Trevor James 'The Horn' classic II Alto Sax Outfit - Gold Lacquer

Second hand and in excellent condition. The pads are as new with no wear at all. No marks on the lacquer, comes with original case.

• A robust and reliable horn that not only feels great but can withstand enthusiastic exploration of the instrument by new players in their early stages.
• Excellent build quality for a comfortable and responsive playing experience.
• Features thumb rests to allow your hands to sit comfortably and naturally on the sax, whilst also encouraging correct hand positioning.
• Keywork featuring blue needle springs for a very natural key action that is particularly smooth and light to the touch.
• A versatile and pure tone with excellent clarity.

The Trevor James “The Horn” Classic II alto sax is designed as a student-to-intermediate instrument, maintaining the lineage of the original Horn sax from 1993. By 2006, Trevor James refined it into the Classic II version—featuring a larger bore, free-blowing response, and improved mechanics—all while offering a Gold lacquer finish that’s visually appealing and durable 

It comes as a complete outfit: brass body, Italian Pisoni pads with metal reflectors, a Trevor James mouthpiece and ligature, cap, mother-of-pearl key touches, lightweight backpack-style case, reed, and neck strap 

Build Quality & Ergonomics

• Materials & Finish: All-brass construction with a gold lacquer coating offers a bright look and solid build; keyed with white plastic touchpieces

• Bore & Crook Design: A larger bore and refined crook enhance airflow, making it easier to play across all registers

• Pads & Mechanics: Uses Pisoni pads and metal reflectors for reliable sealing, tone, and longevity—plus smooth key action

• Carry Case: Lightweight, contoured hard-shell case with shoulder straps adds portability

 Sound & Playability

• Free-Blowing & Fluent: The instrument is praised for its ease of play, allowing beginners to produce sound quickly and confidently

• Tone Quality: Produces a warm, smooth, and resonant tone, well-suited for various styles and teaching environments 

• Suitable Scope: Ideal for new players but retains enough quality to support intermediate learning and performance.

Community & Expert Feedback

Reddit forums and saxophone specialists offer mixed but insightful opinions:

• Novice-friendly, but not pro-level:

  “The Trevor James is a good horn to get started on… you won’t be at a loss if you get the Trevor James” 
  “They are perfectly good beginner instruments.” 

• Comparison with Yamaha:

  “If you can afford… get the Yamaha YAS‑280…but the Trevor James is still brilliant”

• Durability concerns: Some advanced users note mechanical limitations or occasional temperamental behaviour, and caution that Yamaha and other professional-level horns offer better longevity .

General sax communities echo this perspective: TJ horns are reliable for beginners and early progression, though not as robust or refined as higher-end models .

Given the quality, features, and included accessories, it offers strong value, particularly for beginners and students.

 Pros & Cons

 Pros:

• All-inclusive starter outfit: mouthpiece, reeds, ligature, case

• Free-blowing and easy for beginners

• Warm, rounded tonal quality

• Lightweight and ergonomically friendly

• Good build quality: Pisoni pads, solid keywork

 Cons:

• Not as robust or precise as mid-tier Yamaha/Selmer

• Some mechanical quirks—occasional maintenance needed

• May limit players aiming for advanced/progressive performance levels

The Trevor James “The Horn” Classic II Alto Sax – Gold Lacquer is an excellent student/intermediate instrument, offering quality playability, a comfortable ergonomic design, and a warm tone—all at a modest price. While it's not in the same league as Yamaha YAS‑280 or Selmer equivalents, it's a smart, budget-conscious option for those starting out or progressing beyond beginner level.

If you're beginning your sax journey and want something that won't put you off with playability or quality issues, this sax delivers reliably—and many players continue to enjoy it for years.