Master the Sax: Best Saxophones for Beginners

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Did you know that Adolphe Sax the creator of saxophone, came up with 14 different types of it? Well, fear not. In modern days, there are four main types of saxophones out there.

Saxophones are widely popular for both classical and jazz music. They’re an integral part of many music styles around the world. If you’re a beginner who is just starting their saxophone journey then it might be a daunting task to pick the right one.

With so many different types and models in the market, you may get overwhelmed and pick up the wrong one for yourself. Saxophones are quite heavy on the pocket, therefore, we want to make sure that you pick the best match and take up your learning to the next level.

We are here to help you pick up the best saxophone for beginners out there so that you can give a kick start to your music career. Now, let’s cut to the chase and take a look at our top picks for the beginner-friendly saxophones.

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Our Top 3 Picks

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Our Rating

Customer Reviews

Jean Paul USA AS-400 Alto Saxophone
Mendini by Cecilio E-Flat Alto Saxophone
Glory Black/Gold Keys E Flat Professional Alto Saxophone

​Best Saxophones for Beginners (Reviewed & Analyzed)

Mendini by Cecilio MAS-L+92D+PB Saxophone

Mendini by Cecilio MAS-L+92D+PB Saxophone

The Mendini by Cecilio MAS-L+92D+PB Saxophone has earned quite the praise among many beginners. It features not only various helpful accessories but also a very reasonable price; which is why it’s often considered to be the cheapest saxophone for a beginner.

This saxophone comes with a ribbon-shaped large signature bore. Thanks to this bore, you can grip and control it easily while you’re using it. The product keys feature a contoured design with mother-of-pearl inlays. The pads are made of high-quality based leather. Therefore, this saxophone will be able to offer you a maximum level of comfort and durability.

The shell case and neck straps are made of a Pro-deluxe material; which increases its overall longevity. The body features a gold lacquer finish; which provides it with a regal and lavish look. Apart from gold, you can also buy this saxophone in various other finishes such as purple, green, red, nickel, etc.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Produces great sound
  • Affordable price
  • 1-year warranty

Cons

  • Might face some problem playing the low C

Mendini by Cecilio B-Flat Tenor Saxophone

Mendini by Cecilio B-Flat Tenor Saxophone

The Mendini by Cecilio B-Flat Tenor Saxophone is a very beautifully designed saxophone. You can find this saxophone available with five different colors of finishes and a kit including loads of extra accessories.

This saxophone is usually featured with a gold lacquered body and keys. However, you can still buy it in a different color since it’s available in different finishes. It comes with a ribbed design; which allows you to handle it easily.

The keys of this saxophone are well-contoured and they use faux Mother-of-pearl-inlays to create enough flexible finger action for you so that you can use it for your aesthetic purposes without any difficulties.

One of the major features of this saxophone is that it’s basically designed for players of all levels. So, it doesn’t matter what type of player you are, as this saxophone is created to be used by a beginner, intermediate or professional sax player.

Pros

  • Offers 1-year warranty
  • Can be used by players of all levels
  • Clear and deep tone and intonation
  • Low price point

Cons

  • Doesn’t feature off-the-shelve parts

Mendini by Cecilio E-Flat Alto Saxophone

Mendini by Cecilio E-Flat Alto Saxophone

The Mendini by Cecilio E-Flat Alto Saxophone is a professional saxophone that sports a gold lacquered finished body. This saxophone went through rigorous testing so that it can provide you with excellent performance. 

It has the ability to produce a rich sound. Besides, the bore it features is very large. The bore makes it a perfect teaching instrument for a beginner student to grasp all the fundamentals easily. 

The tuner and metronome combo features is a very helpful tool. It also features a large LCD display that allows you to monitor the beat and sustain with much ease. You can adjust the temp between 30 and 230 bpm.

If you’re on a tight budget then this saxophone has the ability to provide you with the most value for money; as it features a very reasonable price. Moreover, this saxophone comes with a nice carrying case, along with many useful accessories.

Pros

  • Perfect for beginners
  • Includes all necessary accessories
  • 1-year warranty
  • Includes metronome

Cons

  • Average quality neck strap
  • Average build quality

Jean Paul USA AS-400 Alto Saxophone

Jean Paul USA AS-400 Alto Saxophone

The Jean Paul USA AS-400 Alto Saxophone is one of the best alto saxophones for beginners. It’s ideal for students who are looking for a saxophone they could rely on for a long time.

