Best
Budget-friendly Saxophone
-
Overall: Its Body & Keywork Are Made From High-Quality Gold-Lacquered Brass
-
Best Feature: Includes durable lightweight case with rucksack straps
-
TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Beginner
Saxophone
-
Overall: Beautiful Look And Rich Tone With A Gold Lacquer Finish
-
Best Feature: Includes case & high-quality 4C mouthpiece
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Overall
Saxophone
-
Overall: Designed With A Gorgeous Gold Lacquer Finish With Engraving
-
Best Feature: Includes Rousseau JDX mouthpiece and Rovner ligature
-
TedScore™: 8.5/10
Determining how much a saxophone costs feels like navigating a maze, but fret not—I’m here to untangle the confusion and help you find the best bargain.
From the deep sounds of a tenor saxophone to the bright tones of an alto, these brass instruments have different prices, just like their distinct sounds.
As a saxophonist, I know the ups and downs of finding the right saxophone. Let’s explore the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, each with its unique sound.
Balancing quality and cost is like catching the golden snitch in Quidditch—exciting and worth it!
Trust me, by the end of this article, you’ll be eager to explore the world of saxophones. Give it a read; it’s going to be interesting!
Choosing the Right Saxophone
When choosing the right saxophone, I think about two main aspects: the type of saxophone that suits your style and the make and model that aligns with your skill level and budget.
Selecting the Appropriate Type
Picking the type of saxophone can be as personal as choosing a favorite color.
Alto saxophones are fab for beginners due to their manageable size and rich tone. Tenor saxophones sport a slightly larger build and a deeper voice, perfect for jazz enthusiasts.
If you’re feeling rather adventurous, the strikingly high pitch of soprano saxophones might captivate you, or perhaps the profound depth of baritone saxophones will resonate with your musical persona.
Considering the Saxophone's Make and Model
Every saxophone is made, and each model carries its charm – like different tea flavors.
Student saxophones from brands like Yamaha or Jupiter offer splendid playability and durability to weather the learning process.
Yamaha YAS280 Student Alto Saxophone
Yamaha YAS280 Student Alto Saxophone
PERFECT FOR: Student saxophone players
FEATURES: Beautiful look and rich tone with a gold lacquer finish
OTHER INFO: Easier response from lower notes with the improved, stronger B-C# mechanism
Yamaha YAS280 Student Alto Saxophone
- Register for a 5-year extended warranty and 3-month Tomplay Premium
- Includes case & high-quality 4C mouthpiece
- Yamaha quality creates the best student saxophone
- You might want to upgrade as you advance your playing skills
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™.
Jupiter JAS700 Alto Saxophone
Jupiter JAS-700 Alto Sax
PERFECT FOR: Players up to grade VII standard
FEATURES: Its body & keywork are made from high-quality gold-lacquered brass
OTHER INFO: Excellent sound projection and tone
Jupiter JAS-700 Alto Sax
- Includes durable lightweight case with rucksack straps
- Designed to provide intermediate players with cleaner, fuller sounds
- Some experienced saxophonists may find the sound quality to be lacking compared to higher-end models
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™.
When you’re ready to up the ante, professional saxophones crafted by reputable brands like Selmer showcase exquisite craftsmanship that could elevate my performances.
Conn-Selmer PAS380 Premiere Alto Saxophone, Lacquer
Conn-Selmer PAS380 Premiere Alto Saxophone, Lacquer
PERFECT FOR: Advancing student saxophone players
FEATURES: Designed with a gorgeous gold lacquer finish with engraving
OTHER INFO: With adjustable mechanisms and keys
Conn-Selmer PAS380 Premiere Alto Saxophone, Lacquer
- Offers bright sound and effortless playability
- Includes Rousseau JDX mouthpiece and Rovner ligature
- Produces a warm and rich sound which can be used for all genres of music
- The vintage unlacquered finish may require more maintenance to keep it looking its best
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™.
Each brand offers distinct qualities – Yamaha’s robust reputation, the Selmer’s vaunted craft, and the sheer elegance of a Jupiter sax. Choosing a model that provides excellent playability and a sound that tickles your fancy is akin to finding a partner for the musical dance.
