You wouldn’t believe it, but saxophones have come a long way since their invention by Adolphe Sax in 1846. Today, over 100,000 saxophones find new homes each year!
Whether you’re eyeing that shiny alto sax in the music store window or already gigging with your trusty tenor, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these beautiful brass beasts.
Types of Saxophones and Top Picks
Let’s get real about saxophone types – there’s more to it than just picking the shiniest one in the shop!
The saxophone family is like a musical Brady Bunch, each member with its own personality and quirks.
Alto Saxophone
The alto saxophone is your typical starter sax, and for good reason.
It’s smaller than its siblings, which makes it perfect for younger players or those with smaller hands.
Plus, the alto’s got this bright, peppy sound that just works in everything from jazz to classical.
Think of it as the saxophone family’s golden child – versatile, approachable, and ready to jam.
Etude EAS-200 Series Alto Saxophone
The Etude EAS-200 Student Series Alto Saxophone is a precision-crafted instrument designed specifically for aspiring musicians seeking an affordable and reliable entry into the world of saxophone performance.
Its lacquered brass construction and carefully engineered components provide a smooth, consistent tone that helps beginners develop proper musical technique and confidence.
The saxophone comes fully equipped with essential accessories, making it a comprehensive package for students ready to start their musical journey.
Top 3 Reasons to Buy:
- Affordable, high-quality beginner saxophone with professional-grade components
- Complete package including case, mouthpiece, ligature, and cap
- Ergonomic design with adjustable features to support proper playing technique
Potential Drawbacks:
- May require professional setup for optimal performance
- Limited advanced features compared to professional-level instruments
- Not suitable for advanced or professional musicians
Allora AAS-450 Vienna Series Alto Saxophone
The Allora AAS-450 Vienna Series Alto Saxophone is a step-up instrument designed for intermediate players looking to enhance their musical journey.
This lacquered brass saxophone features high-quality construction and precise intonation, offering a rich, warm tone that’s suitable for various musical genres.
With its ergonomic key layout and smooth action, the AAS-450 provides excellent playability and comfort for extended practice sessions and performances.
Top 3 Reasons to Buy:
- Superior build quality suitable for advancing students and semi-professional players
- Rich, warm tone with precise intonation across the range
- Ergonomic design for improved comfort and playability
Potential Drawbacks:
- Higher price point compared to beginner models
- May be overwhelming for absolute beginners
- Requires proper maintenance to preserve its quality and performance
Yamaha YAS-62III Professional Alto Saxophone
The Yamaha YAS-62III Professional Alto Saxophone is a top-tier instrument that combines exceptional craftsmanship with superior playability.
This latest iteration of the iconic YAS-62 model features a slightly narrower bore neck for faster response and greater control, making it ideal for intricate passages.
With its rich, warm tone and exceptional depth, power, and projection, the YAS-62III excels in various musical styles from jazz to classical.
Top 3 Reasons to Buy:
- Professional-grade quality with superior sound and playability
- Improved neck design for faster response and better control
- Versatile instrument suitable for various musical genres
Potential Drawbacks:
- Higher price point compared to intermediate models
- May be overwhelming for beginners
- Requires proper maintenance to maintain its professional-level performance
Tenor Saxophone
Now, the tenor saxophone? That’s the cool uncle of the family.
It’s got this rich, warm tone that’ll make you weak in the knees.
Jazz legends like Coleman Hawkins and John Coltrane made the tenor famous, and it’s still the go-to for that smooth, soulful sound.
Sure, it’s a bit bigger and heavier than the alto, but that extra weight gives you that deep, robust tone that just can’t be beat.
Etude ETS-200 Student Series Tenor Saxophone
The Etude ETS-200 Student Series Tenor Saxophone is an excellent choice for beginners and students embarking on their musical journey.
This lacquered brass instrument features nickel-plated keys, leather pads, and an adjustable thumb rest, delivering a clear, focused tone that resonates beautifully in various settings.
Its compact, ergonomic design, weighing just nine pounds, makes it easy to handle and play, especially for those with smaller hands.
Top 3 Reasons to Buy:
- Durable construction with protective lacquer finish, ideal for learning musicians
- Bright, focused tone that blends well in ensembles and solos
- Ergonomic design with comfortable keywork for easier playing
Potential Drawbacks:
- May not meet the needs of more advanced players
- Limited advanced features compared to professional models
- Might require professional setup for optimal performance
Yamaha YTS-62III Professional Tenor Saxophone
The Yamaha YTS-62III Professional Tenor Saxophone is a top-of-the-line instrument designed for serious musicians and professionals.
