Mendini by Cecilio saxophones have become incredibly popular over the last few years. As one of the most affordable saxophone brands on the market, they offer beginners, students, and even professionals a chance to own a decent horn without breaking the bank.

But with so many models and options to choose from, it can get confusing trying to select the right Mendini sax for your needs and skill level.

That’s why in this complete Mendini saxophone buying guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know before purchasing your first Mendini horn:

What is the Quality of Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones?

Mendini saxophones are primarily designed for student and beginner players. They are imported saxophones that are mass-produced in China.

The Mendini brand is owned by Cecilio, a company that imports a wide range of affordable musical instruments and accessories.

While Mendini saxes are budget-friendly, the quality is surprisingly good for the low price point. The horns are play tested at Cecilio’s factory before shipping out. And the intonation, tone, and playability are reliable, especially on their best-selling models.

That said, Mendini saxophones do have some limitations when it comes to materials and handcrafting. Features found on professional models like adjustable ribbed construction, blue steel springs, and leather pads will be missing.

The tone of a Mendini horn can’t compare to a top-tier Yamaha or Selmer either. But their consistent quality and ease of play make them ideal for new players who are just learning the ropes.

How Does Mendini By Cecilio Compare to Other Saxophone Brands?

Here’s a quick overview of how Mendini stacks up to some other popular sax brands:

• Yamaha: Better quality and tonal richness, but at 3-4x the cost of a Mendini. Yamahas are the best choice for advancing students.
• Selmer: Professional grade horns with superb intonation and resonance. The high cost puts them out of reach for most beginners.
• Jean Paul: Similar beginner-friendly features and pricing as Mendini models. Jean Paul can be a good alternative.
• Kaizer: A budget brand with very low prices, but quality control is hit-or-miss. Mendini tends to be more consistent.
• Etude: Etude horns are a step above Mendini in terms of features and materials. They cost a bit more but can last years longer.

So while Mendini can’t compete with the big boys in terms of pro-level quality, their balance of affordability and playability makes them an ideal choice for cost-conscious beginners, students, and hobbyists.

What Types of Saxophones Does Mendini By Cecilio Offer?

One benefit of Mendini is they produce a full range of saxophones to choose from:

• Soprano: The smallest sax with a bright, piercing tone. Key of Bb.
• Alto: The most popular choice, with a versatile tone. Key of Eb.
• Tenor: Large sax with a smooth, full tone. Key of Bb.
• Baritone: Biggest sax with a deep, rich sound. Key of Eb.

They offer both lacquered and unlacquered models for each type in a variety of colors and designs. This includes some cool options like pink, gold, white, blue, and purple saxes.

Mendini alto saxophones tend to be their most popular sellers, as altos are widely used in school bands. But they have strong choices for all four major sax types.

Are Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones Suitable for Beginners?

Absolutely! Mendini saxophones are designed with the needs of beginner and student players in mind:

• Affordable price makes purchasing your first horn much easier.
• Saxophones come already fully assembled out of the box. No tricky setup required.
• Models include useful beginner-friendly accessories like a tuner, case, mouthpiece, strap, and cleaning supplies.
• The lightweight plastic construction makes holding and carrying the horn comfortable for younger players.
• Quality control checks at the factory ensure proper playability right away.
• Tone, intonation, and playability allow new players to produce good sounds quickly.

Many band directors even recommend Mendini saxophones for students who are just starting lessons. The fast progress beginners can make helps keep them motivated as they learn.

What Materials Are Used in Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones?

Mendini uses a mix of metals, plastics, and synthetics to keep costs down:

• Body construction is a durable ABS plastic rather than wood or resin. This keeps the weight down.
• The keys use nickel-plated metals for smooth playability. Better models have pearl inlaid touches.
• Pads are a basic faux leather rather than felt. But they produce decent seal and response.
• Springs are stainless steel but not blue steel like on pro horns.
• The included mouthpieces are plastic. An upgraded one can make a difference.

While not the fanciest materials, they are well-suited for student players and allow Cecilio to hit lower price points. But the sound and construction can lack some warmth and nuance.