This saxophone comes in a traditional brass color with a gold lacquer finish. It also sports a silver-colored finish however; it could cost you more than the gold-colored finish. The quality of the sound it generates is very impressive. It has the ability to produce well-defined high notes with warmness. You can sustain the note very easily thanks to the airtightness of the mouthpiece and the sax design.

The keys are arranged in a beginner-friendly manner. Therefore, you won’t have to force your bottom hand to overreach them. The package it’s equipped with consists of all the instruments you’ll require to play. The package also includes necessary equipment for its maintenance.

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly setup
  • Features all necessary maintenance equipment
  • Comes with a lightweight carrying case
  • Produces warm sound

Cons

  • Might be too pricey for some students

Jean Paul USA TS-400 Tenor Saxophone

Jean Paul USA TS-400 Tenor Saxophone

If you’re looking for a saxophone that has the ability to grow with you, then the Jean Paul USA TS-400 Tenor Saxophone is the one that can meet those requirements of yours. This saxophone great build-quality and can produce an outstanding sound.

This saxophone features a bright lacquered body and green pad accents. Thanks to them, it looks very gorgeous in its appearance. It has a weight of 16 pounds only. You can hold this saxophone very comfortably. In fact, if you have a great neck strap, you can hold it with extra comfort.

The keys feature an ergonomic design; which gives you the ability to move your fingers very smoothly. If you even try to change them, you won’t have to hear an annoying clicking sound. Moreover, it will allow you to change notes with much ease. As a result, you’ll be able to play music with better flexibility.

Pros

  • Best value overall
  • Easy to play
  • Made from quality brass materials
  • Features a strong carrying case

Cons

  • Might not be budget-friendly for some beginners

Glory Black/Gold Keys E Flat Professional Alto Saxophone

Glory Black/Gold Keys E Flat Professional Alto Saxophone

The Glory Black/Gold Keys E Flat Professional Alto Saxophone is a high quality, as well as, cost-effective saxophone. If you’re looking for a saxophone for yourself or your friends while being on a tight budget, then this saxophone is the perfect choice for you.

The positions of the sound holes in this saxophone are pretty much accurate. As a result, you’ll be able to put your fingers to rest comfortably. The combination of black and gold colors in this product provides its appearance with more attractiveness. The bell of this product features hand engraved decoration.

The pads are made of leather; which contributes to the saxophone’s overall durability. Though this model was initially made for beginners only, it includes F #. Moreover, the sound and resonation it produces are very reasonable. 

Overall, this saxophone is perfect for beginners, children, and adults; as it features a versatile and compact design.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Arrives tuned
  • Budget-friendly price
  • Includes a quality case with necessary accessories

Cons

  • Tight-fitting mouthpieces might need adjustments

Lazarro 360-SB E-Flat Eb Alto Saxophone

Lazarro 360-SB E-Flat Eb Alto Saxophone

If you’re a beginner musician and is in a desperate need of an alto saxophone that can provide you with the best learning experiences, then you should definitely spend your money on the Lazarro 360-SB E-Flat Eb Alto Saxophone.

It’s generally made from real brass materials; therefore making it very strong and durable. It features high-quality leather pads that include metal resonators, adjustable key height screws, and a metal thumb rest. It also features a high F# and front F key.

This saxophone can give you the ability to switch to more intricate and small saxophones after you’re finished mastering your skills. You’ll find it frequently used in the most popular concert bands, marching bands, solo music, etc. Moreover, you can also use this product to make different types of music; such as jazz, classic, rock, and roll, etc.

Pros

  • Includes all the essential accessories
  • Comes with a carrying case
  • Fairly affordable
  • Available in 24 bright and different colors

Cons

  • Accessories are of poor quality

Ammoon Eb E-Flat Alto Saxophone

Ammoon Eb E-Flat Alto Saxophone

If you’re interested in buying an alto saxophone that is not only elegant but also cost-effective, then you must try purchasing the Ammoon Eb E-Flat Alto Saxophone. This saxophone is made of a striking red bronze that features a carved pattern surface and an eye-catching antique finish.

