The saxophone is quite interesting, although it is a difficult instrument to learn. So, by making a decision for this instrument, you automatically earn our respect. If you can. And to show our support for your passion, we have decided to provide you with our review of what, in our opinion, are the best beginner saxophones.
When choosing a saxophone, there are many things to consider. For example, saxophones come in different types, and not all of them are suitable for beginners.
The soprano and sopranino are a bit tricky to master at the beginner level and the baritone and bass are too big.
This article hopes to provide information on this question to help guide you through the buying process, which for newcomers can be a bit overwhelming.
Features that we consider important to the purchasing process include weight, key, warranty information, and materials. You should take the time to research before committing to a purchase.
In a hurry? Here are quick links of our top 7 recommendations of best beginner saxophones:
- YAMAHA YAS-280
- Jean-Paul TS-400
- Selmer SAS280 La Voix II
- Etude EAS-100 Student Saxophone
- Mendini by Cecilio MAS-L
- Yamaha YAS-480
- Jupiter JAS1100SG
Whatever your budget, here you can find an ideal choice of the best saxophones for beginners and all other areas of your life that demand pristine performances.
Check out my personal favorites and see what arouses your interest. My list of the best beginner saxophones includes affordable, expensive, beginner-friendly saxophones, as well as complex saxophones in alto and tenor variants.
Let us help you make the decision to purchase a beginner saxophone to begin your music career. These are some of the best beginner saxophones you can buy today.
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Best Beginner Saxophones – Top-Rated Reviewed
Its review time! Alto saxophone is the best saxophone for beginners and if you or your child wants to become an emerging talent in the jazz world.
We invested a lot of time and effort in compiling this guide. We’ve spent 65 hours searching for the best saxophones for beginners on the market, and we’ve used various sources, such as reviews and reviews from professional musicians, to provide the information you need.
You can blindly trust us because the more research you do, the more knowledge you get. We investigate for our loving clients as for the best.
Therefore, we must choose one that fits perfectly. We visited many saxophones stores, talked to various professionals and manufacturers, and finally got our top seven.
Here, we will provide a review of the best beginner saxophones in detail so you can shop knowing everything. Let’s get started.
The Yamaha YAS-280 Student Saxophone is for beginners but is a bit expensive. Students looking for the rich sound that Yamaha specializes in can endorse this instrument and take out some serious notes.
As a novice learner, one of your biggest concerns is driving a saxophone.
Therefore, you need an instrument with controls that are easy to operate. Well, that is precisely what you get with the Yamaha YAS-280.
The YAMAHA YAS-280 is the editor’s choice for the best beginner saxophone due to the high-quality design that makes it easy for beginners to learn to play the instrument.
Although priced higher due to Yamaha’s world-leading product design, the YAMAHA YAS-280 alto saxophone is good enough for professionals and presents a great value purchase.
What makes the YAMAHA YAS-280 so easy to play in quality manufacturing. Examples of this are the adjustable footrest and the polyester key buttons that allow easy acquisition.
The instrument’s gold lacquer finish gives it the classic alto sax appearance and will appeal to those who want to buy an authentic-looking saxophone.
One of the features that make the YAMAHA YAS-280 a professional advantage is a two-piece hood and a 280-style neck.
The removable hood makes life a lot easier when it comes to repair and maintenance, as you can get easier access to the most difficult to clean areas inside the hood. The 280-style collar adds to the authentic feel. For any beginner who wants to replicate some of the most famous jazz musicians, it is essential to have this neck style.
Another great feature of the YAMAHA YAS-280 is the generous warranty agreement. A 5-year limited warranty contract compares well to other alto saxophones on the market. Be sure to read the fine print to stay on top of the warranty issues.
The standout feature of the Jean-Paul TS-400 is the pivot keys that allow for smooth and effortless gameplay.
For the flexibility of your finger, the keys on this tenor saxophone are forged and sharp.
Weighing 2.2 pounds, this is one of the lightest saxophones you’ve ever owned. Its contoured case and well-padded straps make it easy to carry. The padded straps also offer balance when playing the saxophone.
The Jean-Paul TS-400 is a mid-level alto saxophone for the serious student. The saxophone costs more than a cheap saxophone, so the user should take learning this instrument seriously so that there is no loss of time and money.
This Jean Paul TS-400 alto saxophone is popular and easy to play soft jazz and blues like a pro.
I will be the first to admit that for a student saxophone the selling price is a little high. Still, the Jean-Paul TS-400 is a very reliable alto sax that could be your companion from lesson one to your twentieth live performance.
The sound quality is very impressive. The saxophone produces well-defined high notes with surprising warmth for the alto saxophone. The sustained note is very good due to the tightness of the mouthpiece and the design of the sax.
