So, you’re a parent and have received big news about your not-so-young musician: they will be playing saxophone in the school band! While that’s exciting for them, as a parent, you might be overwhelmed by the buying process. And rightfully so — there are so many saxophone brands, sizes, and styles to explore that it can be challenging to figure out what your player needs, especially if you’ve never played one yourself.
Whether you want to rent a saxophone or buy one outright, our list of the best saxophones for beginners will help you choose the most appropriate instrument for your budding musician.
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
Beginner Alto Saxophones
Regarding instrument “levels,” student saxophones are typically more rugged, less costly, and easier to make a sound on than intermediate or professional-level instruments. This makes them a popular choice for those who are just starting and may not want to invest in a high-end instrument immediately. Here are some of Sweetwater’s favorite alto saxophones for students!
Yamaha YAS-26 Student Alto Saxophone
Visually stunning and irresistible to play
Drawing inspiration from Yamaha’s esteemed Professional series and Custom series of horns, the Yamaha YAS-26 student alto saxophone is a finely crafted instrument with remarkable visual appeal. But its masterful design ensures an enjoyable learning experience for beginners, with highly accessible keywork that encourages proper technique and shows students that their hard work pays off. Widely favored by music educators, this model sets a high standard for introductory alto saxophones. Band directors across the globe have been singing the praises of Yamaha saxophones for years, so we’re confident in saying the YAS-26 is an all-around winner — not just for you and your musician but also for their teacher!
BetterSax Student Alto Saxophone
Conn-Selmer quality in an entry-level package
Created in partnership with the renowned band and orchestra manufacturer Conn-Selmer, the BetterSax Student Alto Saxophone is a value-packed saxophone geared toward small, growing players. As such, it’s extremely lightweight for easy playing and noisemaking, making it enjoyable for any beginner to pick up and start playing immediately. Still, BetterSax has incorporated pro-level saxophone appointments for unparalleled tone quality and finger action. Altogether, this aptly crafted sax delivers a full-bodied, sophisticated sound that everyone will enjoy, including listeners like you!
Selmer SAS301 Student Alto Saxophone
The best of Selmer’s student saxophones
The Selmer SAS301 student alto saxophone is well-suited for students who are still early in their musical journeys but not absolute beginners. It incorporates design elements from the company’s renowned professional Selmer Paris horns to provide young students with a reliable, well-made, and easy-to-play instrument that fosters proper playing technique and supports their continuing progress as musicians. An ideal step-up saxophone from a beginner model, the Selmer SAS301 includes such pro features as ribbed body construction and powerful projection.
Jupiter JAS700 Student Alto Saxophone
For quick learners and returning players
The Jupiter JAS700 student alto saxophone introduces higher-end construction and advanced performance at a phenomenal value. It teeters on the edge of being considered an intermediate horn; details like a high F-sharp key and plastic resonator tone boosters push this saxophone slightly beyond beginner territory and into advanced territory, making it an ideal instrument for quick learners, former players, and hobbyists alike.
Beginner Tenor Saxophones
Much like beginner altos, beginner tenor saxophones emphasize playability and durability. The keywork on student-level tenor saxophones is generally designed to be ergonomic and easy to operate. This is especially important for players starting on tenor saxophone who are still developing their technique, as the instrument is larger than an alto and requires more accessible keywork. Check out some of our favorite student tenor saxophones below!
Yamaha YTS-26 Student Tenor Saxophone
An enduring, teacher-approved saxophone design
As a lower-pitched version of the Yamaha YAS-26 above, this Yamaha YTS-26 student tenor saxophone is a fantastic entry-level horn for the aspiring player. You can also consider this horn for the future if your alto player switches to tenor. When students move from the YAS-26 to the YTS-26, they’ll find it convenient, familiar, and a joy to play. What more could you want for your growing musician?
Eastman ETS281 Student Tenor Saxophone
The complete package for beginner saxophonists
Designed to meet students where they’re at, the Eastman EAS281 student tenor saxophone is an ideal instrument to kick-start your musician’s career, whether they’re a true beginner or new to the tenor saxophone. When your student picks this one up, they’ll feel confident and musically empowered. This is possible thanks to Eastman’s prestigious craftsmanship. Computer-assisted design processes help Eastman’s craftspeople achieve acoustic precision during manufacturing, which helps players develop consistent embouchure and airflow control. What’s more, this saxophone includes everything your student needs for proper embouchure development, including Eastman’s excellent Protégé mouthpiece, a Rovner Light ligature, and a Légère Signature reed.
Victory Musical Instruments Triumph Series Student Tenor Saxophone
A Sweetwater exclusive
The Victory Musical Instruments Triumph Series student tenor saxophone is a powerhouse of modern innovation, making it the perfect starting point for beginners embarking on their musical journeys. Students will be captivated by the effortless playability and rich, resonant tones of this Triumph-Series tenor. Band directors will appreciate its rugged build that ensures it stays in the classroom rather than the repair shop. With state-of-the-art construction, it delivers outstanding performance — this saxophone far exceeds its modest price tag. Available only at Sweetwater, the Victory Musical Instruments Triumph Series tenor sax includes all the essentials for a flying start: a Bari Esprit mouthpiece with ligature, reed, and cap; an upgraded neck strap; a deluxe care kit; and a lightweight case to safeguard your investment.
Selmer STS201 Student Tenor Saxophone
Fit for the stage (and the runway!)
To wrap things up, we offer you the Selmer STS201 student tenor saxophone. Using its industry-leading saxophone expertise, Selmer specifically constructed the STS201 to give students a durable and lacquer-coated horn, advanced ergonomics, an adjustable thumb rest for small hands, and a free-blowing response that delivers classic rich and warm Selmer tone with robust projection. It also features a front F key and a high F sharp to expand your musician’s range. Overall, the STS201 seems like it should cost significantly more than it does, and it plays like it, too!
Shop Beginner Saxophones at Sweetwater Today
Remember that it’s always a bright idea to get an opinion from your child’s band director or lesson teacher before purchasing an instrument. Make sure the saxophone you’re considering is acceptable for use in their classroom. If you’re still having trouble narrowing down your options, then be sure to consult with one of our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700 to get your saxophone player set up for success!
