Best
Beginner Tenor Saxophone
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Overall: Great in performance, durable build, fantastic sound quality with smooth ergonomics
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Best Feature: Well known for their flutes, they also make reliable saxophones
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Intermediate Tenor Saxophone
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Overall: Good, ergonomic design and easy response from the low notes
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Best Feature: Reliable saxophones, and their reputation for making quality instruments is decades-long
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Professional Tenor Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone who are looking for
professional tenor saxophones
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Overall: Matt black finish and a titanium alloy neck for a huge sound
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Best Feature: Skin pads that seal tightly around the tone holes for great sound production.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Choosing the best tenor saxophone can be exciting but overwhelming with all the options.
Each sax, from Trevor James to Theo Wanne Narayan, has special qualities that suit your style. I’ve spent much time exploring vintage and modern saxophones and am excited to share what I’ve learned.
Whether you’re just starting or an experienced player, there’s a perfect saxophone to take your music to the next level.
Ready to start your musical journey and find your ideal tenor sax? Let’s find out!
Best Tenor Saxophone for Beginners
Elkhart 100TS
DESIGNED FOR: Gold lacquer finish and a full range of notes, from low B flat to high F sharp
FEATURES: This saxophone also comes with everything you'll need to start playing from scratch.
OTHER INFO: Including a neckstrap, mouthpiece and ligature, and a lightweight case
Elkhart 100TS
- This saxophone is lighter than most tenor saxophones
- Good for beginners who aren't used to a heavy instrument
- Elkhart instruments are popular with schools, who often provide them for their wind band players
- Saxophones at the cheaper end of the scale can often need repairing more often than the more expensive 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™.
Stagg TS215S
DESIGNED FOR: A brass body, leather pads and metal tone boosters
FEATURES: This saxophone comes with a lightweight case that includes a large pocket for carrying sheet music
OTHER INFO: Other accessories and a cleaning kit so you can look after your instrument
Stagg TS215S
- Like its more expensive counterparts, this saxophone is made from yellow brass body
- If you're not sure if the saxophone is for you and want to try it out, this one won't break the bank
- The sound of a cheaper horn might not be as robust as a more expensive one, and the tuning can be hard to control
- Stagg isn't such a well-known brand, so it might not hold its value as well as one from a more established company
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™.
Trevor James 'The Horn'
DESIGNED FOR: Great in performance, durable build, fantastic sound quality with smooth ergonomics
FEATURES: An adjustable thumb rest for ease of playing.
OTHER INFO: Although Trevor James is more well known for their flutes, they also make reliable saxophones
Trevor James 'The Horn'
- Although like many starter instruments 'The horn' is made in Taiwan, it's checked over at the Trevor James HQ in Kent
- Winner of 3 music industry awards
- The finish on this saxophone might not be as good as on more expensive instruments
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™.
Tenor Saxophone by Gear4music
DESIGNED FOR: Students Who Needs a Good Quality Instruments
FEATURES: Bright tone and excellent intonation, with a free-blowing blowing response
OTHER INFO: includes reed, pad saver, strap and case
Tenor Saxophone by Gear4music
- Bright tone and excellent intonation
- Smooth main stack and bell key action
- Not recommended for professional playing.
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 JTS1100Q
DESIGNED FOR: Good sax players who want a good quality reliable instrument
FEATURES: The Jupiter 'Sona-Pure' neck, for a great husky tenor sound, pisoni pads and metal resonators
OTHER INFO: This new saxophone is designed to be a step up from the Jupiter starter instruments
Jupiter JTS1100Q
- This saxophone feels almost customizable, with an adjustable thumb rest and palm keys and easy access screws for easy maintenance
- Build quality is good, and the sax feels very free-blowing with great intonation
- Affordable price
- Jupiter tends to be best known for their beginner instruments so their intermediate tenor saxophones might not be as popular
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 PTS380 Premiere Tenor Saxophone
DESIGNED FOR: A gold lacquer finish with engraving, pearl keytops and a fully adjustable mechanism
FEATURES: Conn-Selmer is a company that has been around for a long time, and they have a reputation as a leading woodwind and brass manufacturer.
OTHER INFO: The Conn-Selmer PTS380 is a really attractive saxophone and is designed with a vintage sound quality in mind
Conn-Selmer PTS380 Premiere Tenor Saxophone
- This intermediate tenor saxophones has a higher resistance through the neck for great intonation and a rich tone
- Comes with a Rousseau JDX mouthpiece and a Rovner ligature
- You don't have to hunt for that elusive best mouthpiece - you can get started as soon as you take the saxophone out of the box
- Not to be confused with the Selmer-Paris saxophones, which are high-end professional instruments
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™.
Tenor Saxophone for Professionals
I’m excited to share my choice for a professional tenor saxophone, the Theo Wanne Narayan. This saxophone stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship, incorporating Theo Wanne’s signature triple-strap hook, offering unparalleled flexibility for stage performers, as emphasized on Virtuosity Musical Instruments.
The Narayan’s design provides a sense of freedom and agility while delivering a rich, vintage saxophone sound, setting it apart from other competitors in terms of both versatility and tonal quality.
However, I have noted that the price point may be higher compared to similar models on the market. Nonetheless, the Narayan’s superior performance and distinctive features make it a worthwhile investment for serious musicians.
Playing this instrument offered me a remarkable experience, characterized by a sense of fluidity and expressiveness, allowing for a wide range of tonal dynamics and musical expression.
Theo Wanne Narayan Tenor saxophone
DESIGNED FOR: The Narayan saxophone has a matt black finish and a titanium alloy neck for a huge sound
FEATURES: The three-point bell brace also gives the bell some extra vibration for that rich sound, gritty tone that saxophonists always chase.
