Best
Overall Professional
Alto Sax
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Overall:
Underslung Octave Key Offers A Faster Response -
Best Feature: Luxurious Metals Offer A Direct And Pure Sound
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Budget Pick Professional Alto Sax
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Overall: Gorgeous Appearance With Mother-Of-Pearl Key Buttons And Bell Engraving
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Best Feature: Stunning performance with Yamaha's renowned mechanisms
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Best
Professional Alto Sax for Jazz
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Overall: Bright Sound And Effortless Playability
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Best Feature: Vintage Unlacquered Finish With Engraving
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Searching for the best professional alto saxophone can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.
Whether you’re an experienced player or a determined student, finding the perfect saxophone is essential for hitting those ideal notes.
From the classic beauty of the Conn Selmer to the reliable strength of the Yamaha YAS-62, we’ll look at top choices that combine quality, comfort, and amazing sound. You’ll discover why these instruments are the best and how they can improve your musical journey.
Are you ready to explore the world of amazing saxophones and find your dream instrument? Let’s explore and discover together!
The 5 Best Professional Alto Saxophones
When you think of the best professional saxophones on the market, some popular names immediately come to mind like the Selmer Saxophones and Yamaha.
Let’s get to know better some of these best alto saxophone brands and their outstanding features!
Yanagisawa
Yanagisawa saxophones are exceptional instruments built with craftsmanship and reliability. Their saxophones provide a consistent tone and response over the entire range, no matter the dynamic level. The ergonomic design is superb, making them fast and nimble to play.
Plus, their factory setup is quite good, although you can make small tweaks here and there to improve it even further. Sonically, this brand is as good as other best professional alto saxophones on the market today, boasting impressive intonation and a clear, rich sound.
Yanagisawa TWO20PG
DESIGNED FOR: Professional saxophone players
FEATURES: Luxurious metals offer a direct and pure sound
OTHER INFO: Underslung octave key offers a faster response
Yanagisawa TWO20PG
- Double-arm bell keys prevent distortion
- Unparalleled Japanese build quality
- Comes with a wood shell case and mouthpiece
- Slightly heavier than average professional alto saxophones
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha
Yamaha is an excellent saxophone brand that offers lightweight with ergonomic design instruments which makes it a great option for beginners. With the 62-series, Yamaha sets the standard for professional saxophones in its class.
Moreover, Yamaha saxophones are known to have excellent intonation and construction, as well as producing a rich and pleasant sound that resonates well. You can trust Yamaha to give you the best quality instrument for your money.
The custom model YAS-875EX is considered the best Yamaha alto saxophone for budget musicians and is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship.
Yamaha Custom YAS-875EX
DESIGNED FOR: Professional players
FEATURES: Experience effortless playability with a unique ball joint design on the octave key
OTHER INFO: Gorgeous appearance with mother-of-pearl key buttons and bell engraving
Yamaha Custom YAS-875EX
- Play with the warmth of a hand-hammered, one-piece bell
- Stunning performance with Yamaha's renowned mechanisms
- Register for a 5-year extended warranty and 3-month Tomplay Premium
- The tone is free-blowing, which can be unappealing to players who prefer more resistance
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha YAS-62 Professional Alto
DESIGNED FOR: Professional alto saxophonists
FEATURES: Create a rich, darker tone with a quick response thanks to the 62 style neck
OTHER INFO: Experience the full tone that comes with integrating the key posts onto one plate
Yamaha YAS-62 Professional Alto
- Suitable for performance level in any genre
- Includes a 4C mouthpiece and a case with backpack straps
- Register for a 5-year extended warranty and 3-month Tomplay Premium
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Conn-Selmer
This brand is distributed by the American company Conn-Selmer, and is one of the best saxophone brands around the world.
The saxophones they offer feature good design, excellent build quality and proven reliability across their range. They’re also robustly made, and hold their value well due to their reputation. Plus, they have a fair bit of punch to them too, making them a good, versatile all-rounder for any level of professional players.
Conn-Selmer PAS380
DESIGNED FOR: Professional-level players
FEATURES: Vintage unlacquered finish with engraving
OTHER INFO: Bright sound and effortless playability
Conn-Selmer PAS380
- Includes Eugene Rousseau JDX mouthpiece and Rovner ligature
- Offers a sound more common to older styles of saxophone performance
- Slightly heavier to hold
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Selmer Paris
Their 100 years of innovation, design and manufacturing mean that the Selmer saxophones have been redefined to meet the demands of the modern repertoire. It’s a classic brand with a mellow timbre that is neither too bright nor too dark – it has impressive brilliance and clarity.
Whether you’re playing classical music or jazz music, a Selmer professional alto saxophone like the 52JU model is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship and rich tone.