It was mainly designed for novice and professional sax players. However, jazz bands, classical, and solo music players can use this saxophone. It features pads that can resist water. It also features a steel needle which increases its overall strength. The inlays of the shell key are very comfortable and can allow you easy, free-flowing playing.

However, these keys have a high tendency of falling off from its place. Hence, you might have to fix this situation by gluing them back into their own place. The range of this instrument is from E flat to F sharp. It can flawlessly reach the full complement.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Features a wide range of accessories
  • Affordable
  • Comfortable key inlays

Cons

  • Buttons on the keys aren’t glued properly

Eastar AS-II Alto Saxophone                                                                

Eastar AS-II Alto Saxophone

The Eastar AS-II Alto Saxophone comes with a mixture of copper and lead-free welding green-craft. These materials can not only enhance their look but also can maximize their overall strength and durability. This saxophone features advanced leather pads that can offer you enhanced elasticity, as well as, high air tightness for a well-controlled tone.

The quality of the tone it produces is very excellent and features minimal-to-zero noise levels. Since it has earned quite a praise for being one of the highest-rated professional alto saxes, you can seamlessly oscillate between low and high gamut range.

It arrives already adjusted. So, as soon as you get out of the box, you’ll be able to play it without needing to tune it. Thanks to the transparent lacquered gold finish, it looks more regal in its appearance.

Pros

  • Produces beautiful tone
  • Made from high-grade materials
  • Noise-free
  • Stunning looks
  • Easy to look after
  • Can be bought at an affordable price

Cons

  • Backed up with a short warranty
  • Heavy to carry for children

Glory B-Flat Tenor Saxophone

Glory B-Flat Tenor Saxophone

The Glory B-Flat Tenor Saxophone is one of the highest-rated tenor saxophones based on intonation and sound quality. It’s also one of the best tenor saxophones for beginners and professionals; as it features the Bb with a reasonable high F# key.

Apart from adult beginner and professional players, this instrument can be played by children too; because it comes with a compact design that makes it very easy to carry and the reasonable layout of the keys.

It also features adjustable key height screws and a metal thumb rest. The screws can offer you flexibility whenever you’re playing the instrument. The metal thumb-rest will give your thumbs the chance to get rest after they start to feel fatigued.

Besides, the positions of the sound holes in this instrument are pretty much accurate. So, your fingers will be provided with an ample amount of rest.

Pros

  • Great playability
  • Ease of transition from beginner to professional
  • Different finishes
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • The cork key isn’t applied thoughtfully

Kaizer SSAX-1000 Soprano Saxophone

Kaizer SSAX-1000 Soprano Saxophone

The Kaizer SSAX-1000 Soprano Saxophone is designed by using a sturdy yellow brass material that can increase its overall tonality and visual appearance.

This saxophone comes with one of the most advanced sensitive responses. It features premium steel springs that can improve its responses. It has incorporated a professional-grade leatherette pad. Therefore, you’ll be provided with higher intonation, comfort, and control.

You can play this instrument in different musical arrangements; whether it’s in your school band, an orchestra play, or in solo repertoires. It generally features a 45-day free trial. If this instrument is unable to live up to your expectations within the free trial, then you’re entitled to a full refund. Moreover, it’s backed up with a lifetime warranty that can cover manufacturing defects.

Pros

  • Sturdy brass material for maximum durability
  • Comes with a 45-day free trial and a lifetime warranty
  • Allows direct transition from beginner to professional levels
  • Lightweight for ease of handling

Cons

  • Not the best for intermediate players

Click N’ Play Saxophone

Click N’ Play Saxophone

The Click N’ Play Saxophone is perfect for young kids who prefer to enjoy a fun-filled musical experience. Thanks to the smooth tonality and easy playing features it comes with, it can add more excitement to your kid’s performance.

This saxophone not only features excellent quality and durability but also features a very reasonable price. The weight of this saxophone is low and it carries only 6.1 ounces. Besides, its 16.5 inches long. Therefore, your kid will be able to handle and carry it very efficiently.

This instrument comes with 8 highly durable color-coded keys. So, your kid will be able to play different songs. Also, each of these keys will give your child the ability to create a distinctive sound.

