Saxophones have existed for as long as we can remember, but tenor saxophones are the most popular. Since the 1930s, skilled saxophonists have been playing tenor saxophones, producing wonderful sounds for jazz, blues, and classical music. The tenor saxophone falls between the baritone and alto saxophones, and is frequently tuned in the key of Bb. Because the saxophone isn’t as huge as the baritone or bass saxophone, it’s a little easier for beginners to pick up.
But, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned master, we all know that finding the best tenor saxophone is a difficult task. Getting the correct sax is only half of the battle when it comes to making great music. In this article, we look at the top tenor saxophones for players of all levels and budgets.
Table of Contents
Yamaha YTS-62III Professional Tenor Saxophone Lacquered
- Professional Neck Receiver
- Integrated Key Posts
- Case - Gold Lacquer
This is a professional saxophone with all the bells and whistles. Yamaha has been creating high-end saxophones for a long time and has mastered the style and features that players desire. It comes in two beautiful finishes, has customizable functions, and is simple to use.
Yamaha saxophones have been legendary since 1969, and this model has used all of that knowledge and feedback from directors and players to make the best saxophone ever. This saxophone is of exceptional quality. To ensure that players receive the best tenor sax possible, every aspect is meticulously scrutinized both during and after the manufacturing process.
The enhanced mechanisms are a significant improvement over intermediate tenor saxophone. They aren’t pointless ‘upgrades,’ as some other brands do in order to sell a few more units. Players needed genuine solutions to common saxophone difficulties, therefore these mechanical enhancements were produced.
It’s lovely, and it’s a joy to play. The movement is simple, and every note has a flawless and pleasant tone. This sax is highly recommended for any serious musician, including beginners and students, because practicing on the best instrument can improve your skills. This is the Best Tenor Saxophone in 2023.
Selmer Paris Reference 54 Alto Saxophone – Antiqued Lacquer
If you’re looking for a professional tenor saxophone, the famed Selmer Mark VI saxophones, which were produced from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s, are a good choice.
Without a doubt, the most famous professional saxophone of all time, there’s an air of mystery around this iconic horn, with sax players obsessed over serial numbers in the hunt to discover the perfect one, as quality fluctuates considerably from one to the next. So, while finding a fantastic Mark 6 vintage horn is a magical thing, their rarity has driven up prices to absurd levels, with no guarantee that you’re not getting one of the more ‘average’ ones.
With that in mind, we recommend checking out Selmer Paris’s new Reference 54 saxophones, which are inspired by the original Mark VIs. While it is based on the design of the most famous of all saxophones, it is not a carbon copy of the 1954 classic; it is a bit heavier and strives to capture the round, centred sound of the 1954 classic while combining top-of-the-line current keywork and intonation.
In fact, many players claim that the horn’s intonation is one of its biggest advantages, with the horn being considerably easier to tune across the entire range, even up to the high F# key, which was missing on the original Mark VI. The Reference 54 looks the part, too, thanks to an oxidation process that gives it a vintage look. While this may be aesthetically pleasing, it may also contribute to the sound’s strong resemblance to that of a traditional Selmer, thanks to the use of a particular high-copper brass alloy. This is the Best Tenor Saxophones in 2023.
Jean Paul USA TS-400 Tenor Saxophone
- Key of BB with power forged and tapered pivot keys for easy playability
- Beautiful yellow brass body construction with lacquer finish
- Lovely engraved bell pattern for and extra touch of quality and class
The Jean Paul TS-400 is the best beginner tenor saxophones that combines an economical price with dependable craftsmanship. It’s designed with a traditional gold lacquer finish and simple yet attractive engraving, and it’s a great place to start learning to play the saxophone.
The Jean Paul TS-400 comes with a unique hard carrying case and all of the necessary accessories for proper maintenance. Rico Reeds, cork grease, a cleaning cloth, swabs, gloves, and a mouthpiece are included in your kit. Everything you’ll need to begin playing along with your favorite music is there at your fingertips. This sax will serve you well until you master the art of saxophone playing.
