So, Notes - this model would be a good instrument to invest in? http://www.philbarone.com/store/saxophon...e-brass-classic

That's the least expensive of the MacSax and Barone models that I can find - and frankly not that much more than what I am finding used that are supposedly worthy of purchase.

There's a store here in CO (about a 3 hour drive from my house) that specializes in new and used Saxes: http://saxalley.com/ and I simply can't see myself driving 3 hours to find a used instrument for $800, that needs a $200 pad job on it, if I can get a new instrument with new pads, etc. for under $1700.

-Scott