Moreover, the saxophone is comprised of heavy-duty metallic plastic in silver and features a shiny silver finish that enhances its appearance. Overall, it’s one of the cheapest and best saxophones you can afford for your child.

Pros

  • Imported
  • Color-coded keys
  • Produces real sounds
  • Encourages creative play

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with a neck strap

Yamaha YVS-100 Venova Casual Wind Instrument

Yamaha YVS-100 Venova Casual Wind Instrument

The Yamaha YVS-100 Venova Casual Wind Instrument is a new type of instrument that has the extraordinary ability to produce sounds like a saxophone.

It features a unique branched pipe design. In this designing method, a branched pipe tube is added to its body; which allows it to change the tone of a cylindrical instrument into the tone of a more conical instrument.

The body of this instrument is bent into a meandering pipe structure. Therefore, the distance between the hole tones is shortened. As a result, you’ll find a simple fingering system similar to a recorder. You’ll be able to play all sorts of notes with minimal keys. In fact, those who’ve never played a wind instrument before can easily use it.

Moreover, the body is made from ABS resin which makes it durable and water washable. The mouthpiece, synthetic resin reeds, and pads are also water-resistant. Therefore, you won’t have any trouble cleaning it.

Pros

  • Easy to clean
  • Lightweight
  • Portable
  • Fully chromatic two-octave range

Cons

  • Plastic construction

YAMAHA YAS-280 Student Alto Saxophone

YAMAHA YAS-280 Student Alto Saxophone

The YAMAHA YAS-280 Student Alto Saxophone is considered to be one of the best budget-friendly saxophones. This saxophone is designed to be beginner-friendly. So, it’s a great option for any beginner student to start learning how to make music with a saxophone.

It’s light, portable, quite comfortable to handle, and can provide you with sufficient hand positions. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional or a beginner, as this saxophone will allow you to produce great tones consistently.

The neck of this instrument features a sturdy design. As a result, you’ll be able to create clear sounds from the instrument by using the low C# key. The instrument features a flexible thumb rest that has the ability to improve playability as well. 

However, it doesn’t include more necessary accessories for example; it doesn’t feature a cleaning kit. Although the case of this instrument is made from plastic, it can still do the job of storage and conveyance without any frills.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Convenient to play
  • Durable build quality
  • Smooth intonation and sound

Cons

  • Doesn’t feature many accessories

EastRock E-Flat Alto Saxophone

EastRock E-Flat Alto Saxophone

The EastRock E-Flat Alto Saxophone is available in the market in five different colors; gold, antique gold with a handmade curved design, black and gold, black and nickel, and blue and gold. You can choose any of them you think fits your personality the most.

It comes covered with a seal that can provide it with protection from any scratches on the surface. The base of this instrument is built with exceptional quality brass materials. Moreover, the instrument goes through some tests before its being put on sale; which makes it absolutely perfect for students in bands or orchestras.

The keys feature a nice ergonomic design. Therefore, you’ll be provided with better air tightness which you’ll be able to feel whenever you’re pressing them. Besides, the saxophone comes with a carrying case, one reed, a plastic mouthpiece, eight cushion pads, one cleaning cloth, one cleaning rod, a pair of gloves, alcohol pads, and a long strap. 

Pros

  • Delivers uniform tank vibration
  • Convenient to store and transport
  • Suitable for all level of players
  • 1-year warranty

Cons

  • Average mouthpiece

Glarry Student Alto Eb E-flat Saxophone

Glarry Student Alto Eb E-flat Saxophone

The Glarry Eb-E flat Saxophone is one of the best alto saxophones for beginners. If your children want to learn saxophone then this instrument can be the best choice. It’s a high value for your money.

This saxophone comes in gold color and durable materials to keep it shiny. You can use it for a long time. The handcrafted flower carvings design makes it look appealing. Also, it’s designed with a reasonable and compact key layout so that both adults and children can play it easily.

It has a pleasing vibrant feel with a wonderful sound and at the same time easy to play. You’ll be the most visible saxophonist thanks to its well-rounded intonation and warm sound. Also, it comes with its own mouthpiece, gloves, and reed.

Moreover, if you have a back problem then you’ll be glad to know that it comes with a neck strap to give maximum comfort.

