I've been interested in getting an alto sax recently, but can't afford a new one. I figured I could find one on ebay, but I've never bought an instrument before. Are there certain ones that are better for starters? Are there any scams I should be wary of? Is buying one off the internet even a good idea? As much information as possible would be greatly appreciated.

I wouldn't buy a used sax on ebay. Saxes especially, can have little things wrong with them that you won't find out about until you get it.

Saxes are tricky instruments to buy anyway. There are so called entry level or beginners saxes, but those are basically just crappy saxes. Get the best and easiest playing sax you can afford, you will thank me later.

__________________
"Women and rhythm section first!" - sambob@gmail.com

Instruments are one thing you'll always want to try before you buy.

see, the key phrase in that is "the best and easiest playing sax you can AFFORD." yeah, it would be great to start playing on a mark VI, but that doesn't happen.

and there really isn't anything wrong with buying a sax on ebay, especially a beginner model. you can usually find brand new ones for cheaper. Personally i recomend a newer yamaha or selmer. whatever you do DON'T GET A BUNDY, they fucking suck. you could also get some from Woodwind and Brasswind and other similar companies.

But you should try it before you buy it, and make sure you do some research on reeds and mouthpieces and get some saxophone recordings.

a lot of music stores have instruments you can rent

music stores will rip you off

so paying 10 dollars a month to rent an instrument until you decide you want to play is a rip-off?

first off, please tell me the name of the store, i really would like to know where i can rent an instrument for $10 a month. Second, you'll probably get a bundy or a conn, not only that they will most likely have leaks and other minor repairs to be done. And guess where you will end up taking it to get it fixed? the same store, you'll also have to buy overpriced reeds from that store.

i rented a violin from a music store where i live.
I played a conn sax for 7 years. There's nothing wrong with them.
If there is a problem with it complain. You shouldn't have to pay for a faulty instrument.

what kind of conn?