There’s nothing cooler than the saxophone. So, buying one should be super-exciting, but it can be a daunting experience if you don’t know what to look for.
Whether you’re a saxophone vet who’s played for years, a beginner picking out your first saxophone, or a parent searching for a horn for your young musician, Sweetwater’s Saxophone Rental and Buying Guide can help you navigate all the options to find the saxophone that’s right for you.
- Which Type of Saxophone Do I Get?
- The Parts of the Saxophone
- What Materials Are Saxophones Made Of?
- Features to Look for on a Saxophone
- Trusted Saxophone Brands at Sweetwater
- Differences Between Beginner, Intermediate, and Professional Saxophones
- Frequently Asked Saxophone Questions
- Saxophone Rental: Why and How to Rent a Saxophone
Which Type of Saxophone Do I Get?
One of the first things you need to figure out is which type of saxophone you’re going to get. There are several types of saxophones, the most common being alto, tenor, baritone, and soprano. Each one of these is used prominently in today’s music industry.
Every saxophone has the same fingerings and reads music the same way. That being said, each type of sax has a different tonal center and will sound different when played.
Here’s a quick overview of the different types:
Eâ™ alto saxophone
The alto sax is the most common saxophone and is the horn where most beginners start. It has a livelier sound and plays in a mid-to-high range. Alto saxes are pitched in Eâ™, which sounds a major 6th lower than what’s written on the page.
Bâ™ tenor saxophone
This is the other most common instrument in the saxophone family. The tenor sax plays in a mid-to-low range and has a deeper and more mellow sound than the alto. Tenors are pitched in Bâ™, which sounds a major 9th lower than the written note and a perfect 4th lower than the alto sax. It’s also very beginner friendly, thanks to its relatively large and easy-blowing mouthpiece.
Eâ™ baritone saxophone
The baritone (or bari) sax is the lowest-sounding instrument of the group. Aside from having such a low sound, there’s a natural “growl” to its tone that sounds huskier than the other saxophones. The bari sax is pitched in Eâ™ like the alto sax, but it sounds an octave lower. Most beginners won’t start on bari sax due to its more cumbersome size and higher price.
Bâ™ soprano saxophone
Soprano is the highest-sounding saxophone and produces a bright, sweet-sounding tone. This is a more specialized sax that you won’t find very often in a school band setting. Many players adopt the soprano as a secondary instrument rather than use it as their main horn. Sopranos are pitched in Bâ™ and sound an octave higher than the tenor sax.
Other types of saxophones
There are other types of saxophones, like the bass or sopranino saxes. These are highly specialized instruments that are outside the scope of this buying guide.
The Parts of the Saxophone
When you open the case, you’ll see that the saxophone comes in three main parts: the mouthpiece, the neck, and the body.
Mouthpiece
Saxes, like all other wind instruments, require a reed to make a sound. The reed is secured to the mouthpiece using a ligature, and then the mouthpiece is attached to the neck, allowing you to blow air through the saxophone.
Mouthpieces are made from various materials like plastic (also referred to as ABS resin), hard rubber (or ebonite), or metal. The material and the geometry inside the mouthpiece’s chamber significantly impact the saxophone’s sound. Most saxes include a stock mouthpiece made from plastic, but many players will swap it out in favor of a higher-quality one.
Neck
The neck is pretty simple compared to the mouthpiece and the body. Its main job is to transmit air between the mouthpiece and the body. On one end is the neck cork, which is where you attach the mouthpiece. And on the other end is the tenon that inserts into the body tube. The neck is also where you’ll find the octave key, which is controlled by the left thumb.
Saxophone necks are usually made from yellow brass like the rest of the saxophone. But they also come in different materials like rose brass or solid silver. The design and material also impact the saxophone’s overall sound, though it’s much more subtle than with the mouthpiece.
Body
The saxophone’s main body comprises three main sections: the body tube, the bow, and the bell.
- The body tube is where you’ll find most of the keywork. Your left hand controls keys on the upper half, while your right hand controls the bottom half. The taper of the bore inside the body tube will affect the saxophone’s overall tone.
- The bow (short for elbow) is the bend that connects the body tube to the bell. The bow is usually made from two sheets of brass that are shaped and welded together.
- The saxophone’s bell features some additional tone holes and is where a lot of its resonance comes from. Sax bells are made from either one or two sheets of metal and may feature decorative stamps or engraving, especially on professional-level instruments.
What Materials Are Saxophones Made Of?
