Saxophone Buyer's Guide

Some of the Questions Answered Below

What level of saxophone is right for me?
How does the material affect the sound?
Tell me more about the saxophone's special keys.

Saxophone Breakdown

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Saxophone Categories

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featuring

Yamaha YAS-23 Student Alto Saxophone

Student Saxophones:
Student saxophones ore designed for the beginner and meant to provide an excellent start for the first years of playing. Most student saxophones are relatively easy to play, produce a pleasant tone and feel comfortable in the beginner's hands. Teacher-Recommended Student Saxophones

Intermediate (Step-Up) Saxophones:
Once a student is established and has mastered the fundamentals of good playing, it's important to purchase an instrument that will help continue their growth. Intermediate saxophones, while not sporting the fancy handwork of professional models, produce very good tone and feature key work similar to that of the highest quality saxophones. Recommended Intermediate Saxophones

Professional Saxophones:
Designed and constructed with the professional musician in mind, these saxophones have excellent response, intonation and tone. They usually are adorned with attractive handwork, like hand-hammered keys and hand engraving. They also are offered in clear or colored lacquer finishes and silver or gold plating. Recommended Professional Saxophones

View Recommended Instruments:

Body Materials

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Lacquered Brass:
By far, the majority of saxophones worldwide are constructed of clear or gold lacquered brass.

Black Lacquer / Matte Finish:
Black or Matte lacquer is heavier than clear or gold and adds weight to the body of the instrument. This finish is extremely popular for tenor saxophones for producing a thick, husky sound.

Silver Plating:
Like black lacquer, silver plating adds weight to the saxophone to darken and center the tone. Because the plating is harder than lacquer, this option adds greater volume and projection.

Nickel Plating:
Due to its extreme hardness, nickel plating offers the greatest projection and brightest sound. Nickel plating is a favorite among jazz players.

Copper / Bronze:
Being heavier and softer than brass, copper and bronze saxophones offer the darkest and most covered timbres.

Special Keys

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High F#:
Allows the player to play an altissimo (above high C) F# by adding a single key.

High G:
Allows the player to play an altissimo (above high C) G by adding a single key.

Front F:
Allows for playing the altissimo F by using an index finger key on the front of the saxophone.

Tilted Spatulas:
Tilting a spatula, or pinky key, allows for a more comfortable, secure hold.

The Saxophone Family (high to low)

Sopranino (Eb)
Soprano (Bb)
Alto (Eb)
Tenor (Bb)
Baritone (Eb)
Bass (Bb)

Buy Your Saxophone with Confidence from The Woodwind & Brasswind

In choosing a saxophone, you need to consider your musician’s age and skill level, and the kind of use (school band, marching band, orchestra, etc.) to which they will put their instrument. If for school, consulting with the band teacher is a good idea. Whatever saxophone you select, The Woodwind & Brasswind's 100% Satisfaction Guarantee means you have 45 days to be sure it's right for you. If it's not, just return it for a full refund.* And you don’t need to worry about paying too much. Our 45-Day Lowest Price Guarantee means that if you find the same saxophone advertised for less elsewhere, we'll make up the difference. When you buy your saxophone from The Woodwind & Brasswind, you can buy with complete confidence.

*All returned woodwind and brass instruments are assessed a $10.00 sterilization fee. Instruments priced over $3,000.00 are assessed a $20.00 fee.