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Do you want to play the saxophone but can’t go shop at a music store? You may want to look at some of the best saxophones on Amazon to see if the site has what you need.
Amazon has more good saxes than you might expect, so give it a chance. You might just find the perfect model to add to your collection.
Bottom Line Up Front
I’d choose the Yamaha YAS-280 because it’s a reliable student alto model that will last you for years. If you need something more advanced, the Yamaha YAS-62 is the way to go.
Best Saxophones on Amazon
When looking for the best saxophones on Amazon, I looked at soprano, alto, tenor, and baritones. I stuck to brands with a history of producing quality instruments at various levels.
Also in my search, I looked for saxophones at different price points. That way, both beginners and professionals can find something from this list in their individual saxophone shopping journey.
Amazon has a lot of saxophones available of different sizes. Here are some of the best options on the site.
Yamaha YSS-475II
The Yamaha YSS-475II is an amazing intermediate soprano saxophone. It features an advanced body taper to help you get the best sound throughout the instrument’s range.
There’s also a high F# key that allows you to play the top note of the standard range with ease. You can adjust the thumb rest to make the soprano sax sit more comfortably in your hands.
It even has a custom Bb spatula to further help with comfort. And if a screw needs an adjustment, you can fix it thanks to the headless pivot screws.
Pros
- Good sound
- Decent range
- Nice features
- Comfortable
- Fantastic quality
Cons
- Not for beginners
Jupiter JSS1000
Another soprano model to consider getting from Amazon is the Jupiter JSS1000. This sax is great for intermediate players and advancing students who need to play soprano in a band or another group.
It has a gold lacquered brass body, which can help you get a great sound. You can adjust the plastic thumb rest to make it more comfortable, and the tilted table keys also help with comfort.
The straight neck model has a range up to high G, so you can easily play in the upper octave. You’ll even get plenty of accessories, such as a mouthpiece, neck strap, and a case.
Pros
- Easy to play
- Comes with accessories
- High range
- Good for ensembles
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not for absolute beginners
Jupiter JSS1100SG
The Jupiter JSS1100SG is an advanced model that’s perfect for soprano specialists and general saxophone players. It features a layer of silver plating over the brass body to offer some brightness to the sound.
Metal tone boosters also provide a bright tone, and they help the keys seal to help you play the correct notes. If you like the other Jupiter but want something more, this may be a good upgrade.
Advanced players can make the most of the instrument’s features. But intermediate students may be able to get a great sound as well, and it can last you for a while in your saxophone studies.
Pros
- Bright tone
- Keys seal well
- Easy to play
- Good for advanced players
- Lasts a long time
Cons
- More expensive than other sopranos
Selmer La Voic II
Moving to alto saxophones, the Selmer La Voic II is an excellent option to try. It’s perfect for students who want a good, affordable instrument to use to learn the basics.
You can get a rich tone from the instrument, and the response is fantastic. This model can even help you work on your embouchure and air support, so you can get even better at the sax.
The body isn’t too heavy, so it’s nice if you have joint problems. And if you don’t like the look or sound of the brass, you can get a copper or silver sax instead.
Pros
- Great for students
- Available in multiple materials
- Rich tone
- Helps with fundamentals
- Not too heavy
Cons
- Not the best for professionals
Yamaha YAS-280
I don’t think it was a Yamaha YAS-280, but my first saxophone was a Yamaha. The company makes fantastic alto saxophones, and this model is no exception.
This model is great for beginners and students who need something sturdy but that also sounds good. It looks just as good with a gold lacquer, which can also provide a warm tone.
You’ll also get a high F# key and a front F key to facilitate upper notes. That way, you can play a lead alto part in a jazz band or concert band without having to overwork your lips.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- High F# key
- Nice for lead players
- Looks good
- Warm tone
Cons
- Not for professionals
Yamaha YAS-62
The Yamaha YAS-62 is probably one of the most well-known professional alto saxes. Yamaha recently redesigned the model to offer a faster response, so you can keep up with other musicians.
It’s also very free blowing, so you can get the sound you want. Speaking of the sound, the gold helps you get a warm, rich tone, and that’s nice for a variety of settings.
The neck helps get the response, and it also offers more control than on some saxophones. If you want to take the alto sax seriously, you can’t go wrong with the YAS-62.