How Do You Tune a Mendini By Cecilio Saxophone?

Tuning any sax requires making adjustments to the cork, mouthpiece, and individual pads. Here are some tips for tuning a Mendini sax:

• Play chromatic scales across the full range. Listen for notes that sound off pitch.
• Use the included tuner. This can help identify problem notes that need adjustment.
• Make small tweaks to the cork to adjust the mouthpiece and airflow.
• Adjust pad height on specific keys using the screws. This fine tunes note production.
• Listen to how notes connect. Adjust pads to improve note transitions.
• Upgrade the mouthpiece. A better mouthpiece can improve intonation.
• Clean pads and keys to prevent air leaks that throw off pitch.
• Be patient and make tuning adjustments methodically. Over time, your Mendini sax will hold better intonation.

Where Can I Buy Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones Online?

Mendini saxophones are carried by many major online instrument retailers which offer competitive pricing:

• Amazon: Huge selection of Mendini models and bundles. Fast shipping with Prime.
• Musician’s Friend: Regular deals and coupons for Mendini horns. Easy returns.
• Guitar Center: Can find Mendini alto, tenor, soprano, and bari saxes.
• Thomann: Top European retailer with low international shipping costs.
• eBay: Listings for new and used Mendini saxophones. Models sell quickly.
• Reverb: Used horns available from music shops and individuals. Some good deals.
• Cecilio Store: Order directly for bundles with accessories and care kits.

Shopping online allows you to easily compare different Mendini sax models side by side. Be sure to factor in any additional shipping or taxes as well.

What is the Price Range for Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones?

Brand new Mendini saxophones typically cost between $200 – $500. Here are some price ranges by model:

• Soprano: $200 – $280
• Alto: $220 – $320
• Tenor: $280 – $480
• Baritone: $450 – $550

These prices are for lacquered models packaged with basic accessories. Unlacquered “pro” models cost $50 – $100 more.

Pricing can also vary depending on accessories bundled, such as case quality, mouthpieces, stands, extra reeds and so on.

For the quality, Mendini saxes are very fairly priced. However, used professional horns can sometimes be found for similar costs if you get a good deal.

How to Care for a Mendini By Cecilio Saxophone?

Proper cleaning and maintenance will keep your Mendini sax playing great for years. Here are some care tips:

• Swab the bore after each use to remove moisture buildup.
• Oil keys once a month to prevent sticking. Cork grease keeps cork joints airtight.
• Check pad seals and make tuning adjustments as needed.
• Keep the lacquer clean by hand polishing with a soft cloth. Don’t use polish sprays.
• Use a pad saver when not playing to prevent pad damage.
• Empty water from condenser to avoid corrosion.
• Store in case in cool, dry place when not in use.
• Avoid dents/damage by handling the horn carefully. Never place on hard surfaces.
• Bring to a repair tech for any major servicing issues. Don’t attempt repairs yourself.

With proper care and maintenance, a Mendini sax can easily last 5+ years even with regular use. Taking the time to keep it clean pays off with better playability.

What Accessories Come with Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones?

Mendini bundles provide beginners with all the essentials in one pack:

• Case: Hard shell case or lightweight gig bag. Quality varies by model.
• Mouthpiece: Basic plastic mouthpiece to get started playing.
• Ligature and cap: Holds reed onto mouthpiece. May be basic plated metal.
• Cleaning supplies: Rods, cloths, gloves for care and maintenance.
• Strap: Neck or shoulder sax strap. Needed to hold horn while playing.
• Extra reeds: At least one pack of #2 or #21⁄2 reeds. Rico brand.
• Tuner: Small chromatic tuner to help tune notes.
• Stand: Folding metal stand holds sax when not playing.
• Assembly tools: For any final tweaks to pads, keys, or cork needed.

Having all these accessories bundled helps beginners start practicing and playing songs right out of the box. No extra purchases needed.

What is the Warranty on Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones?

