Rules for trying instruments:
--Always play on your mouthpiece and reeds. You cannot get a good idea of how an instrument plays if you use anything else.
--Play the same song or scale or related stuff on each instrument
--Test high, low, and middle ranges. How does it sound? How does it feel?
--Clarinets only: check the 12ths (we can go over this in lessons). If they are narrow, do not buy it!
--Saxes: check the octaves--if the high range is really sharp, check with a tech or choose another instrument.
--USE A TUNER!!!!
--Ask for a second opinion from another player or your teacher.
--If in doubt, don't buy it, especially if you are pressured in any way by a sales person.