The alto saxophone has been a part of American culture for decades. You’ll hear the soothing sound of music coming from the old soup kettle on a street corner during a rough time. Fantastic-sounding saxophones have been popular in jazz clubs for years and are also played by pop artists. This has made them an important instrument that deserves admiration, reverence, and respect.
The alto saxophone is designed for beginners and if you or your child want to become an emerging talent in the jazz world, you’ll need to spend some time with it to really get acquainted with the best alto saxophones.
One of the most popular instruments for jazz and bands is the alto saxophone. The smooth sounds have come from people like Charlie Parker and President Bill Clinton. It’s no surprise that saxophones are often a first instrument for beginner musicians.
Top Alto Saxophones for Beginner and Students Review
If you need to buy an alto saxophone, we’ll make your search easier. We’ve checked out a lot of alto saxophones and found the best ones on the market. Ready to learn more about these saxophones? Click on the following link to find out.
1. Mendini by Cecilio Eb Black Lacquer Alto Sax – Coolest Looking Saxophone
Cecilio’s black lacquered Saxophone will make your student standout in band class. Cecilio makes excellent beginner saxophones, which sound good enough to play for your first few years.
This outfit includes everything a student will need to get started, including a hardshell case, mouthpiece and neck strap as well as a cleaning kit, gloves, and reeds.
Pros:
- The sound quality of this sax is excellent.
- It is simple to tune and will remain in tune for a long period of time.
- It is made from high quality materials that will last for a long time.
- When the user upgrades, the resale value of the product is high.
- It includes a neck strap, mouthpiece and reeds as well as a tuner, cleaning kit and gloves.
- The biggest advantage is the price, especially considering the features that come with the saxophone. It is also a popular choice on many websites for beginner saxophones.
Cons:
- Although faux mother-of-pearl inlays can be expected given the price, they are still a problem.
- The tone booster on the sax makes the sound a little more rich than people like, but it’s still sufficient for beginners.
- These materials are less durable than more expensive saxophones.
2. Yamaha YAS-280 Student Saxophone – Best Saxophone for Intermediate Players
The Yamaha YAS-280 alto saxophone, a great saxophone for intermediate students through high school, is the Yamaha YAS-280. It is very easy to use and hold. The perfect intonation produces a great sound.
The instrument also features a stable neck receiver that promotes quick responses and easy use. The keys have an ergonomic action that relieves pressure on the fingers and hands.
The alto saxophone is clear and produces notes in the lower range. This saxophone is ready for stage. This saxophone is a great choice for intermediate and beginner students.
Pros:
- This sax is incredibly useful in relieving pressure on the hands and fingers of students.
- It is made from high-quality materials that can withstand normal wear and tear.
- It sounds like a professional saxophone, which can cost up to 6x more.
- Accessory items for playing this sax can be found easily and are affordable.
- The sax will come with a neck strap or a cleaning kit depending on where it was purchased.
- It is now ready to go on stage.
Cons:
- Tabs can be finicky if saxes have not been properly tested.
3. Jupiter JAS1100SG Saxophone – Best Sax for Advanced Players
Jupiter is a well-known brand of saxophones, having been producing instruments since 1930. The JAS1100SG sax is perfect for intermediate and advanced players. The JAS1100SG is half the price of semi-pros, but the JAS1100SG delivers 5x the quality of semi-pro saxophones.
The Sona-Pure neck is silver-plated and features artisan tooling and annealing. It looks stylish and sophisticated. For enhanced playability, the contoured left-hand tables keys and tilting rocker arm Bb provide comfortable fingering.
Pros:
- Excellent vintage jazz zone.
- Elegant and sophisticated neck and body.
- Playability enhanced
- Very comfortable fingering.
- High F#, frontF, tilting G#–Bb table keys.
- Adjustable upper and lower stack.
- Wooden framed Artists Series case included.
Cons:
- This instrument can be expensive and may not be affordable for students or alto saxophone users.
4. Mendini by Cecilio MAS-L – Cheapest Saxophone
Cecilio is a favorite brand for beginner musical instruments. Cecilio is well-known for making inexpensive and easy to use string instruments. However, they also make excellent woodwind instruments including saxophones. This beginner saxophone’s gold lacquered body with keys will make beginners feel like professionals.