Cecilio provides a 1 year factory warranty on all new Mendini saxophones. This covers:

• Manufacturer defects in materials or workmanship.
• Issues with pads, keys, springs that are not caused by misuse.
• Problems with solder joints that affect playability.

To claim warranty service, you’ll need to provide proof of purchase. Contact Cecilio support to open a claim.

If a defect is found, they will repair or replace the saxophone. Shipping costs may apply if you need to send the horn in.

Accidental damage is not covered after purchase. So handle your Mendini sax with care right from the start!

Are There Any Reviews for Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones?

With thousands of beginners starting on Mendini saxes each year, there are tons of reviews available:

• Amazon: Over 1,400 reviews averaging 4/5 stars. Users praise playability and value.
• YouTube: Many beginners post unboxing, setup, and first impression videos.
• Forums: Active discussions on community bands and sax forums. Owners share upgrade tips.
• Reddit: The r/saxophone group has feedback on durability and quality over time.
• Music Retailers: Sites like Musician’s Friend and Sweetwater have customer-written reviews.

The consensus across reviewers is that Mendini offers very good quality control and playability for such inexpensive horns. While not at pro level, beginners can learn on them just fine.

How to Set Up a Mendini By Cecilio Saxophone?

Mendini saxophones come mostly pre-assembled in the box. But there are still a few steps beginners should take:

• Carefully remove from case and inspect for any loose parts or damage.
• Attach neck to body with cork grease. Align precisely and tighten screw.
• Place mouthpiece on cork. Center and tightened using ligature.
• Install strap using hooks near bell and right thumb key. Adjust for playing position.
• Tune sax using chromatic tuner. Make fine cork and screw adjustments as needed.
• Break in reeds by soaking in water for 2-3 minutes before playing. Discard warped reeds.
• Test and adjust pad height using included tools. Pad contact should be even.
• Clean bore and keys before playing for first time. Removes manufacturing oils.
• Check adjustment screws on key rods. Tighten if needed.

With the basics covered, your Mendini sax will be ready to play out of the box!

What is the Sound Quality of Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones?

The sound quality of Mendini saxophones is impressive for the price. While lacking the true depth and richness of professional horns, they produce a balanced, quality tone suitable for students.

Here are some notable traits of the Mendini sax sound:

• Accurate intonation – Stays relatively in tune across registers due to quality control.
• Good projection – Decent volume and carrying power. Enough for ensemble playing.
• Bright but warm – Clear high tones but also nice midrange. Plastic body impacts depth.
• Consistent tone – Quality pads provide evenness through all notes.
• Playability– Smooth key action and proper pad seals help produce clear sound.
• Slight buzziness – Some models can have a vibrating buzz, especially on lower notes when pads loosen over time.

While not at concert hall level, the Mendini can produce a pleasing student sax sound. And upgrades like better mouthpieces and professional setups can take the quality even higher.

Can Professionals Use Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones?

While designed for students and beginners, it is possible for intermediate and pro players to get quality tones from a Mendini saxophone. However, some upgrades may be required:

• Mouthpiece: The included plastic mouthpiece will need swapped for a pro setup like a Meyer or Selmer. This makes a big difference.
• Pads and cork: Have an expert tech replace pads and adjust corks to boost resonance. Blue steel springs can help too.
• Neck: A graduated custom neck may help improve intonation across registers.
• Lacquer removal: Taking the lacquer off can provide more warmth, if desired.
• Hand finishing: Precision adjustments by a pro repair person can maximize playability.
• Regular care: Keep pads sealing and keys moving freely with swabbing and oiling.

With the right upgrades and care, a Mendini sax can play smoothly enough for pros. But for the money, most advanced players would likely just opt for a better Yamaha or pro model that requires fewer mods.

How to Choose the Right Mendini By Cecilio Saxophone Model?

