Shopping for a beginner saxophone?
Parents shopping for a saxophone for beginners are faced with dozens of choices in the student saxophone market. You’re probably asking yourself, “what is the best beginner saxophone for my child?” While there is probably not one single “right answer,” there are many factors to consider, and seeking advice from your child’s music teacher is an excellent place to start. Once you’re ready to start shopping and comparing student saxophones, here are some great choices for you to consider.
Top 5 best alto saxophones for beginners
Most beginner saxophonists start on the alto saxophone. Because the alto sax is a relatively smaller instrument and is heavily relied on in melodic portions of the woodwind score, many band directors are happy to steer students toward this instrument.
These student alto saxophones are perfect choices for young saxophonists. They are durable and built to withstand the rigors of student practice and frequent transporting from home to school. They are also affordable, which is important considering your young student may or may not have committed to this instrument. Student saxophones are created to be easy-to-play and suitable for smaller hands and bodies to hold. You can’t go wrong with any of these selections.
Best Beginner Alto Saxophones:
1. Etude Alto Student Saxophone - a great instrument for starting out on the alto saxophone. The keywork, pads, and adjustment all work together to make tone production easier, more consistent, and stronger. And the bell brace and construction help make it as durable as possible.
2. Allora Alto Student Saxophone - With the Allora Student series, you get a quality instrument that will play in tune, withstand student treatment, and inspire pride of ownership. This line of instruments play well, are durable, and possess a satisfying tone and dynamics capability, all at an affordable price.
3. Prelude by CS Alto Saxophone - This beginner's model from Conn-Selmer, the Prelude Alto Saxophone, is built to be durable and easy to play. It features a gold lacquer body with high F#, rocking table keys, and articulated C#.
4. Giardinelli Alto Student Saxophone - an affordable, solidly constructed student to intermediate instrument. It is built with quality materials and craftsmanship that ensure it will withstand the rigorous student treatment an introductory instrument can sometimes undergo.
Top 5 best beginner tenor saxophones
The tenor saxophone is another popular choice for the beginning band student. This instrument is a bit bigger and heavier than the alto sax, so it may be better suited for a student who is equipped to handle the weight and the airflow of the instrument.
If your student has selected the tenor saxophone to begin his or her music career, you want to choose a quality tenor sax that plays easily and fits a young musician’s frame. This will keep them from getting frustrated and help them enjoy learning music.
Here are several beginner tenor saxophones to consider:
1. Allora Student Series Tenor Saxophone - A used or extraordinarily cheap instrument can actually lessen your child’s likelihood of continuing in music. This model is a quality instrument that will play in tune, withstand student treatment, and inspire pride of ownership.
2. Prelude by Conn-Selmer TS711 Student Model Tenor Saxophone - This value-priced saxophone features a gold lacquer body and keys with high F#, rocking table keys, and articulated C#.
3. Yamaha YTS-26 Standard Tenor Saxophone - Yamaha instruments are beloved by students and professionals alike. This entry-level instrument delivers the response, intonation and tone needed to help developing musicians achieve success
4. Etude ETS-200 Student Series Tenor Saxophone - a quality and reliable instrument choice for beginners and music enthusiasts. It is free blowing and offers excellent intonation for an instrument at this price range.
Need more information on beginner saxophones?
If you’re still not sure which model to purchase, learn more with our saxophone buying guide. You can also review the top 3 things to look for in a saxophone. And, of course, our musical experts are always standing by to help you choose the best saxophone for your young musician. We can discuss your child’s playing level, your budget, and financing opportunities that may be available to help. Call us at 800.348.5003 to talk through the options for beginner saxophones.
