Best Saxophone Reviews 2020

Buying a saxophone shouldn’t be taken lightly, and choosing the right one is really important, especially because even the best-priced, quality saxophones come in at around $200. Reputable brands can offer quality models which come with everything you need and will produce a sound that you’ll fall in love with. These are perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike who need a quality product.

At the top end of the range are saxophones for around $3000 that will produce a consistent, warm sound that will project well and have professionally accurate keys with attention to detail. At this price, you should expect the saxophone to be screaming high quality out of every curve and key. If you’re ready to take your music playing to the next level, the investment is needed.

Avoid cheap saxophones, as they will most likely be from untrustworthy brands and can’t promise the quality—or sound—you are looking for.

If you’re struggling with which saxophone to choose, we have some tips below to make it easier!

Some of the things to look for when buying a saxophone are:

• Voicing/Pitch and Range - Soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, or bass
• Player Level - Beginner, student, intermediate, professional
• Body Construction - Ribbed or non-ribbed
• Material - Brass, copper, bronze, or sterling silver
• Finish - Clear lacquer, colored finish, antique or nickel-plated
• Extras - Make sure you have everything you need.

Don’t worry if you don’t understand all this terminology, we’ll explain it all!

Let’s explore the construction and design of saxophones in greater detail.

Voicing/Pitch and Range

The soprano has the highest pitch of the saxophones mentioned—it is tuned to Bb—and is straighter and shorter than the others. It isn’t as big and doesn’t use as much material to make, so it’s generally one of the cheaper types to buy, but you shouldn’t buy a soprano based on this alone. It is slightly more difficult for a beginner than, for example, the alto.

That leads us on to the alto saxophone, which is the most commonly known and played saxophone. It is tuned to Eb and is the most appropriate for learners, as the keys are closer together than other saxophone types, and it doesn’t need as much air to produce a good sound. The alto is one of the most reasonably priced saxophones on the market as well. While it’s a great option for learners to build their breathing technique, the alto shouldn’t be knocked by intermediates or professionals either. It has been used far and wide by famous saxophone players and jazz musicians and is a great tool to learn new techniques and improve your playing skills.

Next up, we have the tenor, which is pitched at Bb and is another very commonly used saxophone in the jazz genre. It has more of a curve than its alto cousin, which means it needs to be handled with extra care and should be made of a durable material. It is lighter and smaller than the bass or baritone, so it’s another good option for newbies.

If we take it a tone lower, we have the baritone saxophone, which is tuned to Eb and produces a deep tone compared to the other saxophones mentioned. It can still be played standing up, although due to its size and weight, it is advised to use a neck strap to support the weight. Because this instrument is bigger, the keys are also noticeably further apart, which can be another small challenge to overcome when learning.

Last but not least, we have the bass, which is the lowest-pitched saxophone, an octave below the tenor, and is tuned to Bb. Due to its size, players sit down whilst using the bass, and to prevent damage as much as possible, it’s a good idea to get a floor peg, which will prevent the saxophone from being damaged by whichever floor surface it is placed on. Both the bass and baritone are susceptible to damage due to their size, so if you go for these types, make sure your model is made of a durable, strong material such as lacquered brass.

Body Construction

Here, we are going to talk about ribbed and non-ribbed saxophones. Ribbed and non-ribbed indicate how the keys are attached to the body. A ribbed saxophone has the posts (which are the pieces going between the body and the key) soldered onto the body in a very particular way that makes them stronger, and this means fewer repairs or adjustments will be needed down the line. Most saxophones are ribbed, but don’t be too wary of non-ribbed saxophones. They can still be of good quality and a little lighter and may help a student produce a good sound.

Finally, let’s have a look at the features of a saxophone that affect its performance.

Player Level

When playing an instrument, we all want to sound top notch and know that we’re creating a memorable, enchanting sound. But unless you’re earning the big bucks or it’s your profession, a lot of us would find it hard to part with thousands of dollars in one go for a hobby. This is when the beginner and student saxophones are great. The industry’s most-trusted brands have worked hard for decades to produce affordable but good-sounding instruments, so you don’t have to empty your bank account to feel the achievement of nailing that jazz tune. People usually advise that if you have been playing a beginner saxophone for two to four years and are still committed and want to go to the next level, that’s a great time to sell your student sax and buy an intermediate level sax. An intermediate feels more like a professional model, and only a person with a finely tuned ear will notice the difference in sound.

The professional saxophone is at the top of its game; this is where no detail is missed; they are usually handmade with the highest-quality material. The response to the player and the tone will be on a whole new level from other saxophones and is a joy to play.

Material

The vast majority of saxophones are made with yellow brass, which is durable and can produce a high-quality sound. However, if you want to upgrade, there are saxophones with different materials such as copper, bronze or sterling silver. These will generally cost more, but can also improve the sound quality and feel of the instrument and give it a distinct look from the standard saxophone appearance.

Finish

The classic finish is clear lacquer, but nowadays, you can find a saxophone in nearly any color, so if you want to brighten up your band, keep an eye out for a cool finish. These can be pigmented lacquers that give it a different color, or an “antique” finish, silver-plated or nickel-plated finish.

Extras

Most saxophones come in a case, and many have the equipment you need to get started straight away and look after it to keep it in tiptop condition. A few things to look out for that may be included are: reeds, a mouthpiece, a neck strap, a cleaning cloth and a rod. It may also have grease, a screwdriver and a mouthpiece case (which should be cushioned to prevent damage).