Yamaha and Bach both make good instruments. (I just threw Yamaha out there because that's what the school owned horns for my band are.) A good friend of mine uses a Bach body with a Yamaha mouthpiece and Amati valves. Ultimately though--if you're purchasing an instrument and not just renting--it should be about what is comfortable for you--the player--and what sounds best with the way you play. Let's face it. All instruments are not created equal and all musicians have quirks that others don't. When it boils down to it--money of course being a factor--you have to experiment with a couple different instruments to get the right feel for you. If you go to a local music store, most of the time they will allow you to play it BEFORE you buy it. If you buy it online, you're going to get what you get. For instance, I spent a lot of money on my cello. A lot. But then again, it's a professional instrument that I built from the ground up. I get an amazing sound out of it, because it's tailored specifically to me. For instance, my bridge is actually a little tiny bit thicker than a standard bridge, the body is made out of oak which has a brilliant rich sound, and the sound post is made out of maple. Then I have three bows, one is a mix of white and black real horse hair, used for general all around playing. Then I have a jet black horse hair if I really want that double bass power. And I have a white haired one for more delicate higher playing.