This lacquered brass saxophone features Yamaha’s renowned craftsmanship, offering exceptional intonation, rich tone, and superior playability.
The YTS-62III boasts an improved neck design for enhanced response and tonal flexibility, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles from jazz to classical.
Top 3 Reasons to Buy:
- Professional-grade quality with superior sound and exceptional intonation
- Improved neck design for better response and tonal flexibility
- Versatile instrument suitable for various musical genres and performance settings
Potential Drawbacks:
- High price point, which may be prohibitive for some players
- May be too advanced for beginners or intermediate players
- Requires regular maintenance to maintain its professional-level performance
P. Mauriat Venus Professional Tenor Saxophone
The P. Mauriat Venus Professional Copper Body Tenor Saxophone is a premium instrument that stands out with its unique copper alloy body and silver-plated keys.
This exceptional saxophone offers a rich, warm tone with excellent projection and resonance, making it ideal for professional musicians and serious enthusiasts.
The combination of copper body and silver-plated keys not only provides a stunning visual aesthetic but also contributes to the instrument’s distinctive sound characteristics.
Top 3 Reasons to Buy:
- Unique copper alloy body for a rich, warm tone with excellent projection
- Silver-plated keys for enhanced durability and smoother action
- Professional-grade craftsmanship suitable for advanced players and performers
Potential Drawbacks:
- Higher price point compared to standard brass saxophones
- May require specialized maintenance due to the copper body
- Not suitable for beginners or intermediate players
Soprano Saxophone
The soprano saxophone is like the family’s drama queen – beautiful but demanding.
It looks like a clarinet’s fancy cousin and plays in the highest register of the common saxes.
Getting a good sound on soprano takes serious practice, so maybe don’t make it your first saxophone unless you’re up for a challenge. But when played well? Pure magic.
Allora ASPS-250 Student Series Soprano Sax
The Allora ASPS-250 Student Series Soprano Sax is a well-crafted instrument designed specifically for beginners exploring the world of soprano saxophones.
This lacquered brass saxophone offers a range from low B-flat to high F, providing ample room for skill development.
With its durable yet lightweight construction, the ASPS-250 delivers an authentic playing experience while ensuring comfort during extended practice sessions.
Top 3 Reasons to Buy:
- Thoughtfully designed for beginners with adjustable features for personalized comfort
- Durable brass construction built to withstand student use
- Comes with essential accessories including case, mouthpiece, ligature, and neck strap
Potential Drawbacks:
- May not meet the needs of more advanced players
- Limited to soprano saxophone range and capabilities
- Might require professional setup for optimal performance
P. Mauriat Intermediate Soprano Saxophone
The P. Mauriat Intermediate Soprano Saxophone is a high-quality instrument designed for advancing students and semi-professional players.
This lacquered brass saxophone features precise craftsmanship and attention to detail, offering a warm, rich tone with excellent intonation across its range.
The ergonomic key layout and smooth action provide comfortable playability, making it ideal for extended practice sessions and performances.
Top 3 Reasons to Buy:
- Superior build quality suitable for intermediate to advanced players
- Rich, warm tone with consistent intonation throughout the range
- Ergonomic design for improved comfort and playability
Potential Drawbacks:
- Higher price point compared to beginner models
- May be too advanced for absolute beginners
- Requires proper maintenance to preserve its quality and performance
Yamaha YSS-875EX Custom EX Soprano Saxophone
The Yamaha YSS-875EX Custom EX Soprano Saxophone is a premium instrument designed for professional musicians and serious enthusiasts.
This lacquered saxophone features innovative design elements that enhance both performance and comfort.
With its lower vent tube for reduced action noise, revised key post rib plate for improved resonance, and ergonomic key design with an adjustable thumb rest, the YSS-875EX offers superior playability and sound quality.
Top 3 Reasons to Buy:
- Professional-grade craftsmanship with French brass construction for exceptional tone
- Ergonomic design with adjustable features for enhanced comfort during long performances
- Innovative features like the bullet tip adjustment screw for optimal maintenance
Potential Drawbacks:
- High price point, which may be prohibitive for some players
- May be too advanced for beginners or intermediate players
- Requires regular maintenance to preserve its professional-level performance
Baritone Saxophone
Last but definitely not least, we’ve got the baritone saxophone. This big boy is the gentle giant of the family.
It’s huge, it’s heavy, and it’ll give you arms like a weightlifter, but that deep, rumbling sound is worth every pound.
The bari sax holds down the bottom end in jazz bands and adds serious punch to rock and funk groups.
Yamaha YBS-480 Intermediate Eb Baritone Saxophone
The Yamaha YBS-480 Intermediate Eb Baritone Saxophone is a high-quality instrument designed for advancing students and semi-professional players.
