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.
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.
Table of Contents
Best Beginner Saxophones: Our Picks
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.
Here, we will provide a review of the best beginner saxophones in detail. 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 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.
The list of cons for the Selmer SAS280 La Voix II is very short because Selmer is known for its high-quality instruments.
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.
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.
Why is the alto saxophone considered 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 should you 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 is the best beginner saxophone 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 saxophone our best choice.
- Complete with Case
- Made by Yamaha - World Leaders in Guitars and Keyboards
- Yamaha Alto Sax, YAS-280
- Gold lacquer finish. High F# and Front F auxiliary keys
- Key of BB with power forged and tapered pivot keys for easy playability
- Beautiful yellow brass body construction with lacquer finish
- Lovely engraved bell pattern for and extra touch of quality and class
- Comes with robust contoured carrying case for ease of use transportation
- Included accessories: one Rico reed, carrying case, cork grease, cleaning Cloth and mouthpiece
- SAS280R incorporates the right features to deliver a rich French sound piquing the interest of musicians of all kinds
- Designed to withstand the demand of musicians in a lighter weight body, this alto saxophone was created for expression
- The acoustic response of the Selmer LaVoix ll offers fluidity throughout all registers, combined with a specially designed neck with slight resistance, this alto sax provides superior response and is ideal for embouchure and air stream development
- Featuring a Selmer USA mouthpiece to create even tone with a superb response and steady intonation
- Includes a new lighter-weight case for easy and secure transport and protection with excellent storage capabilities
- Excellent tone production
- Easy to play
- Mechanically reliable
- Comes with case, mouthpiece, ligature and care products.
- Includes case, mouthpiece, cap, and ligature
- All Levels Welcome: You don't have to be a pro to jam on this sax for adults that also works great as a kids musical instrument. For beginners and advanced players!
- Sleek Design: The lacquered body and high F# key will ensure that these brass instruments will have you looking great and sounding better
- Craftsmanship: These saxophones come with a large bore, ribbed construction, quality leather pads and metal tone boosters. The contoured keys with faux mother of pearl inlays are a touch of elegance
- Includes: Don't just settle for just any band & orchestra musical instruments. This complete set includes a pro-deluxe durable hard-shell case, mouthpiece, tuner, neck strap, 10 reeds (Size 2.5 inches), cloth, rod, and a pair of gloves!
- Chromatic Tuner: Tune up and get playing with the bonus Cecilio 92-D chromatic/string tuner with metronome & pocketbook! Batteries not included
- Hand engraving
- Compatible with Custom Yamaha necks
- Enhanced neck
- Key guard
- Left-hand seesaw key
- The Silver-Plated Sona-Pure Neck is created using special artisan tooling and annealing processes that results in a dark, vintage tonal quality
- Silver-Plated Brass Body is made from the highest quality brass and finished with a bright silver-plate ensuring fine playability and tonal brilliance
- Contoured Left-Hand Table Keys with Tilting Bb Rocker Arm provides more comfortable fingering and added agility for the advancing student
- Key of Eb
- Silver-Plated Brass Body
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.
All of these saxophones are very excellent in use and highly rated throughout the market. Its performance and characteristics are remarkable.
I hope this list helps you in your search for the best beginner saxophone.
