So you've decided to pick up the Saxophone and you're hit with the minefield of options...do you start with the Tenor, Alto, Soprano, or Baritone? It can definitely be confusing which is why professional saxophone player and Soul Jazz recording artist Merlon Devine is here to help!
Before we begin, we must state that this is not an "affordable starter saxophone" or "best value saxophone" list. The aim is to provide a list of quality instruments that will provide decent sound quality, durability, and are capable of withstanding whatever a beginner to intermediate sax player can throw at it the first few years.
I recommend that beginner saxophone players start with the alto saxophone because it's the easiest to handle when it comes to size and weight. An alto is also one of the best saxophones for beginners because its mouthpiece size makes it easier for beginner players to produce a sound. The ease of use will not only boost their confidence but provide the beginner student with the gratification they need to continue learning.
For parents, a band instructor may encourage your child to learn on the Tenor, Soprano, or Baritone which is likely due to having to fill out the Sax section of the band. Ensure you weigh the school's need against your child's satisfaction before you head to the music store. In the end, the best sax is the one your child feels most comfortable on and is committed playing.
The frustration that can occur due to a poorly built saxophone can lessen the chances of a beginner player sticking with the instrument. High School students
Musical instruments built using quality materials and manufacturing techniques largely negate these issues and allows the student to progress without compromise.
Before we begin, we must state that this is not an "affordable starter saxophone" or "best value saxophone" list. The aim is to provide a list of quality instruments that will provide decent sound quality, durability, and are capable of withstanding whatever a beginner to intermediate sax player can throw at it the first few years.
What's The Best Type of Saxophone for Beginners?
Is It Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone or Baritone Sax?
I recommend that beginner saxophone players start with the alto saxophone because it's the easiest to handle when it comes to size and weight. An alto is also one of the best saxophones for beginners because its mouthpiece size makes it easier for beginner players to produce a sound. The ease of use will not only boost their confidence but provide the beginner student with the gratification they need to continue learning.
For parents, a band instructor may encourage your child to learn on the Tenor, Soprano, or Baritone which is likely due to having to fill out the Sax section of the band. Ensure you weigh the school's need against your child's satisfaction before you head to the music store. In the end, the best sax is the one your child feels most comfortable on and is committed playing.
The Best Alto Saxophone for Beginners
Yamaha YAS-26 | Best Beginner Alto Saxophone
Buy the Yas-26 on Amazon
Price: $2,428
The YAS-26 is lightweight and sturdy which makes it a solid instrument for the beginner saxophone player. It features waterproof leather and wool felt pads and a gold lacquer finish to help it sustain with the most inexperienced player. Additional quality of life features are an adjustable thumb rest to help players find the most comfortable position for playing the sax.
Price: $2,428
The YAS-26 is lightweight and sturdy which makes it a solid instrument for the beginner saxophone player. It features waterproof leather and wool felt pads and a gold lacquer finish to help it sustain with the most inexperienced player. Additional quality of life features are an adjustable thumb rest to help players find the most comfortable position for playing the sax.
Jupiter JAS1100SG | Student Alto Saxophone
Buy the Jupiter JAS1100SG on Amazon
Price $2,199 - $2,754
The Jupiter JAS-1100SG is a silver-plated alto saxophone that is for the committed student that wants a sax that will have more to give as they move into the realm of the intermediate and advanced players. This horn features adjustable palm keys
Price $2,199 - $2,754
The Jupiter JAS-1100SG is a silver-plated alto saxophone that is for the committed student that wants a sax that will have more to give as they move into the realm of the intermediate and advanced players. This horn features adjustable palm keys
Cannonball Falcon | Student Alto Saxophone
Buy the Cannonball Falcon on Reverb
Price: $1300
The Cannonball Falcon was introduced in 2020 and is one of the newest lines made by Cannonball. What makes the Falcon unique is that it’s designed with smaller hands in mind which makes it the perfect sax for young students. Since the horn has soldered key posts it is lighter and vibrates more freely.
Price: $1300
The Cannonball Falcon was introduced in 2020 and is one of the newest lines made by Cannonball. What makes the Falcon unique is that it’s designed with smaller hands in mind which makes it the perfect sax for young students. Since the horn has soldered key posts it is lighter and vibrates more freely.
