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
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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
So you’ve decided to learn the saxophone, and you want to sound like one of your jazz heroes! But where do you start?
Buying a tenor saxophone and the accessories that go along with it can be overwhelming as there’s so many good tenor saxophone brands out there and a lot of technical jargon to wade through.
This guide aims to dispel some of the confusion so that you can buy the perfect instrument for many years of happy music-making.
So let’s find the best tenor saxophone for you!
History of Tenor Saxophone

In the 1840s, Adolf Sax (a Belgian who was born into a family of instrument-makers) produced a good instrument that he named the ‘saxophone’. It was intended as a tonal link between the woodwind and brass sections of military bands, with a mouthpiece similar to that of a clarinet but made of brass.
By the 1920s, the saxophone had gained prominence through touring bands and began to be taken up by jazz musicians. Although early jazz bands had tended to feature the clarinet, Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster preferred the lush sound of the tenor saxophone, and the much-used tenor saxophone has been synonymous with jazz music ever since.
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.
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™.
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
Mouthpiece patches
BG mouthpiece patches

DESIGNED FOR: Rubber patch to stick on your mouthpiece
FEATURES: These patches will stick to your mouthpiece to protect it from marks or indentations from your teeth.
OTHER INFO: They also stop the vibrations from the saxophone buzzing against your teeth.
BG mouthpiece patches
- Easy to attach and remove
- They might seem expensive for what they are, but they will protect your instrument in the longterm
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™.
Harness
Jazzlab Saxholder pro Harness

DESIGNED FOR: This harness hooks over both shoulders to evenly spread the weight of your saxophone
FEATURES: The Jazzlab saxholder also has an abdominal rest for further support.
OTHER INFO: It's made of aluminium, which makes it both strong and light
Jazzlab Saxholder pro Harness
- The Jazzlab saxholder is a great alternative to the usual fabric neck straps that can put a strain on your neck
- Although this harness is collapsible, you might find that it won't fit into your case, especially if you have a rucksack or trek-style case
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™.
Saxophone stand
Hercules alto/tenor stand

DESIGNED FOR: An adjustable rest so you can use the stand for either an alto or a tenor and peg holes for a clarinet or a flute.
FEATURES: A heavy stand that won't fall over when you rest your sax on it but is light enough to carry with you to gigs
Hercules alto/tenor stand
- This stand is handy if you double on flute and clarinet and need to save space in a small orchestra pit
- The instruments can sit quite close together on the stand, so some players prefer separate stands for each instrument to avoid knocks and scratches
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™.
Best Tenor Saxophone
Summary
Hopefully, by the time you read this, you’ll know which tenor saxophone has your name on it! If you’re still not there yet, then choose a shortlist from the best tenor sax brands mentioned above; then figure out what you need.
You can also find some tenor saxophone reviews to weigh your options before deciding on what is the best tenor saxophone for you.
Are you looking for superior quality regardless of price?
Are you only looking for something that’ll work if you play classical music, or if you are only doing solo playing?
Does it matter how ‘visually appealing’ the instrument is?
Find the answer to all your questions, and then maybe, just maybe, you’ll discover the right tenor saxophones for you!
Happy blowing!
P.S. Have you seen our article ‘Different Types of Saxophone‘? If not, take a look now.
FAQ's
The best type of tenor saxophone is probably the one that meets your needs at the time. Buy a beginner instrument as a professional, and you might find yourself searching for that elusive intermediate tenor saxophone sound that you hear from your favourite professional players. But on the other hand, if you’re a new starter who isn’t sure how long their saxophone journey will be, then you won’t want a huge initial outlay. Don’t get sucked into the idea that the more you spend, the better your playing will be – practice is everything when it comes to learning an instrument, and as long as you’ve got a reliable horn that works, the rest is down to you.
When it comes to describing the best tenor saxophone sound, it really depends on the sort of music you want to play. The Theo Wanne Narayan tenor saxes have a very contemporary sound, which would be ideal for pop or modern jazz. They are one of the best tenor saxophones on the market. If you’re after the sound of a vintage Selmer, you might want to try the Conn-Selmer, which has some extra resistance for a warm tone. Classical musicians often play on Yamaha saxophones, as the ergonomics of those instruments mean the saxophones feel under control and as a result the sound production is easy.
The price of a good tenor saxophone can vary widely depending on factors such as brand, quality, and materials. You can generally expect to pay at least a few hundred pounds for a beginner or intermediate model or student model and several thousand pounds or more for a professional or top-of-the-line model.
It’s important to note that while price can be a good indicator of quality, it’s not always the case. It’s important to do your research, read reviews, and try out different brands of saxophones before purchasing to ensure you’re using good quality instruments and getting a good value for your money.
It could be argued that there’s no particular brand to avoid because most new saxophones produced these days will make a reasonable sound, and a cheaper saxophone might be the right saxophone for you if you’re a beginner. However, you might want to avoid buying an instrument from a second-hand website such as eBay, as this can be a false economy. You can never guarantee how well an instrument has been looked after, and you might find that you’re spending more than you bargained for in repairs. But if you want a great list of the best tenor saxophones, then read this article!
Although the fingering systems of the alto and tenor saxophones are broadly the same (only really differing when you get into the altissimo register), there are other differences to consider. The tenor sax is bigger and heavier so it might not be suitable for children or even smaller adults. The alto sax is a great instrument for beginner and intermediate players though, and it’s a little smaller so you can store it more easily. As the tenor sax is bigger, the sound is slightly lower and more gravelly, whereas the alto is higher and brighter. The alto is often used for classical music, whereas the tenor sax features more and tends to be focused on jazz, rock and pop.
The cost of a tenor saxophone can vary widely depending on the brand, quality, and materials, but generally ranges from around £/$500 to £/$5,000 or more for professional-level instruments.
Beginner or student models tend to be more affordable, while high-end or custom-made saxophones can be quite expensive.
The weight of a tenor saxophone can vary depending on the specific model and materials, but generally ranges from around 6 to 10 pounds, with some larger or heavier models weighing up to 15 pounds or more. It’s important to consider the weight of the instrument when selecting a case or strap for transport.
A tenor saxophone is typically around 33 to 35 inches in height, with some models measuring slightly shorter or taller depending on the specific design and manufacturer.
The lifespan of a saxophone reed can vary depending on factors such as the player’s technique, the quality of the reed, and how often it is used. On average, a reed can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before it needs to be replaced.