Selmer Paris 52JU
DESIGNED FOR: Professional sax players
FEATURES: Built with full-ribbed construction to enhance durability
OTHER INFO: It has yellow brass body tubes and metal resonators across the entire timbre spectrum
Selmer Paris 52JU
- Lighter and more responsive
- With superior intonation characteristics which makes them a natural choice
- Has high-end quality behind a reliable name
- More expensive compared to other counterparts
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
How to Choose a Professional Alto Saxophone
Picking the best sounding saxophone that’s perfect for you can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be! From researching the different types of saxophones to understanding the features of each, there’s a lot to consider when selecting the right instrument for you.
Here are some of the most important things you need to keep in mind before buying your next professional alto saxophone!
High-Quality Materials
Many saxophones are made from brass which gives them a beautifully bright sound. While brass is the most common, some higher-end models are crafted from different metals. These metals provide superior tone, perfect intonation and response than brass.
So if you’re looking for the best sound possible, it might be worth investing in a saxophone made from one of these higher-quality materials. It’s an invaluable investment that will keep your saxophone in good working order for years to come.
Comes from a Reputable Brand
The “Big Four” which consists of Selmer, Yamaha, Yanagisawa and Keilwerth has been making quality instruments for many years and are the trusted choice of professionals around the world. Their instruments have been tried and tested over time and have proven to be reliable and of high quality.
The cost may be more than what you’d find from a smaller independent manufacturer, but it’ll be worth it in the long run. So when shopping for a pro-level alto saxophone, make sure to stick with the big names! If in doubt, look at our Saxophone Reviews page.
S-bow and Body
The S-bow and body of a saxophone affect the sound, response, and playability of the instrument. A good quality S-bow and body will provide you with a better sound and improved intonation.
It’s also important to ensure that the S-bow is comfortable to hold because this will affect your playing technique. A good quality body will also help keep your instrument in top shape over time.
Included Accessories for the Sax
When you buy a professional alto saxophone, it’s important to consider the included accessories that come with your purchase.
A mouthpiece is essential for a saxophone, and some brands offer their own mouthpiece as part of the package. These mouthpieces are often of good quality and can help you get the best sound out of your instrument.
Cases and straps are also often included in this package, which can help you protect your instrument and make it easier to transport. Also, some brands offer additional lessons and services with their instrument purchase, which can benefit those just starting out.
Warranty & After-Sales Service
Warranty and after-sales service give you peace of mind that repairs will be covered if anything goes wrong with your saxophone. It ensures that you have access to professional advice and support throughout your time as a saxophone player.
Many instrument retailers offer warranties on their instruments, so make sure to ask about this when you’re making your purchase. Make sure that the retailer you choose offers technical advice and repair services if needed, as well as regular maintenance checks to keep your saxophone in top condition.
What Makes A Professional Sax Better?
Professional alto saxophones provide a higher level of performance, sound, and responsiveness compared to intermediate models. These horns often have post-to-body construction which results in less wear and tear and more stability for your musical instruments. Which leads to a fuller, richer sound and better intonation.
Plus, the vintage designs of these musical instruments emphasise the midrange tonally, giving you that ‘fat’ sound that professional R ‘n B players tend to favour.
When to Upgrade to a Professional Alto Sax?
If you find yourself at a point where your current alto saxophone is holding you back, it might be time to consider upgrading to a professional model.
A good time to upgrade is usually around ABRSM grades 5 or 6 when your teacher might suggest it. Before you choose a professional alto saxophone, decide exactly what performance level you need. You can still have fun and sound great on a student-level sax for years – even decades – as long as it’s well-maintained. If you want better control over your tone and projection, though, or are looking for expert craftsmanship, then it could be time to upgrade.
Alto Sax Maintenance and Care Tips
Here are some of the quick and easy ways to always keep your altos in the best condition!
- Check your low Eb pad for moisture every time you finish playing your alto saxophone.
- Always use two hands when taking your saxophone out and putting it back in its case.
- Make sure to create a lukewarm soap solution by mixing brass soap with water at a ratio of 1:10 for cleaning the interior parts of your saxophone.
- After you’re done playing, make sure to remove the reed and swab the interior parts of your saxophone every time.
- You don’t need to clean or polish the outside of your saxophone regularly, but take it for regular checkups to ensure it’s in the best condition possible.
- Just like brushing your teeth every day helps prevent cavities, swabbing your alto saxophone every time you finish playing it helps keep it in good condition!
Best Professional Alto Saxophone
Summary
Professional alto saxophones are designed for long-term use and can withstand the rigours of regular practice and performance.
Now that we’ve laid down some of the unique and superb qualities of these best professional alto saxophones, we’re hoping that this guide could help you out with your next upgrade.
We’d love to hear what you think about our recommendations! Make sure to leave a comment!
Best Professional Alto Saxophone (2024)
Proudly written by Pro-Saxophonist,
Elaine Kingscott
Shows a picture of a tenor sax. You couldn’t make it up!