The vast majority of saxophones are made of yellow brass. It’s a sturdy metal used in many instruments for its sound and resonant qualities. If a sax description doesn’t say anything about the material, then it’s safe to assume that the saxophone is made of yellow brass.
Other materials
Some high-end saxophones use different materials in their construction. In some cases, the entire sax is made from the different material. In other cases, it’s only present in specific components like the neck or the bell.
- Bronze — Made from roughly 88% copper and 12% tin, this is a heavier alloy than standard yellow brass. Bronze can add a little bit of resistance, but it gives the saxophone a lush, warm sound. One example is the Yanagisawa A-WO2 alto sax, which features an all-bronze neck and body.
- Solid silver — A handful of premium saxophones use solid-silver components. Silver vibrates very differently than brass and amplifies the tendencies of the player’s setup. So, a dark-sounding mouthpiece will sound even darker, and a bright mouthpiece will sound even more brilliant. As you’d expect, solid-silver instruments come with a high price tag. You’re more likely to find a brass instrument with silver plating.
- Nickel silver — Only a handful of saxophones on the market today are made from nickel silver, but it’s still worth pointing out. This alloy is formulated from about 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc. It’s very responsive and gives the sax an edgier sound quality. One shining example of a nickel-silver saxophone is the Keilwerth SX90R Shadow tenor sax.
Features to Look for on a Saxophone
Here are some things to look for when shopping for your next saxophone.
1-piece vs. 2-piece bell
Saxophone bells are usually made from one or two sheets of brass. Making a 1-piece bell is more labor-intensive and usually a sign of a pro-model sax. They’re usually hand hammered by an artisan, which strengthens the integrity and resonant qualities of the metal. 2-piece bells are typically fashioned from a mold and soldered together to form the bell shape. Most student and intermediate saxes have 2-piece bells.
Ribbed vs. post-to-body construction
The key posts on a saxophone are fixed to the body in one of two ways. In a post-to-body saxophone, the key posts are individually soldered directly onto the body tube. With a ribbed body, they’re soldered onto a long plate of brass (a.k.a. “the rib”), which is then soldered to the body tube.
The added mass on a ribbed saxophone changes the way it vibrates, giving it an overall warmer tone. Conversely, post-to-body saxes vibrate more easily than ribbed saxes, which is why many student saxophones are built this way.
It’s a misconception that ribbed saxophones are “better” than post-to-body saxes. They simply vibrate differently. As you do your research, you’ll come across some pro-level saxes with post-to-body keys and some student saxes with ribbed bodies.
High-F♯ key
This key has been around for a while but wasn’t standardized until about 40 years ago or so. Because of that, a lot of vintage horns won’t have this key. The high-F♯ key is useful for a lot of advanced repertoire, but some would argue it affects the sax’s overall tone.
While it’s fairly standard on most saxes today, there are some exceptions. It’s a nonessential key, so some student instruments leave it out altogether. Similarly, a handful of professional saxes can be specially ordered without the high-F♯ key.
Finishes
While tone and playability should be the most important factors, how a saxophone looks can certainly play a role in your purchasing decision. If you enjoy looking at your saxophone, then you’re more likely to play it.
It’s heavily debated whether the finish influences the sound. In our experience, the sound differences are extremely subtle and might not be heard from the audience’s perspective. That said, different finishes will feel different to the player, thus affecting how it plays.
Here are some pretty common finishes you’ll find on saxophones:
- Lacquer — This is by far the most common finish you’ll find on a saxophone. The yellow brass is coated with a lacquer to protect the saxophone from minor scratches and dings. It also protects it from surface corrosion, giving your sax a shiny, golden look.
- Colored lacquer — Saxophones can come in a variety of colors, such as dark amber or black lacquer. The color doesn’t affect the sound in any meaningful way, but it gives your sax a distinct look.
- Unlacquered raw brass — If you want a sax with that vintage look, then unlacquered is the way to go! Some players argue that unlacquered instruments vibrate more freely, giving those saxes a different overall sound and feel.
- Silver plating — Silver plating has some of the same benefits as raw brass while adding a bit of complexity to the sax’s overall tonal color. The downside is that silver tarnishes more easily and will require frequent polishing to retain its attractive look.
- Gold plating — Gold is significantly denser than silver, which affects the horn’s weight and response. Some players argue that gold plating contributes additional warmth and complexity to the sax’s tone. Plus, gold plating has a striking and vibrant look.
- Black-nickel plating — Black nickel is a heavier material that adds extra mass to the saxophone. It also gives the sax a unique look that’s a different shade from either silver plating or black lacquer.