This outfit includes everything you need to get started, including a tuner and mouthpiece with ligature. The sound quality is excellent for the price. However, we recommend upgrading the moutpiece if you want to make a better sound.
Pros:
- The sound quality of this sax is excellent.
- It is simple to tune and will remain in tune for a long period of time.
- It is made from high quality materials that will last for a long time.
- When the user upgrades, the resale value of the product is high.
- It includes a neck strap, mouthpiece and reeds as well as a tuner, cleaning kit, gloves and a hard case for everything.
- The biggest advantage is the price, especially considering the features that come with the saxophone. It is also a popular choice on many websites for beginner saxophones.
Cons:
- Although faux mother-of-pearl inlays can be expected given the price, they are still a problem.
- The tone booster on the sax makes the sound a little more rich than people like, but it’s still sufficient for beginners.
- These materials are less durable than more expensive saxophones.
5. Selmer SAS280 – Coolest Looking Alto Sax
The Selmer SAS280 is an excellent saxophone for solo performances or concert bands. Traditional-sized bells help saxophonists maintain a focused tone and make blending easier. This sax could be for you if you are looking to improve your playing.
Although the sound is comparable to a professional saxophone’s, it is more affordable. Professional key styling is comparable to the more expensive saxophones, which allows for precise fingering. The sound quality is excellent and the pitch remains consistent throughout the range.
Pros:
- You will be the most unique member of the band with your amazing look.
- Perfect intonation.
- Excellent key fluidity.
- Professional key styling for accurate fingering.
- Consistent, from the low end to the high end.
- Faux leather custom backpack style case included.
- Included: Mouthpiece, cap, and Ligature
Cons:
- Although tone can become wild when changing registers, an experienced alto player can control it.
6. Jean Paul AS-400 – Best Saxophone for Beginners
The Jean Paul USA AS-400 Student alto is a great choice for students who are able to spend more than the Medini By Cecilio alto. This instrument is great for students who are just starting to learn how to play the alto saxophone.
This outfit includes 1 Rico reed and carrying case, cork grease gloves, cleaning cloth, cleaning cloth, and a sax mouthpiece. To give the beautiful yellow brass body a shine, it has been lacquered.
Pros:
- Two finishes are available: a standard brass with silver lacquer and a regular brass with lacquer. Both look professional and neat.
- The sound and tone are just as good as the more expensive saxophones.
- The saxophone is simple to tune. It can be used to jam with the band, practice classical solos or simply play along with your favorite song.
- You can play for hours with ease because the action is smooth.
- Includes a list with accessories that can be used to play the instrument straight out of the box.
- Included are a carrying case, neck strap and mouthpiece. Also included is a cleaning kit, gloves, and swabs.
- It is easy to pick up as many notes as you need in a short time. This is what classical musicians and other musical styles require.
Cons:
- The tone booster on the sax makes the sound a little more rich than people like, but it’s still sufficient for beginners.
7. Yamaha YAS-26 – Best Bang for Your Buck
The Yamaha YAS-26 is a great intermediate saxphone, although it’s not inexpensive. Yamaha is the manufacturer of this sax. The sax comes with nickel-plated keys, an adjustable thumb rest and neck strap. It also includes a mouthpiece, case, strap, and strap.
Yamaha backs this instrument, making it a durable instrument that will last many years. This saxophone will give you the best bang for your buck. We recommend that you change the mouthpiece to one designed for advanced and intermediate players.
Pros:
- New neck receiver with stronger, more durable screws
- Adjustable thumb rest
- Keys with nickel plating
- Better B-C# connection
- Amazing durability.
- Only 11.68 pounds.
- Includes neck strap, mouthpiece, and strap.
- Includes case
Cons:
- This mouthpiece is intended for students and beginners, so it may not be suitable for advanced players.
8. Kaizer Alto Saxophone – Best for Young Students
The Kaizer alto is a good choice for beginners. This is one of the most affordable alto saxophones available. It can be used as a test instrument for students who aren’t sure if they want to learn saxophone.