Pros
- Quick response
- Free blowing
- Good sound
- Versatile
- Easy to play
Cons
- A bit expensive
Jean Paul USA TS-400
Next up, there are the tenor saxophones, one of which is the Jean Paul USA TS-400. It features tapered pivot keys to make playing the extremes of the range easier.
Lacquer keeps the brass looking good, and the sound will also last as you play the instrument. You’ll also get a mouthpiece, cleaning cloth, and even a reed, and everything comes in a protective case.
If you don’t like the brass color, you can choose from gold and silver as well. Then, you can get the look and sound you need or want for your playing.
Pros
- Great for students
- Affordable
- Comes with accessories
- Available in different materials
- Comfortable to play
Cons
- Not for professionals
Selmer TS711
The Selmer TS711 is another amazing tenor saxophone to consider. Like many other models, it has a high F# key to help you play that note more easily.
Meanwhile, the left-hand rocker mechanism makes it easy to play the really low notes. The sax has a dark lacquer that looks amazing, and you can get that signature tenor sax sound.
It’s a nice option for anyone new to the tenor sax or all saxophones in general. While it’s not necessarily cheap, it’s more affordable than many other saxophones.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Decent range
- Comfortable
- Fantastic sound
- Affordable
Cons
- Not for professionals
Yamaha YTS-62III
Don’t confuse the Yamaha YTS-62III with the YAS-62. The YTS-62III is a tenor model, and it’s very similar to the alto with the same model number.
Yamaha has gone through multiple rounds of design to reach the current professional tenor sax model. Moving from low B to C# is easier, and you can get a fast response all through the range.
The keys seal well to help you get a consistent sound, and you can play fast passages smoothly. It’s a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their tenor sax.
Pros
- Great for advanced players
- Fast response
- Keys seal easily
- Smooth mechanism
- Plays well
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
Jupiter JBS1000
The Jupiter JBS1000 is an amazing baritone saxophone that you can buy on Amazon. Its gold-lacquered brass body offers a fantastic sound and an accurate scale between the notes.
You can adjust the height of the palm keys to make the saxophone comfortable based on your hand size. There’s also a floor peg to help support the instrument, but you can also get a neck strap or harness.
Since it’s a large instrument, this model is pretty expensive but not as much as some. It’s a good choice for intermediate players or band directors looking to buy a bari for the group.
Pros
- Good sound
- Easy to play
- Adjustable features
- Plenty of support options
- Not too expensive
Cons
- Not for casual players
Yamaha YBS-52
Another intermediate bari sax to consider is the Yamaha YBS-52. It features a yellow brass body to help offer a great saxophone sound to round out your low winds section.
You can use this instrument to play solo as well as in a jazz band, concert band, or saxophone quartet. The model sounds excellent, and it looks just as good.
I can’t quite tell if it comes with any accessories, so prepare to buy a mouthpiece and neck strap separately. But once you have everything, you can start to learn the bari on this model.
Pros
- Good for advancing players
- Nice sound
- Durable
- Versatile
- Suitable for many situations
Cons
- Pretty expensive
What to Consider When Buying a Saxophone on Amazon
Even if you know about the best saxophones on Amazon, you should still consider a few factors. These things may help you choose the best model for your needs.
After all, I can recommend my favorite all day, but what works for me may not work for you. Luckily, as you can tell, you have plenty of choices.
Here are some things I’d recommend you think about before you buy a saxophone from Amazon.
Know the Types
First, you should know about the four most common saxophone types: soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone. Consider what types of saxophones you already have and if you want an upgrade or a new type.
Many students start off on the alto sax, so you should start there. But if you’ve played the saxophone, you may want to branch out and play the soprano, tenor, or bari.
Knowing the differences between the types can help you narrow your search. Then, you’ll be able to buy a saxophone that will allow you to play the music you want to play.
Compare Levels
Within the various saxophone family members, you should compare the levels of instruments. Models like the Yamaha YAS-280 are fantastic for beginners but may limit advanced players.
On the other hand, the YAS-62 may be too much for a new player. Knowing your level of playing in regards to the saxophone can help you choose a model that will push you to get better without being too difficult to play.
If you aren’t sure what level is best for you, meet with a saxophone teacher. They can assess your playing and help you decide what level of instrument to look for.
Stick to Reputable Brands
Amazon offers a lot of saxophones, and many of them aren’t of the best quality. And since you can’t try the saxophone before buying, you want to make sure you buy the best option you can afford.
