Tag Archives: Instrument

Jose Ferrer El Primo classical nylon-string guitars

I have recently purchased two Jose Ferrer El Primo classical nylon-string guitars for my daughters. My seven year old daughter recently started learning guitar at school. The school music teacher recommended that we purchase a Jose Ferrer guitar. A quick trip to Music Express at Mt Gravatt resulted in purchasing a three-quarter-sized Jose Ferrer El Primo guitar (retail price $129.95). When the seven-year-old started to practice, my four-year-old decided she wanted to join in. … more »

Selmer Bundy II alto saxophone

I have not made a post recently, and have not yet put up a few photos of the instruments I have bought. I have been busy. But not too busy to purchase a Selmer Bundy II alto saxophone off eBay. Apparently the instrument was used for about six months, and then left in its case for 10 years. The instrument was described as being in very good condition, but in my opinion needs work. … more »

Sterling Bb nickel clarinet SCL-250N — first play

I had my first real play of the Sterling Bb nickel clarinet SCL-250N today. I have a lot to learn. The fingerings are very different to the Sterling tenor saxophone, and I keep on getting this horrible squeaking noise as I hit middle B and C. Still, like the tenor saxophone, I reckon that it is me that is deficient, not the instrument. Keep practicing … I will have to take some photos of the clarinet … more »

Sterling Bb nickel clarinet SCL-250N

After my success with the Sterling Bb tenor saxophone STS-500DN, I have lashed out the grand sum of $139 (+$30 freight) for a Sterling Bb nickel clarinet SCL-250N. How can Student Instruments import and sell musical instruments on eBay for about the price of a decent pair of running shoes? These really are disposable instruments — they will probably cost more to repair than the price of a new instrument. When they wear … more »

It’s not the saxophone!

In my initial review of the Sterling Bb tenor saxophone STS-500DN from Student Instruments, I was finding it difficult to consistently get crisp, clear notes every time — particularly lower G. It seems that 20 years of not playing a saxophone was a more important factor than the eBay instrument. After three or four practices I can now hit all notes crisply. This may, however, also have something to do with using Rico … more »

Doh! – tuning Sterling tenor saxophone

I bought a Sterling tenor saxophone STS-500DN from Student Instruments off eBay recently. I have played it a couple of times. Yesterday, I decided it was time to try to tune it. I got out my Korg electronic chromatic tuner that I bought for tuning my guitars. They didn’t have these around 20 years ago when I used to play an alto saxophone. I proceeded to play a G on the tenor sax. … more »

Sterling dark nickel and gold Bb tenor saxophone STS-500DN

Let me get one thing clear first up — if you are looking for a saxophone for performance or professional use, have some self-respect and go buy an instrument costing a minimum of ten times the price of this instrument. Or go and get a new job because you obviously don’t value your tools of trade highly. This instrument is definitely aimed at the beginner student market. You are still reading. Okay, so let … more »