Pros

  • Delicate design
  • Great sound
  • Neck strap for comfort
  • Made with durable materials

Cons

  • Neck strap quality isn’t satisfactory

Hawk WD-S411C-NK Tenor Saxophone

Hawk WD-S411C-NK Tenor Saxophone__CONFIG_colors_palette__{“active_palette”:0,”config”:{“colors”:{“34f05”:{“name”:”Main Accent”,”parent”:-1}},”gradients”:[]},”palettes”:[{“name”:”Default Palette”,”value”:{“colors”:{“34f05”:{“val”:”rgb(17, 17, 18)”,”hsl”:{“h”:210,”s”:0.03,”l”:0.07}}},”gradients”:[]},”original”:{“colors”:{“34f05”:{“val”:”rgb(19, 114, 211)”,”hsl”:{“h”:210,”s”:0.83,”l”:0.45}}},”gradients”:[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__ Check Today’s Price on Amazon

The Hawk WD-S411C-NK is a tenor saxophone that is pitched at B flat. If you previously player alto saxophones and you’re scared to shift to a tenor then let me reassure you that the notes and fingerings are the same for all saxophones.

The sax has a solid construction with super responsive key actions that deliver accurate intonations. It delivers a consistently balanced sound that makes it a perfect fit for beginner learners.

In terms of design, the Hawk WD-S411C-NK is an absolute bomb. It comes in five different colors giving you the flexibility to choose the best one you prefer. It features leather pads with metal resonators that combine with easy action springs propel to take your learnings to the next level.

Keep in mind that storage is an important aspect of all musical instruments. The Hawk WD-S411C-NK comes with a sturdy deluxe case that will help you securely store the sax and carry it along to the classes or gigs. You’ll also get a neck strap, ligature, mouthpiece, and cap with this saxophone.

Pros

  • Highly visually appealing with multiple color selections
  • Provides comfort over time
  • Comes with storage bag
  • Suitable for beginner players

Cons

  • Replacement parts are hard to find

Selmer SAS280 La Voix II Alto Saxophone

Selmer SAS280 La Voix II Alto Saxophone

You probably know it by now that Selmer is one of the market leaders in the saxophone industry. We have got a gem in the list by Selmer that will help you take your saxophone game up a notch.

The design of the Selmer SAS280 is highly sophisticated and it comes in four different finishes. This alto model is no child’s game and it’s specifically crafted for the players who have a passion for the instrument. The Voix II is designed for those serious learners who want to master the art.

Being an alto sax, it’s pitched at E flat. It delivers a warm rich tone with perfect intonation. This gives the player the flexibility to hit both the high and low notes with perfection. It has ergonomic key placements that allow the saxophonist to have a fluidity in the key movements.

Pros

  • Comes in four aesthetic finishes
  • Hits both low and high notes with perfection
  • Ergonomic key placement
  • High-quality leather pads

Cons

  • Expensive

Different Types of Saxophone

best saxophones for beginners

Alto Saxophone

Alto saxophone is also known or called as “Alto Sax.” It’s the individual from the saxophone family woodwind instruments created by a Belgian planner named Adolphe Sax. It created in 1840 and licensed in 1846.

Alto sax is a typical instrument in traditional music. There are various prices of this instrument and two types of Alto saxophone out there. One sort is for students who are figuring out how to play the saxophone, and another is the expert players.

The Alto saxophone for students which is best alto saxophone for beginners begins from 280 dollars and the expert using great alto saxophone cost up to 6500 dollars.

Tenor Saxophone

The tenor saxophone isn’t excessively big. It’s the medium-sized individual from the saxophone family. It’s normally using instruments everywhere throughout the world and created by the Adolphe Sax in 1840.

The tenor saxophone player utilizes a bigger mouthpiece, reed, and ligature. You can without much of a stretch recognize it by the twist of its neck. Also, the tenor saxophone is an instrument that you can generally use in traditional music. This kind of saxophone can be seen often included for the symphony orchestra.

The cost of Tenor saxophone cam differs from 200 dollars to 500 dollars. However, while it’s for the expert player it might cross a thousand dollars. 

Baritone Saxophone

The baritone saxophone is one of the biggest size saxophones of the saxophone family and it’s another name called “Bari Sax”. It’s the most reduced pitched saxophone that is for ordinary use. Its mouthpiece, reed, and the ligature are bigger than alto sax, tenor sax, and soprano sax. 

