The real people behind Saxquest

Saxquest is a professional saxophone shop specializing in vintage and professional model saxophones. We're a family-run business with over 15 years of combined experience dealing in saxophones. Through the years we've seen many great saxophones pass through our hands. Take a tour of the Saxquest gallery to see just a few of the most interesting and rare saxes we've handled. We've been buying, selling and trading saxophones online since the inception of the Internet, simply by taking advantage of online classified ads, word of mouth and eBay (here's our eBay feedback profile). We've always been amazed at how many online music instrument dealers are openly deceptive and use misleading advertising. Here at Saxquest, we go out of our way to ensure that you are an informed consumer and are treated fairly and professionally. In July of 2000 we decided that the time was right to launch our own web site, Saxquest.com.

Both my wife (Elke) and I (Mark) are active professional saxophone players (see our brief bios below). We understand the frustrations and joys involved in trying to find the perfect saxophone and we know first-hand what you expect (and don't expect or want) from a saxophone dealer. It is our goal to provide both the professional musician and the advanced student with the best possible value and the most personalized service available anywhere. With that in mind, we formed an alliance with Tenor Madness, one of the top saxophone repair shops in the world. The combined expertise of both Saxquest and Tenor Madness allows us to make the claim that finding the perfect saxophone has never been easier.

Mark Overton - Mark performs with Code Blue, an Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers style jazz sextet which he formed in 1994. Mark has been very active in the St. Louis jazz scene performing with such jazz groups as the Meremec St. Charles County Community College Jazz Ensemble, Allegro Jazz Ensemble, Original Knights of Swing, Route 66, Heavy Eddie and the Fat Tones, and the Brian Clark Band. In addition to Code Blue, Mark also formed the Blue Note Jazz Quintet and the Original Nonet Jazz Orchestra, with which he has performed along side such esteemed St. Louis musicians as Brett Stamps, Randy Holmes, Adam Maness, Reggie Thomas, Kevin Gianino and others. Additionally, Mark plays every Sunday in a jazz trio at Yia Yia's European Cafe in Chesterfield, Missouri. Other saxophone performances have included appearances with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, St. Louis Youth Symphony, Washington University Wind Ensemble, St. Louis Wind Symphony, University City Orchestra and the Metropolitan Saxophone Quartet. Mark recorded "Come Fly with Me" which received a Down Beat five star award with the University of Northern Iowa Jazz Ensemble. He also recorded with Code Blue on "Jazz for What Ails You, the Soulard Sessions". Mark has served as jazz clinician and guest artist for many local and out of state high schools and colleges. Mark received undergraduate degrees from the University of Northern Iowa in 1993 and recently completed his PhD in Molecular Cell Biology at Washington University in St. Louis in 2000 where he was also director for five years of the Washington University affiliated big band The Hot Docs.

Elke Overton - Elke is the "legit" half of our duo. She is currently professor of music at St. Charles County Community College (SCCCC) where she teaches the saxophone and clarinet studio. She is also the conductor for the SCCCC Orchestra and director of the SCCCC Jazz Ensemble. As part of the college curriculum, Elke also teaches Music Appreciation, Music History, and Instrumental Conducting. She has performed with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, the Metropolitan Saxophone Ensemble, and the St. Louis Wind Symphony. She also currently leads the Talking Saxes Quartet. Elke has also been an active performer with a variety of local jazz groups including the Meramec College Jazz Lab Band, Sessions Big Band, Original Knights of Swing, Original Nonet Jazz Orchestra, and Heavy Eddie and the Fat Tones. Elke recorded "Come Fly with Me" which received a Down Beat five star award with the University of Northern Iowa Jazz Ensemble.

Elke received her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa in 1993 where she studied saxophone performance with Tom Barry. She completed her Master's in Music Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music in 1997 where she studied under the direction of Rodney Winther. Elke champions music education and has served as adjudicator for several local high school and college events and is an active member of several local, national and international music educator's groups. Elke is quite selective about the saxophones she performs with, especially for classical playing. In this area, she also feels indebted to Randy Jones at Tenor Madness for the incredible setup and repair work he's done on her instruments through the years.

Saxquest is located in one of the "Twin Sister" houses on Flad Avenue in the Historic Shaw Neighborhood of St. Louis. These homes were built in 1895 by Joseph and Rosalie Sternberg for their daughters and today have been placed on the National Historic Roster. If you're ever in St. Louis, give us a buzz and stop by for a visit. There are several local jazz clubs within minutes and Powell Symphony Hall and the Sheldon Concert Hall are just up the street. We support St. Louis as a thriving cultural center and would be thrilled to share it with you.