The keys are organized in a beginner-friendly way that doesn’t force you to overdo it with your lower hand. All the accessories you need to play and perform maintenance are included in the package.
The neck strap is surprisingly good because it is adjustable. Even a carrying case is included in the price of the TS-400, although it is a standard case.
The overall value of the sax is excellent. The durability of the keys and the bell key is out of series. Sound, accessories, and beginner-friendly setup make the TS-400 an impressive instrument. The only question that remains is how many beginners can afford it. If you can, you won’t be disappointed.
An outstanding feature of the best beginner saxophones is the level of comfort they offer the player. The comfort of your finger translates into less finger fatigue and long playing time
With its fluent keyword, playing the Selmer SAS280 La Voix II is always a comfortable and relaxing experience. In addition to offering support for your fingers, the inclusion of a professional key style allows precise fingering.
Not only that, but this alto saxophone also offers soothing sounds and excellent intonation. Therefore, you can consider playing it in various musical performances. Whether in solo repertoires or concert bands; You can trust the Selmer SAS280 La Voix II to deliver it.
If you are looking for a super cool and stylish alto saxophone that will turn heads, look no further than the Selmer SAS280 La Voix II alto saxophone.
This intermediate saxophone is plated with black nickel, giving it a much sharper look than traditional brass or silver saxophones.
This Selmer saxophone also features a fluid keyboard with perfect intonation and a traditional sized bell. Focused tone with mixed sound is exactly what you will achieve with the SAS280 La Voix II.
The list of cons for the Selmer SAS280 La Voix II is very short because Selmer is known for its high-quality instruments.
This incredible alto saxophone is the perfect choice for the student who is ready to move towards a more professional sound instrument or the semi-professional player who wants the quality of a professional level instrument without the price of one.
The Etude EAS-100 Student Saxophone is specifically designed for students.
The alto saxophone has excellent tone production and comes with everything a student needs to start learning, including a case, mouthpiece, ligature, and care products.
The EAS-100 is already configured perfectly to take it out of the case and play.
Overall, you can find one of these brand new saxophones for just a few hundred dollars, making it an affordable instrument that’s also built for durability. It is well made of solid metals and feels and looks good. The body and keys are finished in an attractive lacquer.
The Etude EAS-100 is a very affordable instrument that is sure to be well received by any student.
It comes with a mouthpiece, ligature, and a cleaning cloth. It also comes with a stylish hard case. The mouthpiece is very basic, and once the student has mastered the initial skills, an upgrade will probably be necessary.
It is made to be easy to play and weighs only ten pounds. It comes with a neck strap and is supplied with reeds. But as with the mouthpiece, they are very basic.
New ones will likely be needed to purchase shortly after purchase. The sustain of the note is acceptable, and the size of the hole makes it easy to get a decent sound in the early days. This applies even to the lower octaves.
It should be remembered that this is very much a budget range instrument with a tailored price point. If you are looking for Yamaha quality and performance, you won’t find it. And certainly not at this price.
The Etude EAS-100 Student Alto Saxophone has the best overall value for students picking up an instrument for the first time. Construction is durable and with less than $500 students can make this saxophone investment very useful.
Cecilio MAS-L’s Mendini has a large signature hole, shaped like a ribbon. That construction makes it easy to grip and control during use.
Still, in terms of comfort, the product keys feature contour designs with mother-of-pearl inlays. Its pads are designed with high-quality leather for maximum comfort and durability.
Mendini incorporated Pro-deluxe material into the case and neck straps of the saxophone. This adds to its overall longevity.
If you are just a beginner and on a limited budget, then the Cecilio MAS-L Mendini is the perfect instrument to start learning.
The Etude EAS-100 is a very affordable instrument that is sure to be well received by any student. It is well made of solid metals and feels and looks good. The body and kets are finished in an attractive lacquer.
It comes with a mouthpiece, ligature, and a cleaning cloth. It also comes with a stylish hard case. The mouthpiece is very basic, and once the student has mastered the initial skills, an upgrade will probably be necessary.
It has everything the best beginner alto saxophone should have at a fraction of the price. It is sold as a kit, so the user can obtain all the necessary accessories to be able to play the saxophone.
It is made to be easy to play and weighs only ten pounds. It comes with a neck strap and is supplied with reeds. But as with the mouthpiece, they are very basic.
New ones will likely be needed to purchase shortly after purchase. The sustain of the note is acceptable, and the size of the hole makes it easy to get a decent sound in the early days. This applies even to the lower octaves.
It should be remembered that this is very much a budget range instrument with a tailored price point. If you are looking for Yamaha quality and performance, you won’t find it. And certainly not at this price.
For the initial stages of an incredible career playing the saxophone, this saxophone is a perfect and inexpensive instrument to start making beautiful music.