OTHER INFO: The Narayan features Kangaroo skin pads that seal tightly around the tone holes for great sound production.
Theo Wanne Narayan Tenor saxophone
- The Narayan is made in the USA, so you can be confident this is a well-made tenor saxophone
- Theo Wanne has worked with some of the top saxophonists in the business to create both his mouthpieces and instruments
- This is, in my opinion, the best tenor saxophone currently around; the dream of every professional musician
- Some reviews report the black lacquer as being uneven and wearing off after a short amount of playing
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™.
Yanagisawa TWO2
DESIGNED FOR: This saxophone has a bronze body and a solid silver bell and neck
FEATURES: Unparalleled Japanese build quality
OTHER INFO: Upgraded model of the legendary T902
Yanagisawa TWO2
- Includes woodshell case and mouthpiece
- Tri-point brace enables strong resonance
- This is an expensive, top-of-the-range instrument for professional tenor saxophone players, but it should last for as many years as you want to play it
- This saxophone is a little heavier than most, so ensure you have a good harness or neck strap to take the weight.
- Outstanding sound
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 YTS 875-EX Custom
DESIGNED FOR: Comes in a variety of finishes, including black lacquer and a silver plated finish.
FEATURES: Mother-of-pearl key buttons
OTHER INFO: A one-piece bell that is hand-engraved
Yamaha YTS 875-EX Custom
- This is a great saxophone, based on the popular Custom Z model, that should take your playing to new heights
- As always from Yamaha, this is a good quality instruments
- Yamaha is a hugely respected brand who are known for their professional instruments
- Although this is a great new instrument, many professional tenor saxophone players still prefer to play on a vintage saxophone.
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™.
Alto Saxophone vs Tenor Saxophone
Most children tend to be offered the alto saxophone as their first introduction to the instrument, as it’s the smaller and easier to handle member of the saxophone family. However, if you’re an adult trying out the saxophone for the first time, I believe it’s best to listen to examples of all of the saxophones and see which one appeals to you the most.
Reasons for Choosing a Tenor Saxophone
If you think you’ll focus on jazz music, the tenor saxophone might be the one for you. It’s also a little easier to produce a sound to start with, as you’ll want to play with a fairly loose embouchure (the shape of your mouth around the mouthpiece).
You might have a local concert band in need of a tenor saxophone player and if you’re an adult learner, check out your own local music store or pub for jazz jams. They’re a great way to meet fellow musicians and play in a relaxed atmosphere while showing off your new skills.
What Should I Look For In A Tenor Saxophone?
As with the alto saxophone, there are many different options depending on how much you want to spend. So, if you’re wondering what is the best tenor saxophone, hopefully, this guide will break down the different options available so you can pick the right sax for your musical journey.
Material & Finish
Tenor saxophones tend to have a yellow brass body. Still, there are various options for changing the look and potentially the sound (although the jury is out on that subject), including silver nickel plating and black or gold lacquered brass body.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the best tenor saxophone for intermediate player can range from the quality sound deep and fuzzy to bright and powerful, depending on the type of music you want to play. Any intermediate tenor saxophone you buy should be able to produce any sound you want, but the right mouthpiece can go a long way to changing the sound quality too.
Playability
The tenor saxophone is a very good instrument of choice for anyone who wants to explore playing a musical instrument. The fingering system is straightforward (and very easy to pick up if you’ve ever played the recorder) and most people can make a sound immediately. It can be quite heavy, so ensure you have a good neck strap to take the instrument’s weight.
Accessories
The most important accessory you can buy for any saxophone is the mouthpiece. This can change the tone from bright and poppy to smooth and lush, depending on the style of music you want to play. A classical mouthpiece often has a horseshoe-shaped chamber and a small tip opening.
They’re also generally made of hard rubber. If you want to experiment with playing jazz though, you’ll likely want a larger tip opening and maybe a metal mouthpiece. To protect your mouthpiece, whether it’s hard rubber or metal, a rubber mouthpiece patch is important, so your teeth don’t make any scratch marks.
How To Care for a Tenor Saxophone
Step 1
Always clean your saxophone with a pull-through mop
Step 2
Dry the mouthpiece (but don’t use a pull-through as this can damage the rails)
Step 3
Clean any fingerprints from the body with a polishing cloth
Step 4
Always store your saxophone in its case, and make sure it’s not next to a heat source such as a radiator
Best Tenor Saxophone
Summary
Selecting the best tenor saxophone might seem overwhelming, but I hope this guide clarifies it. Finding the right instrument is essential whether you’re just starting out or an experienced player.
Each of these saxophones brings something unique to the table. The lacquer finish and yellow brass construction make some of them aesthetically pleasing and resistant to wear.
Remember, the best saxophone for you depends on your skill level and personal preferences. Happy playing!
P.S. Have you seen our article ‘Different Types of Saxophone‘? If not, take a look now.
While the article mentions the importance of accessories, I believe more emphasis should be placed on the role of a good instructor. A great saxophone is only as good as the lessons accompanying it. It would be beneficial for beginners to understand that the journey of mastering the saxophone involves quality instruction alongside choosing the right instrument.
If my sax had a dollar for every time I played a bad note, it would be a millionaire lol
Absolutely loved the section on tenor saxophones for professionals. It really goes to show how much depth there is in choosing the right instrument, not just about the price tag but the sound quality and playability. Makes me appreciate the sax even more!
Hey Elaine Kingscott, got a question – for a beginner like me, would you say weight and size of the tenor sax might be a bit challenging compared to an alto? Trying to decide which to start with and your guide’s super helpful!
Not Elaine, but in my experience, yeah, tenors can be a bit heavier. If you’re comfortable with carrying a bit more weight, the sound is totally worth it!