Also, the baritone saxophone generally used in old-style music. This instrument firstly created in 1846 by Adolphe Sax. It has been set up to be an apparent connection among woodwinds and brasses.

The Bari sax accompanies two kinds of pitches. These sorts of saxophones are a lot of expensive to purchase and differs from 2000 dollars to 5000 dollars.  You can get a modest-quality for the beginners in simply 500 dollars. However, for excessively expert players there are some baritone saxophones valued 8000 dollars.

Soprano Saxophone

The soprano saxophone is the higher-register saxophone which is also from the saxophone family invented in 1846 by Adolphe Sax.

It’s the third smallest member of the saxophone family that carries the pitch of C. The soprano saxophone is highly an instrument for old-style music. It’s anything but difficult to take as the size is small. Also, the pitch of this saxophone is higher than the baritone saxophone.

You can see this saxophone sometimes used in Symphony Orchestra. There are numerous kinds of soprano saxophone in the market with various quality and cost. The normal quality cost differs from 500 to 1000 dollars. You can get the cheaper quality in only 200 dollars and the expert one in 3000 dollars.

Buying Guide

When you’re starting the saxophone for the first time you’re confronted with a challenging task and that is buying a beginner saxophone. After you’ve done a quick Google search and you’ve been shocked by some of the prices out there, you’re left wondering what should I really be looking for in a beginner saxophone.

So, we’re going to give you some suggestions that you can consider when buying a saxophone for a beginner. Let’s have a look at them.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics means how comfortable the saxophone to play. Now you may not know this but the keys on the saxophone are offset deliberately to match the shape of the hand. In the 1950s a company called Selmer released the legendary Mark 6 which you could consider as the final form of the modern sax.

It really set the standard for ergonomics and playability for virtually every saxophone that followed. Now, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t differences in the ergonomics of modern saxophones though. The best brands put a lot of thought into the design of their saxophones and ensure that they feel as comfortable to play as possible.

Weight

The best saxophones out there be they student or professional should share the same kind of lightness. It’s generally the cheaper, lower quality instruments that tend to be heavier. Playing a lighter instrument feels more comfortable to have around your neck and allows you to play for longer without getting fatigued.

Intonation

The next most important factor in deciding a beginner saxophone is intonation meaning tuning. Now when you start the saxophone for the first time developing a good sense of intonation is so important and it goes hand in hand with developing your embouchure. So, the last thing you want to be doing is fighting your instrument at the same time.

However, unfortunately, there are brand new shiny saxophones out there that don’t particularly play in tune which is why intonation has to be a factor we consider when selecting a beginner sax.

Build quality

To Check build quality you need to know what are saxophones made of first. The fourth major consideration for buying a beginner saxophone has to be build quality. This actually goes hand in hand with ergonomics and intonation. Nobody wants to visit the woodwind repair every few months when all of a sudden you can’t play a low D anymore.

If you live somewhere rural there may not even be a repair close by to go to. So, higher build quality means less servicing, higher resale value, and more wonderful years with your instrument.

Price

You should look at saxophones right around the five hundred US dollars. If you go much more than that then prices a lot for beginners. If you go much lower than that then it’s not reasonable to expect a saxophone that fits all the criteria that we’ve laid out.

So, the prospect of spending thousands of dollars on a new instrument and going straight for a professional model just doesn’t sound like the greatest idea.

Tone

Lastly, we want to talk about the most important thing which is tone. Surely how saxophone sounds have to be a major consideration in deciding which saxophone to buy. The truth that surprises almost every newcomer to the saxophone is the instrument itself the saxophone that you’re playing on only accounts for a very small percentage of what you sound like.

Most of your tone and what makes you sound unique on the saxophone comes from your embouchure. It means the shape of the mouth when you play. It also comes from the breath support and just some of your physical characteristics. The part that does come from your equipment most actually comes from your mouthpiece and reed combination.

So, you can think about the saxophone as being the glue that just holds it all together. Now certainly the saxophone can color the sound and it can push it a little brighter or darker. It can also add some focus to your sound, but it’s just that as a small percentage of your whole sound. It’s really not a major determining factor in buying a beginner saxophone.