It is important to note that the user will grow. That is why the price is so good because you can still save for that amazing saxophone that you will use to dazzle the crowd at that underground jazz club.
The Yamaha YAS-480 is an intermediate alto saxophone that is perfect for the high school or college student performing at a concert or jazz band, in a symphony, or starting their first jazz band with friends.
The design is inspired by high-end Yamaha saxophones and features a fast response with very precise intonation.
This instrument carries a more mature sound due to the 62 style professional style neck.
If you are taking the saxophone seriously and are looking to improve your student model, the Yamaha YAS-480 alto saxophone is an excellent option that can also lead you to play professionally.
Don’t let the price scare you off, this saxophone is extremely durable and well made and should last a long time. Yamaha warranties are also included.
This sax includes in its design many of the things that instruments have that cost much more. The body is made of yellow brass and has been given the famous Yamaha ‘62 neck.
The neck is known for its high level of precise intonation. The keys are also made of yellow brass and for added effect have polyester buttons. The bell keys give a good response and have been designed to be well balanced.
This is an instrument that impresses only by its appearance. Yamaha always produces classic designs that stand out, and this Alto is in that mold.
There is a hand-engraved design on the hood that adds to the visual style. The supplied mouthpiece has the AS-4C design and is supplied with a plastic cap.
When you’re ready to make the leap from student/beginner to upper-intermediate saxophonist, you need an instrument that can provide the great jazz tones you want to produce.
The Jupiter JAS1100SG Middle Alto Saxophone has a silver Sona-Pure neck that was crafted with artisan tools and annealing to create a vintage, dark tone.
The brass body is also silver plated and has excellent playability with left contoured table keys.
This particular instrument is probably not designed for the absolute beginner. It is more appropriate for the player who has already mastered the basics and wants to advance to a higher degree of the instrument. It could even be a practice instrument for a higher level player.
It is made of brass and has a silver body, which gives it an attractive look. And it has a specially designed Sona-Pure collar, which helps give it its tone. It is designed to improve with some nice features.
Left-hand keys are contoured to aid in finger control and stability. There is a flat rocker B that is tilted. All keys have a gold lacquer finish, which compensates for the color of the silver body.
Other special features for playing the instrument include a high F # and a tilting G # and the F front. The springs are made of bluish steel. To add to the style, the hood is engraved.
Jupiter has been making musical instruments since the 1930s and is one of the largest distributors of instruments for schools in the world. They specialize in brass and woodwind instruments that are durable, reliable, and easy to learn to play.
This Jupiter Middle Eb Alto Saxophone is perfect for advanced students or semi-professional adult players.
Best Saxophones for Beginners Buying Guide
There are so many of them that choosing the best one can be a challenge. This guide will help you choose what is right for you without much hassle. Before buying a beginner saxophones, you should identify your need for one.
There are certain features that are a must for wonderful beginner saxophones. When shopping for one, be sure to consider them all for a highly functional, quality product.
In this buying guide describes the essential information you need to know when buying the best saxophone for beginners. You will learn about the advantages of beginner saxophones and the features to consider when buying one.
Size
As a beginning saxophonist, you still don’t want to go to any of the extreme sizes. For example, the soprano/sopranino is the smallest but needs a bit of mastery so you can achieve good intonation and tone.
So, most of the time, beginners are advised to go for alto or tenor. Except that the beginner is a small child, in which case the tenor would be too large and a high would be more advisable.
Weight
Weight is an important factor because the saxophone is normally attached to a strap that is around the player’s neck. If you can’t carry a heavyweight, then a lighter saxophone is for you. On the other hand, you may be fine buying a heavier one if you can handle it.
Alto saxophones range from 4 to 6 pounds, while tenor saxophones like the Eldon ETS420LN range from 6 to 8 pounds. The weight difference is caused by the thickness of the metal and the additional keys that vary from one sax to another.
Listen to the sound
Consider the sound you want the instrument to make before purchasing a specific saxophone. There are different sounds produced by different saxophones. They include soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.
Soprano saxophones must sound loud and loud like a hybrid between a clarinet and a flute. They shouldn’t sound muted and if this is what the soprano sax sounds like, put it back.
Alto saxophones tend to sound harder and sharper like a tooth but with the same body as a soprano saxophone.
Tenor saxophones should give you a deeper, more passionate feel of velvet mixed with melted chocolate. Tenor saxophones are generally full of soul.
Lastly, baritone saxophones come with a great sound that echoes in your heart.
Mouthpiece and reeds
Normally you would not be concerned about reeds and mouthpiece when purchasing your first saxophone. But it is good to understand that these parts play a very important role in the overall sound. The good news is that you can always change them if you want.
