Level
The intermediate horns a player moves to after a few years, often when a band director suggests it. Expect better materials and more options, like open-hole flutes with silver headjoints, grenadilla wood clarinets and bigger-bore trombones. A used one is a good way in, since the step up costs more new and the build quality lasts.
11 models we cover.

Yamaha · Trumpet
Step-upYTR-4335GII
$1,025–$1,325 typical ask
131 on eBay
Yamaha · Saxophone
Step-upYAS-480
$1,925–$2,525 typical ask
88 on eBay
Yamaha · Clarinet
Step-upYCL-450
$650–$975 typical ask
94 on eBay
Yamaha · Trombone
Step-upYSL-447G
$2,275–$2,300 typical ask
1 on eBay
Yamaha · Flute
Step-upYFL-462
$2,000–$3,125 typical ask
21 on eBay

Buffet Crampon · Clarinet
Step-upE11
$525–$925 typical ask
146 on eBay
Conn-Selmer · Saxophone
Step-upSAS711
$3,875–$4,200 typical ask
5 on eBay
Conn-Selmer · Saxophone
Step-upSTS711
$4,025–$4,225 typical ask
3 on eBay
Conn-Selmer · Clarinet
Step-upBliss LB210 · Bliss
$550–$1,050 typical ask
10 on eBay
Gemeinhardt · Flute
Step-up3SHB
$575–$875 typical ask
21 on eBay
Gemeinhardt · Flute
Step-upKG Special
$900–$1,525 typical ask
9 on eBay