Overall, if the ergonomics feel right, the intonation is good, and the build quality is high then a good tone is just a natural byproduct of those three things.

Frequently Asked Question

Which type of saxophone is best for beginners?

The alto saxophone is known as the best saxophone for beginners. It’s a woodwind instrument that is pitched in E flat. There are also two types of the saxophone which are good for a beginner is tenor and soprano saxophone. The tenor saxophone is larger than alto and soprano saxophone is smaller than alto.

The reason why alto saxophone is the best type of saxophone for beginners is that they’re the most common ones. If you’re thinking of buying one then you’re most likely to hear an alto saxophone.

You’ll need to be familiar with the sound of saxophone by listening to music especially jazz. Also, you’ll find that in most high school student playing in the concert, jazz, or marching band start all on the alto saxophone. However, you don’t have to worry about learning new notes on each type of saxophone as the fingering positions on each type are the same.

Is it easy to learn the saxophone?

Learning the saxophone isn’t really hard and it also often considered as one of the easiest to learn. The saxophone can trace its history to a specific date, unlike other woodwind instruments. This is why the key work is very practical and not overly complex.

However, the saxophone is the most difficult instrument to master. You’re not going to become a saxophone legend overnight. It takes years of practice, studying with saxophone instructors to be master. Most importantly, you’ll have to listen to other saxophonists. So, though the saxophone is the easiest instrument to learn, it’s the hardest to master.

How much does a decent saxophone cost?

If you’re planning to purchase a new saxophone then you have to remember that saxophones are high in price. It’s a vintage type of musical instrument that is popular in classical music. You’ll find saxophones in different shapes and sizes. However, many saxophone players out there offer their used ones at a cheap price.

A decent quality fresh out of the box new understudy model alto saxophone should cost roughly 1000 dollars and a new tenor about 1200 dollars. A pre-owned saxophone in great condition can run anyplace from about 300 dollars.

Is it a good decision to purchase a used saxophone?                                       

If you’re thinking of purchasing a pre-owned saxophone then you truly need to know the market and realize what you’re taking at regarding brands and the different models.

Moreover, utilized saxophones regularly require fixes except if you’re purchasing from a trustworthy music store that remains behind their items. So, if you plan on purchasing utilized, be prepared to put more into getting it investigated.

Which one is a better tenor or alto sax?

First of all, comparing the alto to the tenor particularly for a professional is quite a strange thing to do because so much what draws us to these instruments is just personal choice. If you’re a complete beginner and you don’t have any background knowledge of these instruments then understanding a little bit about them will help to inform your decision.

The tenor is larger than the alto which means that the keys are spaced further apart. It’s important if you have smaller hands or if you’re purchasing a saxophone for your son or daughter age from 9 to 13 years old. In that case, alto saxophone pretty much is going to be your only option. However, most adults won’t have an issue going between the two of them.

Also, the weight of the tenor is heavier than the alto. If you’re having a neck or back problem then the weight is an important factor. So, we would say that alto saxophone is the best saxophone for beginners than tenor.

What accessories should I get?

If you purchase a professional saxophone instrument then you will probably need to buy a mouthpiece because the one that you get with the saxophones aren’t very good. We would also suggest you get some reeds, a swab or pull through, a stand, and a great strong and comfortable neck strap.

However, some accessories aren’t necessary and will waste your money such as pad clamps, gig dust, pad saver, and fancy ligatures. So, keep in mind that there are so many shops that try to sell these unnecessary accessories. But if you want to clean your saxophone you should purchase some accessories. 

Final Words

In our list, we’ve ruled out all the vintage saxophones meaning any saxophones made before about 1980. The main reason is you would buy a vintage saxophone if you’re after a particular tone. Also, most of the vintage saxophones you can buy for around 500 US dollars tend to be the forgotten ones.

Since we’re starting from scratch here and we’ve established that your technique is the most important part of your tone that’s why venturing out and getting a vintage saxophone should be left until you’ve got some more experience under your belt.

 We highly believe and hope that our reviews and buying guide will be helpful enough to get you on the right track to buy the best saxophone for beginners in terms of your needs, wants, and desires. So, let’s get a beginner saxophone that we’ve listed above and get ready to rock the jazz clubs and become a legend in the music industry.

 

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