Again, the sound differences between finishes are incredibly subtle, so don’t get hung up on choosing one. The biggest contributor to sound quality is the design of the saxophone itself. All things being equal, we suggest choosing the finish that makes you most excited to pull your sax out of its case. Also, keep in mind that different finishes can come with a higher price tag than the standard gold lacquer.
Decorative bell engraving
The bell is where the look of your saxophone really stands out. A lot of high-end saxophones tout stunning, hand-engraved designs, giving the instrument an artist’s touch. Other saxes feature simpler designs or lack engraving altogether. Engravings are purely aesthetic and don’t impact the sound.
Trusted Saxophone Brands at Sweetwater
When saxophone shopping, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of brands available. At Sweetwater, we’re proud to carry a wide selection of instruments at every price point from the industry’s most-respected manufacturers. Here’s just a sampling of the brands we carry:
- Yamaha
- Selmer Paris
- Selmer USA
- Yanagisawa
- Growling Sax
- Keilwerth
- Jupiter
You’ll find that these saxophone brands meet or exceed the quality standards that teachers and professional players expect. Saxophones at Sweetwater also go through our 40-point inspection process, ensuring you get the best-playing instrument from the moment you open the case. Our lineup is always expanding, so be sure to check back often to see what we’re carrying.
Differences Between Beginner, Intermediate, and Professional Saxophones
The other important question to consider is whether a student, an intermediate, or a professional saxophone is right for you. Here’s a quick overview with general specs and price ranges for each category.
Beginner saxophones
Student-level saxophones are designed with playability and durability in mind. They’re also more affordable, which eases the financial burden on beginners and parents. Beginner saxes are best when learning proper hand placement and playing techniques.
Spec-wise, beginner saxophones usually are made of yellow brass, have a 2-piece bell, and come in a gold-lacquer finish. Many also come with nickel-plated keys, which strengthens their durability. The high-F♯ key may or may not be present.
With a few exceptions, most student saxes are made with post-to-body construction. This allows them to vibrate more freely, making it easier for younger players to get a sound out of their horn.
Most beginners will start out on alto or tenor sax then possibly branch off into soprano or baritone. Sweetwater offers several high-quality beginner saxophones ranging anywhere from $800 to $3,000.
Intermediate saxophones
An intermediate sax is ideal for anyone who wants to upgrade their sound without committing to a significantly higher-priced instrument. They’re also a great option for advanced players looking for a secondary instrument.
Generally speaking, intermediate saxes share a lot of traits with student saxes, but they’re made with higher-quality materials and greater attention to detail. The most obvious improvement is the sound quality. These saxes generate more overtones and have a richer, fuller sound.
As far as specs go, intermediate saxes are usually ribbed with 2-piece bells and a high-F♯ key. They might also come in different finish options and have more intricate bell engravings. Intermediate saxes have varying price ranges, depending on which type of sax you’re looking at.
- Alto: $2,600–$3,000
- Tenor: $3,000–$3,600
- Baritone: $3,000–$6,000
- Soprano: $2,000–$3,000
Professional saxophones
Serious players will eventually get to the point where a student or intermediate sax actively holds them back. College-bound players, professional saxophonists, and serious amateurs will all benefit from a professional-level horn.
Two important factors make pro-level saxophones stand out from intermediate and student saxes.
- Pro saxes are made from the best-quality materials available. Not only does this translate into a better-sounding instrument, but the design and setup of a pro sax lead to a better-working horn. This means better springs, better pads, and better overall mechanics.
- There’s a higher level of handcraftsmanship involved in making a professional saxophone. You’ll find many handmade parts and detailed hand engravings on most of these saxes. Most importantly, there’s a higher level of quality control, so you can trust that the sax has been carefully adjusted and customized by a skilled technician before leaving the factory.
Pro-level saxes have a superb sound that’s full of rich tonal colors. Their intonation is also a step up from student and intermediate saxes, taking less effort to play in tune.
In terms of specs, there are many more customization options with professional saxophones. You can pick from a wider selection of models, finishes, body materials, and key options that best suit your individual needs and tastes.
Sweetwater carries a large selection of professional soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones that start at about $3,000 and go as high as $13,000.
Frequently Asked Saxophone Questions
I’m a college student/professional musician. Will I need more than one saxophone?
Most players will get by fine with just their main saxophone for most of their careers. With that said, many sax players in professional settings (especially big bands and pit orchestras) are expected to play multiple instruments. This usually means owning at least an alto or tenor sax then additional saxophones as the situation demands.
