Thank you. My not so dear husband completely disregarded my research & did what he wanted. Grrr! He picked out a rent to own (new horn), but it's not on Jim's list & I am a bit, well, steamed. After I find someone to give the private lessons, I'll be inquiring as to their opinion of the horn we have now. And, then I'll decide on a move to the Yamaha. Again, thank you. :)

The yas-23 is the best horn for a beginner. That was my first horn, and it's survived 11 years of playing (4 years of band camp, included ;)). The intonation is relatively good, the tone quality (after a little practice) is actually quite remarkable. Woodwind Brasswind is a very reputable site. They sell brand-new 23's for about 1200. It's kinda pricey, but it'll go all the way through college, if you take care of it. However, if he takes it seriously, it will hold him back. An intermediate horn runs about 2 grand, and my custom horns (professional) will run upwards of 3. A new yanagisawa can cost more than 7. But still, a 23 is a very good horn