Everything a beginner will need to get started includes a welcome kit and a molded case, mouthpiece. You get a guarantee of a refund and a lifetime warranty on the instrument.
Some users complain about the sound quality and have experienced air leakage issues that have led to broken saxophones.
Pros:
- The saxophone comes with many accessories that will enhance your experience.
- A case is included with the sax. It provides protection for storage and movement, as well as a ligature with mouthpiece and cleaning kit.
- The company offers a 45-day refund guarantee, which is more than most websites and stores that offer less or no refund policies.
- The warranty on this product is lifetime, regardless of whether it’s purchased by one person and then sold to another.
- It features a brass body and enhanced tonality, which gives it a higher-quality sound than a budget sax.
- This sax has a quick action, great response, and pro pads that provide product intonation control. It was designed with the classical player’s mind.
Cons:
- Some customers have had air leaks in their product which resulted in a damaged saxophone. They were able to get a replacement product under their lifetime warranty.
- People often report that the metal on the sax is too soft and the sound quality is affected.
9. Conn-Selmer Prelude Student Model AS711 – Best Durable for Beginners
Conn-Selmer’s student model alto is a great option for beginners. It was designed by the industry leader in beginner altosaxophones. Easy to use, the key design allows for a comfortable and correct hand position. The left-hand table key rocker mechanism has an articulated C# adjustment screw.
For added strength and durability, the body has a ribbed structure. Kit includes a molded mouthpiece, cap and ligature, neck strap, dark laquer body and keys as well as cork grease, an adjustable right-hand thumb rest and 2 1/2 strength reeds, kid leather pads with metal resonanceators and a hard-shell case.
Pros:
- Students and beginners can find affordable options for alto saxophone play.
- Includes a case, mouthpiece and cap.
- Durable.
- It’s easy to play.
- High F#, rocking keys and articulated C#
- For strength and durability, the boy has ribbed construction.
Cons:
- Tone can vary across registers.
- It is very basic, so some musicians may prefer to buy an upgraded mouthpiece.
10. Yamaha YAS-480 – Best Budget Intermediate Sax
The YAS-480 is a great option for upgrading your student saxophone. It has a warm tone and a very accurate intonation, which makes it incredibly sounding.
This neck is 62-style, which provides a more mature sound. It’s a great choice for high school and college students who are interested in performing or joining a jazz band. Although the Yamaha saxophones are more expensive, this design is durable and cost-friendly.
Pros:
- Silver plating
- Intinction is extremely accurate
- Rapid response
- Warm tone
- The bell has a hand-engraved pattern.
- Included neck in 62-style.
- Key guards that can be separated with adjustable screw caps and stoppers.
- Key for left hand seesaw designed to increase playability.
- Improved low-B-C# mechanism compared to previous models.
Cons:
- A soft, padded case is better than a hard shell. This can be a plus for those who prefer a light and portable case.
- Students who are still at school may choose the pricier model.
Guide to Buying an Alto Saxophone
An alto saxophone, a woodwind instrument pitched in E flat, is an alto saxophone. Although the alto is the most popular type of saxophone there are many other types, such as the tenor saxophone which is larger than the alto and the soprano which is smaller. While the sound and the size of the saxophones are different, the notes are the same. The alto saxophone is the most popular.
What Makes an Alto Saxophone Great?
An excellent alto saxophone is well-constructed and made of durable materials.
Sound
A warm sound is what you would expect to hear in a jazz band, so it’s important that you choose a saxophone that has a warm tone. Higher-priced instruments like saxophones can be used as solo instruments, while saxophones with a warmer sound will work well. The price of a saxophone with more ribbing can be higher, but so can the quality.
Construction
Alto saxophones come in a variety of construction options, including ribbed and non-ribbed. Ribbing adds weight to the instrument, which can alter the vibration and make it sound warmer. The extra weight can affect your ability to play the instrument.
Materials
You will generally want to buy a yellow brass alto-saxophone. However, there are other materials that can be used (generally more costly), such as silver, copper and bronze. A yellow brass finish is ideal for beginners.
Best Alto Saxophones Brands
1. Yamaha
Yamaha is a well-known brand for musical instruments. Yamaha makes high-quality instruments, including violins and pianos. They also make excellent alto saxophones.
