Alto saxophones are one of the most popular ones among players. But choosing one might be challenging.
You need to know what brands are good, what features should you look for, and things like that.
So, this is why I created this list – to recommend you great alto saxophones.
What’s The Best Alto Saxophone?
If you are looking for the best alto saxophone and don’t know which one to choose, then this list will help you.
1. Selmer AS42
Features
Selmer AS42 alto saxophone is a high-quality instrument known for its exceptional performance and tonal excellence. It features the authentic Henri Selmer Paris neck paired with the specialized AM42 Selmer Paris mouthpiece. It produces a full, resonant sound that appeals to musicians of all styles.
Additionally, this alto sax is designed with a ribbed construction and a high F# key, and multiple adjusting screws enable precise customization. I like AS42 for playing classical pieces or unleashing an improvisational jazz solo. Perhaps my favorite intermediate alto sax I have ever played.
2. Antigua AS4248BC
Features
Antigua AS4248BC is one of my new favorites and perhaps the best alto saxophone in this price range. It features yellow brass but you can choose from a range of elegant finishes. One of its remarkable features is the redesigned neck, which has been modified in terms of angle, bore size, and shape.
Antigua has incorporated its exclusive PowerBell design into this model, featuring a bell that is 12.5% larger than the standard size. With this expanded bell diameter, you can enjoy a broader range of dynamics, enhanced depth, and a powerful projection. I recommend at least trying this in a local music store to hear the sound quality.
3. Yamaha YAS280
Features
Another amazing alto sax is the Yamaha YAS280, specifically crafted for young beginners, making it a perfect beginner alto sax. With its lightweight design and ergonomic shape, this saxophone is comfortable to hold and play, reducing any strain as beginners learn the basics. Even though it’s great for beginners, the YAS280 still offers awesome intonation.
You will quickly discover the YAS280 makes it simple to create beautiful music. Yamaha’s clever design includes helpful features to aid in learning and inspire creativity. YAS280 offers excellent playability, making it an ideal choice for those looking to dive into the exciting realm of saxophone playing.
4. Jupiter JAS700
Features
Hands down, one of the best alto sax is Jupiter JAS700 and those who have played it will agree. It has an amazing brass body made with state-of-the-art technology and has accurate scale length and great playability. Also, gold-lacquered keys give it a beautiful look.
One thing that sets this saxophone apart is the contoured left-hand table keys with a tilting Bb rocker arm. This makes it easier and more comfortable to play, especially as the student’s skills improve. It also comes with a durable wood frame case, mouthpiece, and ligature, and the keys extend to a high F# for more range.
5. Wilmington Eb
Features
The Wilmington Eb alto saxophone is truly exceptional with its solid nickel body construction and top-notch manufacturing quality. It’s impressive how this horn showcases amazing craftsmanship overseen by the experts at Sax ProShop, all while being more affordable than many professional models. Built to be a reliable workhorse instrument, the nickel body ensures durability and resistance to the elements.
All recent upgrades have made it even better. They’ve added a key contact point for the low C# to prevent any unwanted key bouncing. The engraving has also been refined, giving it a more visually stunning appeal. Moreover, the bell flare now boasts a smooth polished look, which perfectly complements the sophisticated key design. I think it’s a beautiful alto sax with world-class sound quality.
Conclusion
There are plenty of great alto saxophones available in the market to suit different budgets and skill levels. Look for features like ergonomic keys, enhanced bell flares for better projection, precise design for accurate intonation, and top-notch craftsmanship. Choose a saxophone that inspires you to practice more, perform better, and unleash your creativity.
