for any beginner.

I played alto sax in elementary, junior high, and high school, first chair in all bands as well as playing a stage band, a Dixieland band, and solo performance, but gave up sax after high school graduation. That was 52 years ago. I longed to return to the sax but found that reconditioning my old alto would cost as much or more than a new one so I decided to do some research on what might be a good new sax to invest in. After weeks of reading reviews, watching videos and comparing prices, the Jean Paul AS-400 seemed to be the sweet spot between affordability and high-quality, so I took the plunge. Less than a day with my new sax and I could not be more pleased with my purchase! It is everything the dozens of great reviews claim it to be and right out of the case, I started feeling at home, again, with an instrument I once loved and felt guilty for abandoning so many years ago. I should note that I remained a musician, mostly on piano and voice, but I have also picked up flute and clarinet along with guitar and a bit of violin. But it is good to be back home in Saxophone Land and with such an immediately comfortable and excellent-sounding horn. My only disappointment is not in the sax, itself, but rather, the neck strap which I am expecting a replacement for that I ordered yesterday. But for anyone wanting to start out on the sax or who, like me, wants to dive back into it, please do consider the Jean Paul AS-400 as a choice you can be confident in. At its price point, I cannot imagine a better quality instrument and considering a number of the reviewers stated it performs better than their more expensive student or intermediate model, I'm able to understand just why they make that claim. I've got a lot of work to do to get my embouchure back and more agile fingering and technique, but it certainly is going to be a pleasant journey. Beyond just the sound of the AS-400, the fit and finish on a very solid instrument are excellent, as well.