Jean Baptiste 88SS Soprano Saxophone - Dark Gold Lacquer

Excellent tone quality and intonation in all registers. Notes above high C# (palm keys) are slightly muted and can be difficult to reach, but after only a few days with this instrument, I've adjusted to be able to properly play every note. Notes below low E can be tricky to play without warbling between two pitches, but with some embouchure adjustment, these notes can be played (even with sub-tones) at a professional level. I am overall impressed with the quality of this horn, especially at the affordable price. (also, the instrument body is mindbogglingly gorgeous, especially in silver lacquer.)

Beautiful

I've had my sax for about a year now and I play it roughly 2-3 hours per week. I've played clarinet for 15 years, but never played sax until I bought this one. The first few weeks were rough, but after a month I could get a good sound out of every note with minimal intonation issues. Those tuning issues that I still do have are problems with me, not the instrument. I play with an Otto Link 6* and Vandoren JAVA Red 2.5s. I've been able to get rich, warm tone in the low register, and consistent response up through high D#. I do have some trouble getting the E and F sometimes, but that's likely a combination of me, the mouthpiece, and the reed...again not the saxophone.All in all this was a great purchase for $900 for someone who is a beginner and just plays recreationally. The only issues were a loose screw on one post (easily tightened), and a sticky low C# key. I admit the low C# problem is annoying, but if I press it rapidly about 10-15 times before I start playing, it will loosen up and have no further issues while I'm playing. I'm also sure I could watch a couple youtube videos and fix it myself in half an hour.

I bought a used Jean Baptiste 88 series in dark gold lacquer. It's very well constructed with no play in the keys, nice quality pads, no leaks, and beautiful engraving. Intonation is quite good and its fun to play. Hard to beat for the $ paid.

Bought a JB soprano from Sam Ash locally...it's their in house brand. I was very surprised how well this instrument played. Very consistent with intonation. Note, make sure the mouth piece is pushed all they on so that about a quarter inch of the cork is left exposed. This is normal, but most new players to soprano don't realize it and will think the instrument is a half step off. Bottom line this is a good player with nice etchings and key work. Can't beat it for the price.