With the full range of saxes available, here are tips for selecting the best Mendini model for your needs:

• Skill level: If you’re an absolute beginner, stick with alto or tenor saxes. They are easier to handle.
• Music interests: Pick the sax used in your preferred genres – Alto for classical and rock, tenor for jazz, etc.
• Practice space: Consider sound projection. Altos project well in small spaces. Baritones need more room to resonate.
• Portability: Smaller soprano and alto saxes are more portable if travel is part of your plans.
• Budget: Set a spending cap before shopping. Alto and tenor models have the most variety under $300.
• Age and size: Younger students may want a smaller alto sax they can easily manage. Adults can handle larger horns.
• Upgradability: Some pro level options can be added down the road on premium “pro” models.

Choosing the right Mendini is all about aligning with your current skill, space, music tastes, and budget. Their lineup gives everyone a quality option.

Are There Any Tutorials for Playing Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones?

Since they are very popular beginner horns, there are many handy video tutorials available:

• YouTube: Tons of sax teachers post videos using Mendini models for demonstrations.
• Online lessons: Sites like Udemy have digital sax courses for all skill levels using a Mendini.
• How-to videos: Good for learning basics like assembly, cleaning, pad adjustment, and first songs.
• Product manuals: Cecilio provides digital owner’s manuals with diagrams and instructions.
• Books: Method books like Essential Elements work well with a Mendini sax.
• Sheet music: Download and print beginner songs arranged specifically for alto or tenor sax.
• Apps: Some interactive apps can teach fingerings and basic playing techniques.

With so many resources out there, it’s easy to find Mendini-tailored lessons that inspire you to practice and improve quickly!

How Often Should Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones be Serviced?

On average, plan to have your Mendini serviced by a professional repair technician every 12-18 months with regular use. But there are some signs to watch for that may require service sooner:

• Loose pads that cause air leaks when pressing keys.
  Can impact intonation.
• Sticking keys that are slow to close properly. Causes muffled notes.
• Cork issues like air leaks between joints. Makes horn difficult to tune and play in tune.
• Lost screws or springs affecting key action. Keys won’t close or open right.
• Enlarged tone holes due to pad wear. Produces hissing or poor intonation.
• Dents or damage to the body, rods, or keys. Can happen if dropped.
• Buildup in bore caused by moisture. Mutes the sound.

At the first signs of issues, take your Mendini saxophone in for an adjustment or repair to keep it in top playing condition.

What is the Return Policy for Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones?

One perk of buying directly from Cecilio is they allow returns of new saxophones within 30 days in case of defects or damage:

• New horns can be returned for full refund if in original condition.
• You’ll need to cover return shipping costs back to Cecilio.
• Horns must be sent back in original packaging and accessories. Keep all boxes and inserts!
• Used or damaged items may have a restocking fee deducted.
• Proof of purchase is required for accepting a return.
• Refunds are issued once the returned sax is inspected at their warehouse. Allow 2 weeks.

Online retailers like Amazon and Musician’s Friend also have return protection if you don’t open the packaging. This allows you to try before committing.

How Long Do Mendini By Cecilio Saxophones Last?

With proper maintenance and care, a Mendini saxophone should provide 5-10 years of playable life. Several factors affect longevity:

• Manufacturing quality – Quality control checks before shipping minimize early defects.
• Usage amount – Using a saxophone daily leads to faster wear vs. occasional use.
• Care and maintenance – Swabbing, oiling, and dent prevention go a long way.
• Environment – Storage in extreme heat, cold, or humidity speeds deterioration.
• Age when started playing – Adult hobby players may use horns longer than students who outgrow them.
• Repair history – Routine adjustments and pad replacement extends playable life.
• Model line – More expensive Mendini Pro horns use better materials for longer durability.

While not built to last decades like professional saxes, a well-maintained Mendini can stay in playing shape for many years past the beginner phase.

Final Thoughts

I hope this complete buying guide helps you make the perfect Mendini saxophone decision for your skill level and budget!

While not designed for pros, their commitment to quality control and playability makes Mendini a great choice for any new player or hobbyist looking for an affordable, yet durable instrument to learn on for years to come.

With proper care and maintenance, plus a few pro upgrades, a Mendini horn can continue providing great tunes long after you’ve mastered those first beginner notes and songs.