This gold lacquered saxophone combines professional-grade features with an accessible design, offering superior playability and rich tone.
The YBS-480 incorporates an optimized key layout, professional-grade bore and neck, and a shortened bell for improved low note performance.
Top 3 Reasons to Buy:
- Redesigned key layout for improved comfort and playability during long sessions
- Professional-grade bore and neck for responsive feel and even tone across all registers
- Durable construction suitable for frequent practice and performance
Potential Drawbacks:
- May be too advanced for absolute beginners
- Higher price point compared to entry-level baritone saxophones
- Larger size and weight typical of baritone saxophones may require adjustment for some players
P. Mauriat PMB-300 Professional Baritone Saxophone
The P. Mauriat PMB-300 Professional Baritone Saxophone is a high-end instrument crafted for professional musicians and serious performers.
This dark lacquered baritone saxophone boasts exceptional build quality and attention to detail, delivering a rich, powerful tone with excellent projection.
The PMB-300 features ergonomically designed keys and a well-balanced weight distribution, ensuring comfortable playability during extended performances.
Top 3 Reasons to Buy:
- Professional-grade craftsmanship with superior sound quality and intonation
- Dark lacquer finish for a unique aesthetic and tonal characteristics
- Ergonomic design for improved comfort during long playing sessions
Potential Drawbacks:
- High price point, which may be prohibitive for some players
- Not suitable for beginners or intermediate players
- Requires regular maintenance to maintain its professional-level performance
Selmer Paris Series III Model 66AF Jubilee Edition
The Selmer Paris Series III Model 66AF Jubilee Edition Baritone Saxophone is a top-tier professional instrument that represents the pinnacle of saxophone craftsmanship.
This matte lacquer finished baritone saxophone combines Selmer’s legendary quality with innovative design features, offering exceptional tonal richness, precise intonation, and superior playability.
The Jubilee Edition commemorates Selmer’s long-standing tradition of excellence in saxophone manufacturing.
Top 3 Reasons to Buy:
- Unparalleled craftsmanship from one of the most respected names in saxophone manufacturing
- Exceptional tonal quality and projection suitable for professional performances
- Innovative design features for improved ergonomics and playability
Potential Drawbacks:
- Premium price point, making it one of the most expensive baritone saxophones available
- Exclusively designed for professional players, not suitable for beginners or intermediates
- Requires expert maintenance to preserve its high-end performance capabilities
Choosing between these types of saxophones really comes down to three things:
- What kind of music you want to play
- Your physical size (especially for younger players)
- Your budget
Speaking of budget, expect to pay more as you go up in size – those extra materials don’t come cheap!
Top Saxophone Brands
When it comes to saxophone brands, there’s a whole world beyond just picking the prettiest horn in the shop.
Let’s break down the who’s who of saxophone manufacturing.
Yamaha Saxophones
Yamaha’s been crushing it in the saxophone game for years, and 2024 is no different.
Their professional line, like the Custom Z series, gives the classic French makers a run for their money.
But here’s the real kicker – their intermediate horns, particularly the YAS-480 for alto, play way above their price point.
It’s like getting business class quality at premium economy prices.
Selmer Paris Saxophones
Selmer Paris is basically saxophone royalty.
Their Mark VI models from the 50s and 60s are the holy grail for collectors, sometimes fetching prices that’ll make your eyes water.
Today’s Reference 54 and Supreme models carry on that legacy, though they’ll still cost you a pretty penny.
But hey, quality like that doesn’t come cheap.
Yanagisawa Saxophones
Yanagisawa might fly under the radar compared to the big names, but don’t sleep on these Japanese gems.
Their attention to detail is absolutely nuts – we’re talking precision engineering that would make a Swiss watchmaker jealous.
The TWO20 series combines traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, resulting in some seriously sweet horns.
P. Mauriat Saxophones
For the budget-conscious player, Taiwan’s P. Mauriat has been making waves.
They’ve managed to nail that vintage sound and feel without the vintage price tag.
Their PMXA-67R is particularly impressive – it’s got that dark, complex tone that usually comes with a much higher price tag.
Looking at student models, the Jupiter JAS710GN deserves a shout-out. It’s built like a tank (which is exactly what beginners need), plays in tune (which is what their teachers need), and won’t break the bank (which is what parents need). Perfect trifecta right there.
Essential Saxophone Features to Consider
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what makes a saxophone tick – and no, it’s not just about how shiny it is (though that doesn’t hurt).
Saxophone Materials
First up, let’s talk materials because this is where things get interesting.