Looks
The appearance of a saxophone can be an important aspect to consider. The famous curved neck shape is mainly associated with alto or tenor saxophones, while the baritone saxophone has a straight clarinet-like appearance.
You can opt for the painted saxophone or the most common metallic colored instrument. However, painted saxophones will typically require more maintenance than their metal mates.
Accessories
You want to get a reed that is comfortable for you, cleaning wands for obvious reasons, cork oil/balm to keep your cork in good shape, as well as a cleaning cloth to clean your sax after a jam.
Most saxophones come with accessories. The basics of being a bar and a cleaning cloth. You will be lucky to get a good replacement rod or carry bag.
The Levante LV-BS4105 even as a flight proof case with wheels. As a beginner instrument, it is important to get good quality accessories because playing, tuning, and maintaining your saxophone requires many things.
Please note that the included standard mouthpieces may not provide the best sound on your new saxophone. It pays to invest in a small premium if you get something of higher value in the package.
Finally, think of a neck strap as these things can get quite cumbersome to hold while working the keys.
Warranty
It is important to be sure of any purchase you make. A guarantee will surely give you satisfaction. The saxophones reviewed above have warranties ranging from one year to a lifetime.
Why is the alto saxophone the best type for beginners?
Alto saxophone is the best type of saxophone for beginners because they are the most common.
When you start your journey with the alto saxophone, you will need to familiarize yourself with the sound of the saxophone listening to music, especially jazz, and you will most likely hear an alto saxophone.
If you are a middle school or high school student playing a concert, jazz, or brass band, your school will most likely start playing saxophones with the alto saxophone anyway.
How much to spend on Your first saxophone?
The amount you spend on your first alto saxophone depends on your level of commitment and your budget.
There is no fixed price for a saxophone, as that depends on a variety of factors. When buying a saxophone, you need to start by understanding the factors that ultimately determine the cost of the instrument.
Ideally, these are elements that are directly related to the product. Examples include design, sound quality, aesthetic appeal, upgradeability, and accessory availability.
In terms of design, saxophones that are cleverly designed tend to cost more than those that feature simple builds.
However, when choosing a sax based on design, don’t be fooled by the elegance of the instrument. Instead, assess how the structure impacts your comfort during playtime.
Saxophones also differ in the quality of the sounds they produce. For example, a saxophone intended for a jazz performance should have higher audio quality than that used in solo repertoires. Therefore, you can also expect their prices to be higher.
Visual appeal is a subjective quality. However, it affects the price of a saxophone. While some people may find a curved design more appealing, others would prefer vertical constructions.
However, the material used makes all the difference in terms of the saxophone’s price. For example, gold finishes are more expensive than silver or brass finishes. That is regardless of whether the buyer considers brass or silver to be more attractive than gold.
Certain saxophones allow you to upgrade them to a higher skill level automatically. For example, there are beginner saxophones that allow the player to make a smooth transition to the intermediate level without necessarily having to buy a new product.
In this way, enjoy the maximum utility of a product. Due to these updates, these saxophones are relatively expensive.
Along with the possibility of upgrades comes the availability of accessories. The more accessories offered, the higher the cost. And the logic here is pretty simple. If a manufacturer provides additional rods, it automatically eliminates the need to purchase these rods separately.
Therefore, they may choose to factor in the cost of these additional reeds in the overall price of their saxophones.
Other factors that determine the cost of a saxophone may not even be related to the actual product. For example, high-end brands like Yamaha and Selmer will probably cost you more than brands like Ammoon.
Also, there may be a large price variance depending on whether you are buying a new or used saxophone.
So, which are the best beginner saxophones for right now?
The best saxophones for beginners really depends on what type of saxophones you are looking for, what level of performance you are on, and how you want to use it. Our best choice for the best beginner saxophones is the YAMAHA YAS-280.
We chose this one because it gives you everything you need for a pleasant saxophone playing experience – great design is needed to go with the gear and most importantly, wonderful authentic sound. This combination of price, quality, and appearance makes this guitar our best option.
Final Words
Choosing a good student saxophone goes beyond looking at designs. As a student, you also need an instrument that comes with controls that are easy to use. Also, the comfort of your hands is of utmost importance, as this reduces finger fatigue and improves precision.
Above all, you deserve a saxophone with impressive sound quality. The tone must be well balanced and the intonation flexible enough.
We spend unlimited hours selecting these saxophones for you. All of these saxophones are very excellent in use and highly rated throughout the market. Its performance and characteristics are remarkable.
You can blindly trust us because the more research you do, the more knowledge you get. We investigate for our loving clients as for the best.
I hope this list helps you in your search for the best saxophones for beginners. Try them all out and make sure they’re easy to play while giving you clear, full sound that will complement your personal playing comfort and style.
