Top 5 Saxophones for 2020

You’ve decided to purchase a new saxophone in the New Year. An exciting decision! However, it’s a significant investment that requires research and thought. What are you looking for in this new instrument? Is it an upgrade from what you’ve been playing or are you branching out from an alto sax to a tenor? Do you want to purchase from the same manufacturer you have been playing or try something new? What kinds of music do you play? What is your budget? Have some specific ideas in mind before you start shopping for your new saxophone.

There are countless saxophone makes and models on the market. Some offer new technology, others are beautifully remastered vintage styles, and of course, there are many options in terms of finish, engraving, and trim. Make a list of what features are most important to you and then start shopping.

Here are some of the best saxophones to buy in 2020:

Best Alto Saxophones

Yamaha YAS-62111 Professional Alto Saxophone
Yamaha produces horns that feature outstanding consistency of action and intonation at an affordable price. This model features a neck with a somewhat narrower bore that provides rapid response and excellent control. The neck style allows a comfortable flow of air so that every player can attain a solid tonal core. This beautiful horn features hand engraving and comes with a high quality, semi-hard case that offers a contemporary look and greater ease of transport.

Listen to the YAS-62111:

P. Mauriat System 76 Professional Alto Saxophone
P. Mauriat leads the industry as the innovator of modern vintage saxophones, offering sound, response, ergonomics and intonation to meet the demands of professional musicians. Each horn is entirely hand crafted from the finest materials, featuring intricate engraving and a variety of finishes. This model produces a bigger sound with a core that is full of rich overtones. It is available in vintage dark or brilliant gold lacquer and features beautiful abalone trim.

Listen to the System 76:

Selmer Paris SeleS AXOS Series Alto Saxophone  
The SeleS is a new brand from the famous manufacturer, Henri Selmer Paris. The AXOS saxophone model was developed to provide more musicians with the opportunity to own a genuine Selmer instrument. Manufactured to exacting standards in France, the AXOS provides playing comfort and mechanical reliability along with the rich harmonics and roundness of sound expected from Selmer.

Listen to the SeleS AXOS:

Best Tenor Saxophones

P. Mauriat PMST-56GC Intermediate Tenor Saxophone  
This tenor saxophone from renowned manufacturer, P. Mauriat, delivers excellent sound and quality at a very affordable price. It is made from 70/30 brass, finished in a honey gold lacquer and features blued steel keys. The upgraded accessory package and case make this a great buy.

Listen to the PMST-56GC:

Eastman 52nd Street Bb Tenor Saxophone
This professional tenor saxophone comes un-lacquered for a vintage look. It is an exceptionally responsive horn, offering precise intonation. The larger size bell and rolled style tone holes contribute to its impressive sound. It is sold with a high end case that includes storage and can be carried as a backpack.

Buying a Saxophone at Woodwind & Brasswind

Woodwind & Brasswind carries a huge assortment of saxophones and accessories from the best manufacturers on the market. You can browse the full selection, by instrument or accessory type, at www.wwbw.com or 800.348.5003.

If you’re a school music educator, reach out to our school music experts, who are standing by at 800.346.4448. They can help you get the best discounts available to stretch your budget.