Selmer Bundy I and II | Student Alto Saxophone
Buy the Selmer Bundy II on Reverb
Price: $700
My beginner alto saxophone was the Selmer Bundy II and I recommend it because of its durability and great sound quality. Durability is key when picking out musical instruments for beginner students as they do not yet know how to care for an instrument properly. Another perk of the Selmer Bundy I and II are that they are very cost effective now that they are no longer in production. A quick search on Amazon or eBay can yield a nice assortment of options in decent condition.
Price: $700
My beginner alto saxophone was the Selmer Bundy II and I recommend it because of its durability and great sound quality. Durability is key when picking out musical instruments for beginner students as they do not yet know how to care for an instrument properly. Another perk of the Selmer Bundy I and II are that they are very cost effective now that they are no longer in production. A quick search on Amazon or eBay can yield a nice assortment of options in decent condition.
Why I Don't Recommend Inexpensive Beginner Alto Saxophones
When you opt for the low end of the alto saxophones on the market you are trading sound quality and durability for price. The downside to this trade off is that beginner saxophone players cannot discern where their skills end and poor craftsmanship begin. In laymen's terms, a beginner player can mistake bad tone and fingering for symptoms of bad musicianship when in actuality they could be characteristics of a poorly built alto saxophone.The frustration that can occur due to a poorly built saxophone can lessen the chances of a beginner player sticking with the instrument. High School students
Musical instruments built using quality materials and manufacturing techniques largely negate these issues and allows the student to progress without compromise.
Keeping Your Alto Saxophone and Health in Tip Top Shape
After you buy your first alto saxophone remember that maintenance makes all the difference between a quality instrument with rich sound quality and a lousy one.
Cork Grease
Buy Cork Grease on Amazon
Price: $9.99
To extend the life of your cork ensure you lubricate your cork one to two times a week. You may see people use Vaseline to save money but they will eventually destroy the cork. Treat your alto saxophone the care it deserves with purpose-built cork grease.
Price: $9.99
To extend the life of your cork ensure you lubricate your cork one to two times a week. You may see people use Vaseline to save money but they will eventually destroy the cork. Treat your alto saxophone the care it deserves with purpose-built cork grease.
Cleaning Kit
Buy Cleaning Kit on Amazon
Price: $15.95
Typically comes with cleaning swabs, cork grease, pad cleaning paper, mouthpiece brush, tone hole cleaners, and a microfiber polishing cloth. A cleaning kit and a regular maintenance schedule will keep your saxophone in good quality.
Price: $15.95
Typically comes with cleaning swabs, cork grease, pad cleaning paper, mouthpiece brush, tone hole cleaners, and a microfiber polishing cloth. A cleaning kit and a regular maintenance schedule will keep your saxophone in good quality.
Neck Strap
Buy Neotech Saxophone Strap on Amazon
Price: $15.99
Do yourself a favor as a beginner saxophone player by investing in a comfortable neck strap. The correct padded strap will better distribute the weight of the sax across your neck while also relieving some of the pressure on your right thumb. Keep in mind however that a Neck Strap is not a substitute for good posture while playing the alto sax.
Price: $15.99
Do yourself a favor as a beginner saxophone player by investing in a comfortable neck strap. The correct padded strap will better distribute the weight of the sax across your neck while also relieving some of the pressure on your right thumb. Keep in mind however that a Neck Strap is not a substitute for good posture while playing the alto sax.
Reeds
Buy Rico Saxophone Reeds on Amazon
Price: $10.99
The Reed is the single most important piece of kit on the saxophone therefore make sure you're investing in good quality reeds.Stick to well-known brands, use strength #2 reeds, and make sure they are properly sized for your mouthpiece.
Price: $10.99
The Reed is the single most important piece of kit on the saxophone therefore make sure you're investing in good quality reeds.Stick to well-known brands, use strength #2 reeds, and make sure they are properly sized for your mouthpiece.
Conclusion
I chose each of the alto saxophones brands on this list because I personally have experience with them. I know and trust that they deliver starter saxophones that will provide a seamless transition into the world of intermediate alto sax and beyond. But in the end, the best alto saxophone is the one that feels most comfortable to the student. There are many other beginner saxophones and the best way to find out which one is best for you is to get out there and try them.About Merlon Devine
Merlon Devine is a professional saxophone and flute player who has released 9 albums to-date. For more information, check out our interview with Merlon. Also check out our Top Smooth Jazz Artists Today to see where Merlon Devine ranks.
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