Background: We wanted to buy a sax for our son —replacing the Yamaha we had been renting from school —but quickly realized how expensive and overwhelming the whole process could be.
I knew enough not to steer clear of many of the ultra-cheap, “disposable” saxes found on Amazon and in many of the big-box retailers but I also didn’t have thousands to throw around at will.
I read all the reviews, watched the videos, got advice from his teachers and local service techs and endured many failed attempts at finding something among the various auction/resale sites.
By the time I learned about Jean Paul I was skeptical (to say the least) but I was running out of time. I decided to just pull the trigger and I couldn’t be more grateful for doing so.
First of all, the sax itself—by all accounts so far—is incredible in terms of build quality, feel, sound, etc.
I’m not talking about “good for the price.” This is flat-out a great saxophone that does nothing to stand in the way of anything anyone at any level would throw at it. Full stop.
More to the point, I was buying this for my son, still a student. And though he’s very passionate and committed to playing he’s (like any student) just as easily discouraged as encouraged by the tools he’s given.
So, whatever I got him had to be durable, reliable, easy to maintain/fix. It also had to encourage good technique, be easy to play, capable of growing with him (rather than be an obstacle to his growth)…without maxing out my credit card and, of course, look “awesome.”
Jean Paul checked all these boxes and more.
Beyond the sax itself, however, what impressed us the most were the people behind the product.
At EVERY step of the process and through multiple challenges, we received the level of support I’ve only ever heard of old-timers bragging about “back in the day.”
It became very clear, very quickly, that these folks are more “family” than “company” and proud of what they’re doing. They give a crap about what they’re selling and the people they’re selling it to.
Tim, Carlos, Mario —the whole Jean Paul team—went above and beyond to stay in touch (personal calls, zoom meetings, emails, videos) and address any concern.
Over the holidays no less—while filling countless orders and trying to be with family themselves.
I’m just one guy, buying one sax for one kid but the Jean Paul team understood just how much it meant to us and made us feel like we were their only customer.
We’re team Jean Paul all the way now and letting everyone know it.
God knows if my son will ever picks up a “Yama-Markisawa Pro VI” or whatever’s argued to be the “rarest/bestest/most-expensive” sax years from now but I’m sure he’ll still be playing (and loving) this sax.
Whatever you’re looking for, whatever your criteria, if it’s something sold on this website—go for it. You’ll be grateful you did—they’ll make sure of it.
