Best
Overall Professional Alto Sax
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Overall: Underslung Octave Key Offers A Faster Response
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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
If you’re looking for the best alto saxophone to take your playing to the next level, we’ve got you covered! With professional alto saxophones, you’ll never be held back by your musical instrument when it comes to mastering this amazing instrument.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best professional alto saxophones to help you make a perfect choice. Plus, some care tips and accessory suggestions to help you become the professional saxophonist you’re aspiring to be!
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.
How to Choose a Professional Alto Saxophone
Picking the best sax 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.
The 5 Best Professional Alto Saxophones
When you think of the best professional alto 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 reputable saxophone brands and their outstanding alto saxes!
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.
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
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- 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
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.
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
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- 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
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™.
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
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- 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!
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.
DESIGNED FOR: Professional-level players
FEATURES: Vintage unlacquered finish with engraving
OTHER INFO: Bright sound and effortless playability
Conn-Selmer PAS380
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Includes Eugene Rousseau JDX mouthpiece and Rovner ligature
- Offers a sound more common to older styles of saxophone performance
- Slightly heavier to hold
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, Selmer Paris saxophones will surely give you a sound that will make you stand out from the crowd.
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
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- 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
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™.
Alto Saxophones Used by Professionals
1. Charlie Parker
You may have heard of Charlie Parker, the great jazz alto saxophonist. Well, he played a very special alto saxophone. It was a Grafton saxophone, made of injection moulded cream-coloured acrylic plastic with metal keys. It was manufactured in London, England, and had returned to Kansas City’s American Jazz Museum after a six-month vacation at Disney.
So if you’re ever lucky enough to get your hands on this special professional instrument, you know that you’re playing an instrument that was once used by one of the greatest jazz musicians in history.
2. Paul Desmond
Paul Desmond was a master of this instrument and used a Selmer Super Action alto saxophone with a Gregory 4A-18M mouthpiece and Ricco 3 12 reeds. His sound was unique, and his improvisations were known for their gentle, pure tone and elegant lyricism.
Desmond’s use of this particular instrument helped him to become one of the giants of jazz saxophone, as he gained fame when he joined the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1951. With such a remarkable combination of equipment, it’s no wonder that Desmond created such an incredible sound that is still appreciated today!
3. Benny Carter
Benny Carter was one of the greatest jazz alto saxophonists of his time. He was a master of the instrument, and his signature style is easily recognizable. You can find many books and collections dedicated to his work, as well as recordings and instructional material for playing the alto saxophone.
He favoured Selmer, an iconic French brand of saxophones, and his style influenced generations of alto saxophonists. Playing the alto saxophone like him requires dedication, practice, and skill.
4. Lee Konitz
Lee Konitz was one of the preeminent cool jazz saxophonists of his time and was associated with Claude Thornhill, Lennie Tristano and other jazz greats. At one point he used a Vandoren A45 or A55 mouthpiece and reed combination, which is still popular among jazz musicians today. He was also a big fan of Conn’s brass and woodwind instruments, which were some of the most respected in their day.
5. Kenny G.
Kenny G plays the soprano saxophone primarily, but he also plays the alto and tenor saxophones. He mainly uses the Selmer Mark VI model for all of his saxophones, which are made in China by a company co-owned and supervised by Rheuben Allen.
The Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone is one of Kenny G’s favourite brands and is a part of his ‘Concert Series’ Saxophones collection, along with the Dukoff D8 Soprano Mouthpiece and ES Soprano Saxophone. All of these saxophones feature Kenny G’s signature design and sound.
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!
Great Accessories for Every Sax Player
As a sax player, you know that having the right accessories can make all the difference in your playing. No matter what stage of playing you’re at, these great accessories will help you create an outstanding performance.
Alto Sax Reeds
Reeds help to produce the sound you want to hear when playing your sax. They are made from adjustable metal which makes them strong and secure, which allows you to play with confidence and freely blow to create a great sound.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginners to professionals
FEATURES: a thicker heel and a longer palette to create more vibration
OTHER INFO: Designed with the thinnest reed tip to produce a full, dark sound
Vandoren Traditional Alto Saxophone Reeds
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Quick response and crisp articulation
- Sealed in moisture and temperature-resistant Flow Pack packaging
- Suitable for all music styles
- Might be too bit of a long palette
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™.
Saxophone Stand
Saxophone stands provide an easy and safe way to store and transport the instrument. They help protect the instrument from dust and moisture, which can damage delicate keys and pads. Additionally, having a sturdy stand can help you maintain proper posture when playing, improving your sound quality.
DESIGNED FOR: Travelling Saxophonists
FEATURES: Velvet base design protects the finish of the instrument
OTHER INFO: Designed to be strong, attractive, safe, and easy to use
Hercules DS431B Travlite Alto Saxophone Stand
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Extremely lightweight and strong design
- Can be safely stored in the bell of the instrument
- Includes velvet carry bag for easy transportation
- None!
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™.
Mouthpiece Cushions
Mouthpiece cushions are usually made of a soft and resistant material designed to fit around your mouthpiece. It helps improve playing comfort, reduces vibration from the mouthpiece onto the teeth, and can be used in place of the strap or harness.
DESIGNED FOR: Saxophones Players
FEATURES: Protects the instrument's mouthpiece against signs of wear like teeth marks
OTHER INFO: The 0.5mm thickness and the soft material provides cushioning
Yamaha Soft Mouthpiece Patch, 0.5mm
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Also suitable for Clarinet (Bb/A/alto/bass), Saxophone (alto/ tenor/baritone) and Alto Venova
- Made of natural materials
- Good value for money
- None!
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™.
Saxophone Case
Saxophone cases come in various sizes and materials to fit the needs of any player. They’re designed to protect your sax from dings, scratches, and moisture damage. Cases also provide a safe place for cleaning supplies, neck straps, reeds, and other small accessories.
DESIGNED FOR: All alto saxophone players
FEATURES: Polyfoam body is rigid and lightweight
OTHER INFO: Large external pocket to hold all your accessories
Gator GL-ALTOSAX-MPC Lightweight Polyfoam Alto Sax Case
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Includes an adjustable and removable shoulder strap
- Great value for your money
- Slightly pricier compared to other brands
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™.
Saxophone Strap
Saxophone straps help distribute the weight of the instrument evenly across your shoulders, allowing you to play comfortably for longer periods of time. Popular straps are made from Neoprene and have a stretch backing that’s designed for optimal weight distribution.
DESIGNED FOR: Most saxophone Players
FEATURES: Shoulder strap suitable for most saxophones
OTHER INFO: Minimum length of 44cm and can extend up to 60cm
Deluxe Saxophone Strap by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Deluxe padding and sturdy construction
- Durable and high-quality
- Great affordability
- None!
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™.
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!
