JP Instruments JP041 Eb alto saxophone

John Packer have been manufacturing woodwind and brass instruments for more than a decade and have gained an excellent reputation in the education market. Their student instruments are always among the best in their price bracket, and the JP041 Eb alto saxophone is no exception. It’s a superb all round performer capable of great dynamic expression across all registers, and an ideal starter instrument.

The JP041 is at home in any genre of music as it possesses both subtlety for ensemble playing and confident projection for solos. Its fully ribbed construction ensures longevity and, together with the pad resonators, contributes to the saxophone’s powerful tone. The body is finished with a classic golden lacquer and has an intricately engraved bell giving it an attractive professional look.

It’s a comfortable saxophone to handle thanks to an adjustable thumb rest, a heavily padded neck sling, and the floating plate design for the little finger (left hand) cluster which aids quick movements across the instrument once players become proficient. The sax’s keywork also features an underslung octave mechanism on the crook to stabilise response, and the B and C keys have a double spine for reinforcement.

Each saxophone is supplied as part of an outfit that includes a rigid rectangular case with detachable backpack-style straps, John Packer's padded 'Well Slung' neck sling, a mouthpiece and cap, and a ligature. The mouthpiece is adequate for beginners but as students progress they may wish to replace it in order to get the best from the instrument. Do remember to purchase reeds, strength 1.5 would be perfect for the beginner!