I need to double on saxophone for a gig. What type of sax should I buy?
Let’s say you primarily play tenor sax or clarinet, but you’re asked to play alto sax in a pit orchestra. An intermediate sax will be a fantastic option that allows you to play with better sound and intonation without spending a fortune on a pro-level horn. You could also get by with a good-quality student sax paired with a pro-level mouthpiece.
Do I really need to start on a beginner saxophone? Or can I jump straight to a professional model?
You could. And there’s nothing wrong with doing so. Intermediate- or professional-level saxophones have everything a budding player needs. But keep in mind that student instruments are designed specifically for beginners in terms of both playability and durability, which is important in classroom settings. They’re also less expensive, lowering the barrier to entry.
Does the finish really affect the sound of my saxophone?
As stated before, the finish will very subtly influence the saxophone’s overall sound quality. However, it may not be discernable to most people though. Other factors have a greater impact on a saxophone’s sound, such as the mouthpiece, bore design, and body materials. But, most importantly, your ability as a player will have the greatest impact on sound quality.
Saxophone Rental: Why and How to Rent a Saxophone
When considering acquiring a saxophone, you have two primary options: renting or buying. If you or your child have invested a considerable amount of effort into mastering the instrument, purchasing one would be an excellent decision. Owning your own saxophone can be immensely gratifying, and you can customize it with high-quality components that cater to your specific preferences.
Conversely, if you or your child are still contemplating playing the saxophone and haven’t fully committed yet, renting may be a preferable alternative. Renting permits you to test out a saxophone without a significant financial obligation. The Sweetwater Instrument Rental program makes saxophone rental easy and hassle-free. Keep reading for additional information!
Why Rent a Saxophone from Sweetwater?
Rest assured that when you rent a saxophone from Sweetwater, you’ll receive the finest instrument possible. Our collaboration with music educators across the nation ensures that we provide the precise instruments they require in their classrooms. All the saxophones we offer have been endorsed by these educators and originate from esteemed brands such as Yamaha, Selmer Paris, Growling Sax, P. Mauriat, and others.
Furthermore, Sweetwater’s 40-point Inspection process for instruments guarantees that the saxophone you receive will be ready to play immediately. Your student will obtain a superior quality instrument that encourages learning, produces outstanding sound, and endures for many years. The best aspect is that there are no undisclosed fees, and all of your rental payments go towards owning the saxophone. Once you complete the payment, it belongs to you.
How to Rent a Saxophone from Sweetwater
At Sweetwater, renting a saxophone is an effortless experience that includes an inexpensive monthly fee. Here’s how it works: Start by visiting the Sweetwater Instrument Rental page and selecting the “Rent Now” button. Fill out the form, indicating your state, school district, and your child’s school, and then select “Saxophone” as the desired instrument. You can also choose from a list pre-approved by your child’s music teacher.
After submitting the form, your saxophone will arrive at your doorstep within a few days. This hassle-free and straightforward process can be managed effortlessly from the comfort of your home, with no need to queue or visit another store!
Saxophone Rental Repairs
Sweetwater has a solution if you’re concerned about your rental saxophone malfunctioning and requiring repairs. For a small monthly fee, we provide an Instrument Protection Plan that enables you to swap out your saxophone swiftly whenever necessary. If anything goes wrong, inform us, and we’ll dispatch a replacement saxophone the same day.
To return the damaged saxophone, simply utilize the complimentary shipping label we supply. Once the replacement saxophone arrives, you can continue your rental period without interruption. This fast and easy process spares you or your student from experiencing extended periods of downtime, allowing for more playing and practice time!
Saxophone Rental Returns & Exchanges
If your child decides that the saxophone isn’t their cup of tea, don’t fret. With a Sweetwater rental, you’re not locked into any long-term commitments. You can return the instrument to us at any time with no questions asked, and your monthly payments will cease.
Alternatively, if your student is thriving with their saxophone and ready to upgrade, it’s a breeze to do so! All of your rental payments can be applied towards another instrument at Sweetwater, making it easy to swap out that student saxophone for a more advanced model. The equity remains with you, not the instrument!
If your student wants to experiment with a different instrument, such as a clarinet or trumpet, it’s just as simple. Sweetwater will help you exchange your current rental for a completely different instrument while retaining the equity you’ve earned!
Conclusion
No matter what your experience is with the saxophone, our team is here to help. Sweetwater has the most highly trained salespeople in the business. Call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 to find the saxophone that’s right for you.
