The Best Saxophones on Reverb
The most popular saxophones on Reverb, updated daily.
A moody presence that can go from sultry to stark in a single breath, saxophones are immediately recognizable with an irreplaceable sound. It's not hard to pick them out wherever you look: the jazz of Charlie Parker, the searing rock of Clarence Clemons and Bruce Springsteen, the creative frontiers of Colin Stetson's work with Arcade Fire and Bon Iver.
Whether you're a beginner, someone with experience looking to upgrade, or a seasoned pro looking for a new workhorse, keeping an eye on the best-selling saxophones is never a bad idea. From the accessibility of the Selmer Bundy II Alto to the polished looks and tone of the Yamaha YTS-62III Professional Tenor, the most in-demand saxophones can be found here.
This page updates in real time with current data, so what you’re seeing is up-to-the-minute rankings. Click on each entry for more info and check out the bottom of the page for more details on buying a saxophone.
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Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone
Starting at $799.99Built with a clear-baked epoxy lacquer, nickel-plated keys, and all yellow brass neck, body, and bell, the Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Saxophone is a formidable entry in the world of entry-level woodwind instruments. Built with a host of features associated with more expensive models like leather pads with wool felt and Front F auxiliary keys, the YAS-23 is as comfortable on a marching band practice field as it is in a jazz club. The predecessor to Yamaha's current student model, this sax's place as a discontinued instrument makes it much more affordable and a great choice for starter musicians. - 2
Yamaha YAS-26 Standard Alto Saxophone
Starting at $1,261.11 - 3
Yamaha YTS-23 Tenor Saxophone
Starting at $1,651.26The YTS-23 is the discontinued predecessor to Yamaha's current student model, the YTS-26.
Years of production: 1990s-ca. 2010
Features: Yellow brass neck/body/bell, Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, leather pads with wool felt, plastic tone boosters, nickel-plated keys, polyester key buttons, Front F auxiliary keys - 4
Yamaha YAS-62 Alto Saxophone
Starting at $2,649.76Conceived as a professional instrument available at an affordable price point, the YAS-62 is based on Yamaha's well-known 61 line. The saxophone implements professional elements such as tilting low Bb spatula keys, refined key shape, and annealed brass for denser material and clearer tone.
Years of production:1979-present
Features: Yellow brass neck/body/bell, hand-engraved bell, Yamaha AS4C mouthpiece, leather pads with wool felt, polyester tone buttons, Front F auxiliary keys - 5
Selmer Bundy II Alto Saxophone
Starting at $398.88The Selmer Bundy II Alto Saxophone is generally considered an excellent beginner or student-level alto saxophone. - 6
Selmer AS500 Student Model Alto Saxophone
Starting at $875.78 - 7
Yamaha YTS-26 Standard Tenor Saxophone
Starting at $1,949.99Built on specifications of their higher-end models using more cost-effective techniques and materials, the YAS-26 is designed for students and beginners.
Features: Yellow brass neck/body/bell, Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, leather pads with wool felt, plastic tone boosters, nickel-plated keys, polyester key buttons, Front F auxiliary keys - 8
Yamaha YAS-480 Intermediate Alto Saxophone
Starting at $2,801.10 - 9
Yamaha YAS-200AD Alto Saxophone
Starting at $840.75The YAS-200AD is the predecessor of Yamaha's YAS-23 student model and features power-forged keys, adjustable key guard felts and tapered pivot screws.
Features: Yellow brass neck/body/bell, Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, leather pads with wool felt, plastic tone boosters, nickel-plated keys, Front F auxiliary keys - 10
Yamaha YAS-200ADII Alto Saxophone
Starting at $1,401.25The YAS-200AD is the predecessor of Yamaha's YAS-23 student model. The second generation features an improved neck receiver.
Features: Yellow brass neck/body/bell, Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, leather pads with wool felt, plastic tone boosters, nickel-plated keys, Front F auxiliary keys - 11
Yamaha YTS-62 Tenor Saxophone
Starting at $3,452.64Based on the specifications of the company's original flagship 62 series, the YTS-62 is Yamaha's most popular professional series tenor saxophone.
Years of production: ca. 1990-2000
Features: Annealed yellow brass neck/body/bell, hand-engraved bell, Yamaha G1 mouthpiece, leather pads with wool felt, plastic tone boosters, tilting-style low Bb spatula keys, polyester key buttons, Front F and High F# auxiliary keys - 12
Yamaha YTS-82ZII Custom Z Tenor Saxophone
Starting at $6,724.60Crafted on the design of classic Yamaha 62 models, the YTS-82Z is a part of the company's professional Custom Z series.
The second generation features a one-piece hand engraved bell, V1 neck, and adjustable Front F key.
Years of production: 2012-present
Features: French brass neck/body/bell, annealed neck, Yamaha Custom G1 Neck, Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, leather pads with wool felt, plastic tone boosters, blue steel springs, polyester key buttons, adjustable Front F and High F# auxiliary keys - 13
Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone 1970 - 1975
Starting at $9,108.13 - 14
Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone 1960 - 1969
Starting at $6,425.92 - 15
Yamaha YTS-875EX Custom EX Tenor Saxophone
Starting at $4,484Based on the specifications of the original Custom 875, the EX series features a slew of improvements including modified key buttons, a Custom E1 neck and a two-point bell brace.
Years of production: ca. 2010-present
Features: handmade neck, French brass body, bell and key, mother of pearl buttons, gold baked epoxy lacquer, hand-engraved bell, high F# key, Yamaha 4CM mouthpiece, blue steel needle springs, leather pads and plastic tone boosters. - 16
Yamaha YTS-200ADII Advantage Tenor Saxophone
Starting at $4,290.63 - 17
Yamaha YAS-82ZII Custom Z Alto Saxophone
Starting at $5,499.91Based on the scale of the original Yamaha 62 models, the Custom Z series combines high-quality construction and materials with modern production with the aim of recreating classic saxophones.
The second generation features an adjustable Front F key, metal resonators, V1 neck and one-piece bell.
Years of production: 2013-present
Features: Custom G1 neck, annealed French brass bell/neck/body, mother of pearl keys, Yamaha 4CM, leather/wool felt pads, plastic tone boosters, engraved bell, - 18
Yamaha YAS-280 Student Alto Saxophone
Starting at $1,553.69 - 19
Yamaha YSS-475 Soprano Saxophone
Starting at $2,382.13The YSS-475 was Yamaha's intermediate level saxophone in production during the 2000s.
Features: Custom spatula, yellow brass neck/body/bell, Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, blue steel needle springs, welded mounting, leather and wool felt pad, plastic tone boosters - 20
Yamaha YAS-875EXII Custom EX Alto Saxophone
Starting at $4,063.63
What to Consider When Buying a Saxophone
Student/Intermediate/Professional
As you might have guessed, these three distinctions mark out general divisions in material, build quality, and ultimately, price. Each has its advantages: for example, in addition to being the most affordable, Student models are also good options heavy use in that wear and tear won't set you back thousands like it would with a Professional model.
Generally speaking, Student models do the trick, Professional models offer markedly improved tone with extra flourishes like engravings, and Intermediate hit that sweet spot of pro tone and feel without as much flash.
Alto/Tenor/Baritone
This is going from small to large with specific applications according to genre and even a player's stature. Alto saxes are the most popular for their smaller size and multitude of classical pieces at the ready. Tenors are popular among jazz players for its blend of articulation and more robust tone, and the Baritone is a whale of an instrument with the lowest tones and biggest body.