It’s best defined as a mid-level instrument, falling midway between beginner and professional, as seen by its high-quality production procedures that promote easy playability and a resonant sound. While it isn’t the cheapest horn on the market, it represents excellent value, especially considering that this is a leading international saxophone brand that has a generous parts and labor warranty.
Jean Paul tenor saxes are a smart investment if you are confident in your ability to continue playing the saxophone or if you want to get the best possible start learning it.
It’s worth noting that this sax has been thoroughly tested twice before leaving the factory to ensure that it meets or exceeds expectations. You may rest assured that this instrument is devoid of flaws, and if it does, you can take advantage of the 1-year parts and labour warranty. This Jean Paul sax is a great choice for beginners or intermediate players. The saxophone is simple to operate, sounds great, and is affordable for the target population. This model is also ideal for an intermediate player looking to upgrade from a cheap model.
Mendini by Cecilio Tenor Saxophone
- All Levels, All Ages: Thinking of picking up a tenor sax? Or maybe you're a...
- Quality Sound: Whether you're a pro, a student, or just a hobbyist, you...
- Multiple Colors: Looking to stand out musically AND visually? We've got...
The Mendini by Cecilio MTS-L+92D is another wonderful alternative for novices or students because it is on the lower end of the price scale. Before upgrading to a more expensive instrument, the sax will help you to learn the ropes and master your key placement. With practise, you’ll be able to focus on honing your style and tone quality.
Cecilio, a California-based music company, has built a solid reputation as a reliable provider of woodwind, brass, and string instruments over the last ten years. For those searching for something a bit more unique, their Mendini tenor saxophone comes standard with classic gold lacquer, but it may be be requested in silver/nickel or even black/nickel. It comes with a variety of accessories, including an electronic tuner, a sling, and even reeds, as you’d expect from a solid starting saxophone. As a result, it’s ready to play straight away.
If you (or your child) is interested in learning to play an instrument for the first time, you probably don’t want to spend a lot of money to figure out if the saxophone is suited for you. In this scenario, the Mendini by Cecilio is a wonderful starter instrument that combines dependable construction with a good tone at an affordable price.
The fact that this tenor saxophone is designed for players of all levels is a distinguishing feature. Mendini by Cecilio MTS-L has it everything, whether you’re seeking for a beginner, intermediate, or professional tenor sax. This sax has a rich tone and consistent intonation throughout the whole range. If you’re a young player, you can use the large bore to experiment with a full-bodied tone. The fast action keys will come in handy for intermediate and experienced gamers.
Selmer TS44 Professional Tenor Saxophone Lacquer
- Reasonable pricing
- Great sound and playing feel
- Engraved bell
The Selmer TS44 is an entry-level professional horn that is suitable for beginners to advanced players. If the learner is a beginner, he or she should be aware that he or she is seeking for a long-term saxophone. This tenor horn sounds and plays like a high-end saxophone but costs less. Because of its superb tone and versatility, the Selmer TS-44 is quickly becoming a favourite horn among thousands of saxophonists. It’s made for someone who adores the Selmer sound and desires a great-sounding instrument.
It’s worth noting that this instrument is the first product of a collaboration between Selmer US and Henri Selmer Paris. This combined design has resulted in a saxophone that is both inexpensive and performs well.
Musicians adore the features on this horn, which are more prevalent on professional instruments but rare on student models. The TS44 features a wide timbral range, which is essential for a professional musician to convey the mood of a performance. The nicest part about this instrument is its affordable pricing for such a dramatic instrument.
Kaizer TSAX-1000LQ
- Includes molded case, complete mouthpiece and ligature set, polishing...
- Professional leatherette pads offer maximum intonation control and comfort;
- Kaizer 1000 Series Tenor Saxophone in the key of B flat (Bb) is designed...
The Kaizer TSAX-1000LQ is a reasonably priced high-quality student tenor saxophone. The first thing you notice about this instrument is its yellow brass body, which gives it a solid feel and a wonderful tone. It also has a gold lacquer finish, which makes it a really eye-catching instrument. This sax is also quite light, which is something that anyone would appreciate in terms of gameplay.
