Choosing the best saxophones in the current year might be challenging because there are multiple brands that make great instruments.
You need to pay attention to many things when buying an expensive and professional saxophone such as brand, features, build quality, and so on.
And I’m here to help you find the right saxophone that will have great sound and overall quality.
What’s The Best Saxophone?
Here is the list of the best saxophones you can find in online shops or musical instrument stores.
1. Eastman ETS281
Features
Eastman ETS281 is a beautiful and very high-quality student tenor saxophone that looks very professional. This model stands out by its playability, full sound, solid construction, and great intonation. Its shape helps the sound travel further and makes it easier to play. Also, it helps to control breathing and mouth muscles.
ETS281 is a great choice for musicians because it has excellent features. It comes with a Legere Signature reed that allows for consistent and responsive playing, and the Rovner Light ligature helps control the tone and articulation. It uses an Eastman Protege mouthpiece and cap that adds a warm and rich sound. Also, has an adjustable right-hand thumb rest for comfortable playing and nickel-plated keys for durability. Overall, the Eastman ETS281 is an amazing saxophone for beginners and experienced players.
2. Yamaha YTS62
Features
Yamaha YTS62 is one of the best saxophones I have ever played. It’s a professional saxophone for experienced and gigging musicians and also is great to record with. It’s known as the original versatile tenor saxophone that can do it all. It was created through a long and thorough development process, with the help of a renowned classical saxophonist and input from top jazz saxophonists.
YTS-62 III tenor saxophone is a great choice for musicians who want a high-quality instrument. It has all the features you would expect from a professional saxophone, such as a high F# key, adjustable thumb hook, and strong needle springs. The neck is particularly impressive, with a narrower bore taper that allows for quicker response and better control. I think it’s a great value although the price might look too expensive.
3. Yanagisawa AWO1
Features
Yanagisawa AWO1 is another amazing and great-sounding saxophone. This is an alto saxophone with a brass body and very comfortable playability. Yanagisawa Wind Instrument Company is a Japanese company that makes hand-crafted saxophones by hand. They manufacture very high-quality saxophones and this particular model is an excellent example of that.
AWO1 professional alto sax is known for its outstanding features. It has blue-steel needle springs that provide accurate key response, waterproof pads that make it durable, and a tri-point bell-bow brace that adds stability. Additionally, pointed pivot screws also improve its mechanical precision and it has a metal thumb hook and rest for extra comfort. This saxophone is perfect for professional saxophonists who want high-quality and excellent performance.
4. Selmer SAS201
Features
Selmer SAS201 is one of my favorite saxes when it comes to alto saxophones. This is a beautiful model with very good and steady build quality. Although it’s a student saxophone it will be the perfect choice for professional sax players too because it has an amazing, rich, and deep sound.
And the features are where SAS201 shines and it’s a perfect blend of art and function. Blued steel needle springs provide great responsiveness, and lacquered body, and nickel-plated keys not only add elegance but also contribute to its warm and resonant tones. Also, adjustable thumb rests and angled left-hand spatula keys make it comfortable for players of all levels. In a nutshell, this is a great sounding and comfortable to play alto saxophone.
5. Singer’s Day SDBS2001
Features
If you are searching for a baritone saxophone, then Singer’s Day SDBS2001 would be a great choice. You might haven’t heard about this saxophone brand but If you trust me, I can say that it’s a great saxophone with awesome sound and overall quality. Also, it looks amazing with lacquered brass and a hand-engraved bell.
SDBS2001 has blue steel springs for quick and precise response. Its octave key axis rotates smoothly in a Teflon-coated receptacle for consistent and frictionless performance. Additionally, the bell and body of the saxophone are securely connected by a tri-point balanced bell brace to improve durability and tonal integrity.
6. P. Mauriat System 76 Tenor
Features
P. Mauriat System 76 Tenor is a beautiful and one of the best saxophones and I had the pleasure to play it recently. The one I played was in a dark vintage lacquer finish but it comes in an unlacquered finish too. This model sounds amazing and is great for professional saxophonists.
It has many great features and will talk about the most important ones. This model is made from high-quality French brass for both the body tube and keys and also features a Super VI neck. One of the standout features of the P. Mauriat System 76 Tenor is its big bore and bell which enhances the saxophone’s projection and allows for a broad and rich tone.
Conclusion
Here are my favorite saxophones that I can recommend to any sax player, no matter if you are a beginner, intermediate, or pro player. They are all unique but share great sound and overall quality. So, you can feel free to try them out and choose your favorite one.