Most pro horns are made from brass with various copper contents – the higher the copper content, usually the warmer the sound.
Some manufacturers go wild with exotic metals like bronze or sterling silver, but let’s be real – your playing matters way more than whether your sax is 65% or 85% copper.
Saxophone Key Layout
Key layout is crucial, and this is where ergonomics really comes into play.
Modern horns usually feature adjustable palm keys and thumb rests, which is a game-changer for comfort.
The best setup depends on your hand size and playing style.
Some players swear by vintage key layouts, while others prefer modern ergonomics.
It’s like choosing between a classic car and a modern ride – both’ll get you there, but the journey feels different.
Saxophone Finish Options
When it comes to finish options, it’s not just about looks (though that gorgeous cognac lacquer sure is pretty).
Raw brass, silver plate, gold plate, or lacquer each affects the sound slightly.
Lacquer is the most common and durable, while raw brass offers a bit more resonance but requires more maintenance.
Black nickel finishes look killer on stage but can be a pain to maintain.
Saxophone Mouthpiece
Mouthpiece compatibility is often overlooked but absolutely crucial.
A pro-level mouthpiece on a student horn can make it sing, while a cheap mouthpiece can make an expensive horn sound mediocre.
Look for mouthpieces with good intonation and a tone that matches your style.
And don’t forget about reeds – they’re like the tires on a car, where the rubber meets the road.
Saxophone Maintenance and Care
Taking care of a saxophone isn’t rocket science, but it does require some dedication.
Think of it like maintaining a car – regular TLC keeps it running smooth and saves you money in the long run.
Daily Saxophone Maintenance
Daily maintenance is super straightforward but absolutely crucial.
After playing, always swab out the inside of your horn.
Moisture is like kryptonite to saxophones, causing pads to deteriorate and springs to rust.
A good microfiber swab will do the trick – just run it through a few times until it comes out dry.
Quick Tip: those silk saxophone swabs look fancy, but a good synthetic swab actually works better and lasts longer.
Weekly Saxophone Maintenance
For weekly maintenance, give your horn a proper wipe-down with a soft cloth.
Pay special attention to the key touches where your fingers rest – that’s where acids from your skin can eventually damage the finish.
A little key oil on the rods and mechanisms keeps everything moving smoothly.
Just don’t go overboard – a tiny drop does the trick.
Saxophone Repair Issues
Common repair issues usually involve pad leaks and spring adjustments.
If you notice weird noises or certain notes not speaking properly, that’s usually a sign something’s up.
Don’t try to fix these yourself unless you really know what you’re doing.
A good repair tech is worth their weight in gold.
Saxophone Cleaning Kit
Your cleaning kit should include:
- Neck brush
- Body swab
- Mouthpiece brush
- Key oil
Cork grease is essential for smooth neck cork operation.
Some players swear by pad savers, but they’re controversial – they can actually trap moisture if not used correctly.
Skip the fancy cleaning solutions; a dry swab does most of what you need.
Saxophone Learning Resources and Progress
Getting started with saxophone doesn’t have to be overwhelming – there’s actually never been a better time to learn, thanks to all the resources available.
Online Saxophone Learning
Online platforms have revolutionized saxophone learning.
Sites like SaxTuition and Saxophone Academy offer structured lessons from pro players.
YouTube’s got tons of free content too, though quality varies wildly.
Pro tip: check out Chad LB’s channel for some seriously solid technical advice, especially for jazz players.
Saxophone Teachers and Instructors
Finding a qualified instructor makes a huge difference, especially at the beginning.
They’ll catch bad habits before they become permanent and guide you through the fundamentals.
Look for teachers who play the style you’re interested in – a classical saxophone instructor might not be your best bet if you’re dreaming of playing funk.
Saxophone Practice Techniques
Practice techniques matter more than practice time.
Twenty minutes of focused practice beats two hours of mindless noodling any day.
Start with long tones to develop your sound, then work on scales and technical exercises.
Record yourself regularly – it’s like having a mirror for your playing.
For beginners, simple tunes like “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or “When the Saints Go Marching In” are perfect starting points.
These help you develop basic fingering and timing skills.
Once you’re comfortable, tackle some easy jazz standards like “Blue Moon” or “Autumn Leaves” – they’re great for learning improvisation basics.
Remember, progress isn’t linear. Some days you’ll feel like you’re going backwards, and that’s totally normal.
Focus on small, achievable goals rather than trying to become the next Charlie Parker overnight.
Saxophone Wrap Up
So there you have it – your complete guide to the world of saxophones!
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your current horn, remember that the best saxophone is the one that makes you want to practice.
Get out there, try some horns, and most importantly, have fun making music!
