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Models
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Speaking from experience, not bias, Selmer seems to be the absolute best saxophone manufacturer. If you are interested in a professional saxophone, the Super Action 80 Series by Selmer, or the MK VI or MK VII or the early model Buescher would be an excellent choice. The Buescher was made by Selmer in its early years. Antigua Winds make an excellent clone of the MK VII, if you are wanting and intermediate horn. In my opinion, it is utterly useless to purchase a beginner level saxophone.
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Instrument Handling
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Number One, it is very important that you keep your horn in good condition. This means keeping it clean, and keeping the pads, springs, and key mechanisms in good repair. Clean your horn at least once per week. A cleaning kit is a cheap, very worthy investment.
Number Two, breathing is important. In normal breathing, you only use about 1/3 of your lung capacity. When playing a wind instrument, it is quite essential to develop good breathing habits. First, you must breath with your stomach. To do this, put your left hand on your stomach, and your right hand on your chest. Practice breathing by only moving your left hand.
When playing, your shoulders should never move.
Number three, embouchre and throat are important. Embouchre is the way you hold your mouth around the mouthpiece. To get the proper style, whistle. Hold your lips in the position it takes to whistle. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth, and don't change your lip position. This is the proper position.
Throat position is often overlooked. When you speak, your throat is constantly changing shape. When you play saxophone, the way the throat is positioned can change the ease with which the note is played.
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Lessons & Practice
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Lessons are very important in music. Find a person that knows a great deal about sax, and ask them for lessons.
Practice is what makes masters masters. You need to devote time every day to playing the saxophone. The more you practice, the better your tone, the easier it gets to play, and the closer you will come to mastering saxophone.
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