Yamaha is a high-quality instrument manufacturer that has been making instruments at an affordable price since 1887. It is also the best brand for students and kids who are just starting to take an interest in the altosaxophone.
2. Conn-Selmer
Conn-Selmer, a subsidiary wholly owned by Steinway Musical Instruments and the maker of the famous Steinway piano by the same title, was created in 2003 through the combination of Steinway properties The Selmer Company & United Musical Instruments.
Conn dates back to 19th century. Jazz legends like John Coltrane and Paul Desmond swear by the Selmer as their best alto saxophone.
3. Jupiter
Jupiter, a well-known manufacturer of band instruments, was established in 1930. Their instruments can be found in many high school band rooms.
4. Jean Paul
Jean Paul is well-known for creating student wind instruments. They are committed to customer satisfaction and offer a 1-year warranty on all musical instruments.
5. Mendini by Cecilio
Cecilio is a recommended brand for beginner instruments. These instruments are often only available on Amazon. They are great options for beginners who don’t know if they want to continue playing the instrument.
Conclusion
You still want an alto-saxophone You will need an alto saxophone to make it big in jazz clubs and be a star in the music business. This guide should be enough to help you find the best beginner saxophone to suit your needs and wants.
FAQ for Best Alto Saxophones
Why is the alto saxophone the best type of saxophone for beginners?
The alto sax is the most-used type, so if you’re learning it for the first time, it’s a great option. There are a lot of alto sax options on the market, so it can be difficult to find the perfect one for you. As a middle school or high school student, you’ll probably be expected to try the alto sax.
How much should you spend on an alto saxophone?
It really depends on how much you’re willing or able to spend. You can get a great beginner saxophone for around 300-700, but intermediate and high-level saxophones can cost from $2,000. A good alto saxophone for a first-time buyer to look at is around $1,000.
Be careful with saxophones that are too cheap! They’re made out of lower quality material which wears off faster and doesn’t sound as good. It’s worth it to spend a bit more. If you’re considering getting a saxophone, make sure it’s somewhere in the low hundreds of dollars or they may not last very long.
Why is the alto saxophone the best type of saxophone for beginners?
The alto saxophone is the best type of saxophone for beginners because it is easier to play than the tenor or baritone.
The alto saxophone is a smaller, lighter instrument that has an easier range and fingering system. This makes it more accessible to beginners, who may not be as strong with their hands.
Are there any specific sizes for alto saxophones?
There are three main sizes of alto saxophones: soprano, alto, and tenor. The soprano is the smallest of the three and is often used in marching bands or for playing melodies. The tenor is the largest. It has a deeper sound than the other two types.
What are the differences between an alto saxophone and a tenor saxophone?
The alto saxophone has a higher pitch than the tenor saxophone. It is also slightly smaller in size.
The alto saxophone is pitched in the key of E, while the tenor saxophone is pitched in the key of B. The alto saxophone is slightly smaller than the tenor and has a thinner neck with a more pointed bell.
What are the advantages of an alto saxophone?
The alto saxophone is a type of saxophone that has a more mellow tone than the tenor, but with a brighter sound than the baritone. It is best suited for playing in bands or orchestras, and can be used to play lead melodies or to provide harmony.
There are three main advantages to the alto saxophone: its sound quality; it’s portability; and it’s versatility with other instruments. The sound quality is unique to the alto saxophone because it has a warmer tone than the tenor or baritone saxophones which have more of a high-pitched sound or harsh tone quality.
How can I learn to play the alto saxophone?
The alto saxophone is a type of saxophone that is pitched in the key of E-flat and has a brighter sound than the tenor saxophone.
Learning to play this instrument can be challenging for many people, especially those who have never played an instrument before.
There are many resources available for learning to play the alto saxophone, including books, instructional DVDs, and online tutorials.
The first step in learning to play is to buy an alto saxophone and then find someone who can teach you how to hold it properly and demonstrate how it works.
Do I need to learn how to read music before I start playing on the alto saxophone?
No. Learning to read music and play on the alto saxophone are two different skills that do not need to be learned at the same time.
It is best for beginners to learn how to play without reading music first, and then advance by learning how to read music at their own pace.