Kaizer went to great lengths to make the saxophone as easy to play as possible by integrating quality leatherette pads. They’re also corrosion-resistant, so you’ll have a great seal throughout the game. You will undoubtedly adore them. They also put high-quality steel rings beneath the keys to ensure the sax’s responsiveness. The keys are also designed to provide you complete control over the pads.
The remarkable functionality and near-perfect playability are hallmarks of almost all top-rated Kaizer 1000 Series saxophones. This one is no different. You won’t need any further setup with this tenor saxophone. Instead, you can go up to a professional-level saxophone with ease. The saxophone’s body is made of yellow brass for increased longevity and tone. Premium steel springs have been added by Kaizer for complete control and automatic reaction. You’ll also like the properly padded leatherette, which not only protects against corrosion but also provides extra comfort. The Kaizer TSAX-1000LQ is the ideal tenor saxophone for beginners, as it can be used for solo and ensemble performances.
One of the best features of this saxophone is that it comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty that covers any manufacturing flaws. In terms of product guarantee, this makes it one of the best-rated tenor saxophones. You also get a 45-day free trial period during which you can test the saxophone and determine if it meets your expectations.
A cleaning rod and polishing cloth are included, as well as a mouthpiece and ligature set, gloves, and mouthpiece lubrication. The Kaizer TSAX-1000LQ weighs 9 pounds and is 32 x 6 x 10 inches. You don’t need the best-sounding tenor saxophone as a beginner. You’ll also need a saxophone that advances you to the professional level without requiring you to go through the intermediate stage. That’s exactly what the Kaizer TSAX-1000LQ has to offer.
Glory Gold Laquer B Flat Tenor Saxophone with Case
This tenor saxophone is primarily available in gold, but it is also available in other finishes. In terms of intonation and sound quality, it is also one of the highest-rated tenor saxophones. Aside from that, it’s one of the best tenor saxophones for both novice and advanced players because it has a Bb(for b-flat) key and a relatively high F# key.
The Glory B Flat Tenor Sax is suitable for both beginner and advanced students, and can be played by both children and adults. This is owing to the compact design, which makes it easy to carry, as well as the sensible key layout. Still on the subject of playability, this tenor saxophone features adjustable key height-screws and a metal thumb rest. The screws provide you more flexibility when playing the instrument, and the thumb rest keeps your thumbs from getting tired. The soundhole placements, in addition to the thumb rest, are precisely engineered to provide enough relief for your fingers.
The hand-engraved bell ornamentation ensures a secure grip, while the leather pads provide additional comfort. A Pro-deluxe hard-shell case, a neck strap, a cleaning cloth, a rod, a mouthpiece, a pair of gloves, and ten reeds are included in the set (Size: 2.5). The net weight is 13.9 pounds, and the dimensions are 32.5 x 14.6 x 8.1 inches.
Yamaha YTS-480 Tenor Saxophone
- Warm tone
- Quick response
- Hand engraving
Even with their starting instruments, buying a tenor saxophone from one of the world’s most famous music firms comes with a guarantee of quality.
The Yamaha YTS-480 tenor is a superb choice for the serious and developing musician, and it incorporates many of the state-of-the-art manufacturing aspects also seen on their professional models.
While the person playing the saxophone has a big influence on intonation and tone, this saxophone gives its owner the best possible base to build on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to tune a tenor sax?
You can use a standalone digital music tuner or an app from your app store to tune your music. Make sure your app has warmed up before tuning it to the proper pitch. While playing one of the major notes – Bb, A, or F# – keep an eye on your tuner’s display and adjust the mouthpiece a millimetre at a time until your tuner shows the correct tone.
What is the difference between tenor and alto saxophones?
An Alto saxAlto sax, as one might assume, sounds like a feminine voice, whereas a Tenor sax sounds more like a man voice. Similarly, the sound of an Alto saxophone is crisper and brighter, while that of a Tenor saxophone is deeper and lower. Depending on your skill level, they are equally difficult or simple to play.