That means sticking to reputable brands, such as Yamaha, Selmer, and Jupiter. These brands make fantastic saxophones and other woodwinds.
While you may get a good model from a lesser-known brand, there’s no guarantee it will work. Even if it does work, it may break after a few months.
Decide on a Budget
Next, you should figure out how much you can afford to spend on your new saxophone. After you learn about types, levels, and brands, you can get an idea of how much you’ll need to pay.
Luckily, Amazon does offer financing on most saxophones, so you can take up to a year to pay it off. However, it helps to have most, if not all, of the money ready before you buy.
That way, you don’t have to worry about monthly payments, and you can own the saxophone outright. Your budget is very personal, so try not to compare it to that of your teacher’s or another saxophone player you know.
Upgrade the Shipping
My biggest tip for buying any instrument on Amazon is to pay extra for faster shipping. You’re already paying thousands so an extra $10 or $20 is worth it.
With other woodwinds, the reason for this is to keep the wood from cracking. Of course, saxophones don’t have that problem, but faster shipping is still nice.
You don’t have to worry about the saxophone sitting in a warehouse longer than necessary. Faster shipping can also reduce the chances of the saxophone getting damaged while in transit.
Be Home for Delivery
Regardless of when the saxophone arrives, you should try to be home to grab it. For one, this can keep the instrument from sitting in extreme heat or cold for too long.
Also, saxophone boxes can be big, so they may be a big target for thieves. The sooner you get the instrument inside, the less of a chance thieves will have of grabbing it.
If you can’t be home, ask a friend or relative to watch the door for you. Then, they can get the sax inside, and you can check it out when you get home.
Understand the Return Policy
You should also figure out if the instrument you want to buy qualifies for the Amazon return policy. If you don’t like the saxophone, you want to be able to exchange it for something you do like.
Once you get the sax, test it out as soon as possible. Then, you’ll be able to decide if you need to return it, and you can do so before the return period is over.
If an instrument isn’t eligible for refunds, you may want to try it in person first. Go to a music store and ask if they have that model so that you can test it out, and you can go back to Amazon to buy it.
Add Some Accessories
Unless you’re buying a saxophone where the description clearly states it comes with accessories, assume the opposite. When you buy the sax, add a mouthpiece, neck strap, and some reeds to your cart.
Make sure the accessories will work with the type of sax you’re getting. Then, you’ll be able to get everything you need with your instrument, so you can start playing when the saxophone arrives.
Now, you don’t need to do that if you’re upgrading from one alto sax to another, for example. But it’s essential if you’re getting your first sax of a new size since accessories don’t overlap aside from neck straps.
FAQs on the Best Saxophones on Amazon
Answer: Amazon can be a great place to buy a saxophone as long as you know what to look for. You’ll need to know the right brands and models to shop for since you can’t try the instruments without buying them.
But if you know that, you can enjoy the convenience of buying from Amazon. Also, if you end up with a sax you don’t like, you can usually return it for your money back to help you pay for something better.
Answer: I’d recommend Amazon to beginners and casual players. Some advanced players may be able to get a good saxophone on Amazon, especially if they like Yamaha and Jupiter models.
However, advanced students and professionals who like other brands may need to shop elsewhere. The selection isn’t that large for advanced saxophones, but you can always buy your reeds on Amazon.
Answer: If you’ve never played the saxophone, you should start with an alto or perhaps a tenor if you have larger hands. After you have some experience, think about the music you like to play.
Maybe you love having the melody, so you choose to get a new alto or a soprano sax. If you like the bass line, you might go with a bari sax to play those low notes.
Answer: You don’t have to avoid the cheap saxophones on Amazon, but you should have realistic expectations. In most cases, you’ll get what you pay for, so a cheap sax won’t sound as good.
But they can be worth buying if you want to try the saxophone and don’t have a huge budget. If you stick with it, you can always upgrade to a better model.
Final Note on the Best Saxophones on Amazon
Choosing from the best saxophones on Amazon can be difficult, especially if you aren’t sure what you need. If you’re new to all saxophones, I’d recommend the Yamaha YAS-280 since it’s an alto for beginners.
The other Yamaha models are great if you want to play a different type of saxes, such as a soprano or tenor. Either way, make time to test out the sax you buy so that you can return it if you don’t love it.
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