Additional Costs
to Factor In
When I talk with fellow saxophonists, we often agree that the sticker price of our beloved instrument is just the beginning. There are always those extra bits and bobs that add up over time.
Maintenance and Repairs
Let’s talk about keeping your sax in top-notch shape. Regular maintenance isn’t just a good idea; it’s a must to keep your tunes smooth and soulful, whether you play jazz, march with a band, or solo in a classical ensemble.
Depending on quality and material, you’ll want to budget for the occasional replacement of pads, which can be anywhere from £15 to £100.
Though not as pricey individually, those deceptively small items, fewer reeds, and care tools can tally up over the months.
I always keep a stash of reeds handy because they’re essential and can break or lose quality over time, usually costing about £2 to £5 each.
That is why understanding saxophone maintenance is crucial for preserving the instrument’s longevity and performance quality.
Accessories and Upgrades
A quality mouthpiece can transform your sound, and depending on the saxophone manufacturer and desired sound quality, they can range from £20 to a whopping £300. Moreover, you might fancy upgrading resonators or getting a custom neck, adding a further £££ to your bill.
Moreover, exploring different ligatures, straps, and even fancy end caps can be quite an adventure if you’re like me and love to tinker with your sound and style. Remember, though, such splurges won’t be kind to your wallet—a deluxe ligature might set you back around £50 to £100.
Understanding
Saxophone Prices
The saxophone family, a prominent group of woodwind instrument, has significantly impacted popular music genres, particularly jazz music. Exploring the world of saxophones, you’ll find that prices can vary as wildly as a solo.
Let’s break it down so you have a clear picture when considering the cost of these beautiful instruments.
Factors Influencing Cost
Regarding price, it’s not just about picking the shiniest sax on the wall. Quality, brand, and material determine how much you’ll fork out.
A saxophone made by a reputable brand with high-quality materials is like a perfectly aged cheese; it will cost more. But it’s worth it for that rich, velvety sound we crave.
Finding the right model for your level is another critical factor. I’m talking about student, intermediate, or professional models – each has its price tag.
And let’s not forget about the condition of the sax. A brand-spanking-new saxophone will have a higher price than one that’s been lovingly used and has a few stories to tell.
How Much Does A Saxophone Cost:
Finale
For budding enthusiasts, student models can be a steal, starting at a modest $250, and they won’t stretch past $1,200. If you’re stepping up your game, intermediate ones sit comfortably between $1,000 to $2,500.
For the virtuosos among us, professional saxophones trumpet out a heftier price, shouting out figures between $2,000 to a whopping $8,000!
Tenor sax serenades us with prices from $700 to $8,000, while their alto siblings play a tune ranging from $250 to $5,000. If I dip my toes into the baritone waters, I’ll need $2,500 to $7,500. On the other hand, soprano saxophones can hum within my budget, at $600 to $4,800.
So whether I’m chasing a new hobby or polishing my performance, the breadth of prices reflects the fascinating world of saxophones.
It’s what they say is true: there’s a saxophone for every one of us and every budget. Now, isn’t that music to your ears?
Wait! There’s more…
Discover the best soprano saxophones that will elevate your musical performance to new heights.
Oh wonderful, another article telling people how easy it is to pick a saxophone. Because, you know, it’s not like we get folks wandering into the store every day, confused about why a professional sax costs more than their car. But hey, at least you mentioned maintenance costs. That’s a start. Maybe add a bit about how not to drop it the first day?
good to see the price factors laid out. makes it easier to plan purchasing without surprises. always thought saxophones were out of my league price wise, maybe not.
Loved the article! I’ve been playing the saxophone for about 15 years, and it’s fantastic to see a guide that points newbies in the right direction. The choice of saxophones you’ve listed is spot on. Each has its strengths, and I’m glad you’ve highlighted them. Good job helping the next generation of musicians!
Absolutely, NoteChaser. All three models are versatile but do some research on mouthpieces for jazz specifically. That makes a big difference.
you think these are good for jazz too?
hey Hannah, nice breakdown! thinking of starting sax lessons after a decade of wishing lol. Is the Yamaha YAS280 really the best for beginners, or should I consider the others too? little confused here.