One word, Garbage. I consider myself to be an authority on this topic because I am a professional saxophonist and woodwind repair technician. I see these horns come through our shop a lot and many times I’ve had to tell the owner that their saxophone is unable to be repaired. Mendini by Cecilio is one of the poorest in quality musical instrument manufacturers that is selling cheap horns online today. Listed below are other brands to avoid and I will explain why if you read further.

DON’T BUY:
Mendini
Cecilio
Jean Baptiste
Heimer
Roy Benson
LJ Hutchen
Borg
Anaxa
Simba
…basically any horn that sells brand new online for under 0.00

Reasons not to buy:
1. Poorly constructed with cheap materials. It will malfunction soon after purchase and will be a constant frustration for all parties (Student, Parent, and Teacher). Beginning students will almost certainly drop or knock their instruments around a few times until they gain a better understanding of how to properly handle them. Reputable manufacturers are well aware of this and design their beginner models with stronger, more durable materials. These Mendini type horns are made of metal so thin and soft, that you can actually bend it with surprising ease.

2. Parts are not available. When a part breaks, bends/dents, falls off never to be found again… You will not be able to get another one. Many band & orchestra music stores that have repair shops routinely refuse to work on cheapo band instruments because of this reason. Believe me, I work in a woodwind/brass/string repair shop. There is no supplier of replacement parts for these instruments. Once it breaks, it is trash. Even in the situations where it is possible to do repair (i.e. pad or cork replacement) the cost of doing this often reaches and can even exceed the price of the horn.

3.Even at 9.99 (or whatever the sale price may be…), it is highway robbery! I think Sam’s Club has even started selling cheap instruments under the name, Simba. The big companies selling this crap are still making a huge profit margin. They probably purchase these instruments for less than 0.00!!

4. Let’s not forget that they’re being manufactured overseas by cheap, exploited laborers. I like to save money just like you do, but not at the cost of an underpaid, overworked labor force. When at all possible, I avoid purchasing products from companies with unethical labor practices.

Bottom line: If you purchase a cheap horn, be prepared to replace it soon. It’s a waste of time and money. Talk to your child’s band director before you buy anything. Instrument Rentals from a reputable band & orchestra store is usually your best starting option.

A Sax from any big manufacturer will cost u around one thousand dollars. This one costs a 1/4 of that and comes with case and accessories. I’m very pleased with its sound and build quality.
Recommend it to every student.

I bought my granddaughter a saxophone from you. She is only 9, so I thought I would buy her an inexpensive one to start with. I was greatly surprised at the quality and all the extras we received. She is thrilled with it. What a great bargain.. JoAn F