AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Alto Saxophones for Jazz 2026
The top pick is Yamaha YAS-875EXII Custom EX Alto Saxophone ($5,818). Thomann TAS-180 Matt Alto Sax gives you the most for the money at $420. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 66 models across 13 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 10, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Yamaha YAS-875EXII Custom EX Alto Saxophone
YAS-875 EX Alto Sax · Yamaha
18 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
This is a Master Class alto, the top line in Yamaha's saxophone range. It has a new Custom V1 S-bow, improved octave mechanics, and an adjustable front F-flap and thumb rest, so you can set it up to suit you. It comes with a new luxury case and a mouthpiece, which makes it a good pick if you want a high-end horn that is ready to play.
Pros
- Master Class series, developed with the world's greatest saxophonists
- New Custom V1 S-bow for a fresh feel under your hand
- Improved octave mechanics, plus new pointed screws and a new cup holder
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,818 now$5,818€5,198 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight2.5 kg
This is an alto sax with a brass body and keys, a high F# key, and a brushed lacquered body. You can adjust the thumb rest and palm keys to fit your hands. It comes with a mouthpiece and case, and the maker describes its response and tone as very balanced and even across the full tonal range, so it suits you if you want a ready-to-play package.
Pros
- Brass body and keys give a traditional build
- High F# key is included for extra upper-register options
- Adjustable thumb rest and adjustable palm keys help fit your hands
67AudioFu
Index↓ 5.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$445 · Aug 17$420 now$420€375 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight2.6 kg
This is a German-made alto with an untreated body, a clear lacquer finish, and a 133 mm bell. It has rolled tone holes, height-adjustable palm keys, and a high F# key, and it comes with a case and mouthpiece. It suits you if you want an alto with plenty of adjustable keywork, as long as you are fine carrying its 2.6 kg weight.
Pros
- Untreated body with a clear lacquer finish
- Black mother-of-pearl inserts and matte, nickel-plated mechanical parts
- Rolled tone holes, a 133 mm bell, and height-adjustable palm keys
Cons
- Weighs 2.6 kg, so it is heavy to hold for long sessions
57AudioFu
Index↓ 6.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$5,930 · Aug 17$5,563 now$5,563€4,970 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha YAS-480 Intermediate Alto Saxophone
YAS-480 Alto Sax · Yamaha
7 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
The Yamaha YAS-480 is the newer model that follows the YAS-475. It has a new neck receiver, an improved B/C# connection, a high F# key, and a new octave key system like the one on the 62 series. You also get silicon treated pads, a hand-engraved gold lacquer finish, a light case with rucksack straps, and a 4C mouthpiece, so it suits you if you want a well-equipped alto that is easy to carry.
Pros
- Silicon treated pads are included for the keys
- Hand-engraved body with a gold lacquer finish
- New neck receiver and improved B/C# connection in the design
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,199 now$2,199€1,965 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight2.4 kg
You get a brass alto sax with gold lacquered mechanics and body, plus a high F# key and an adjustable thumb rest. It comes with a light case with backpack straps, a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, a strap and cork grease, so you have what you need to start playing. It suits you if you want a full-featured alto with the essentials already in the box.
Pros
- Body and action made of brass, with gold lacquered mechanics and body
- New model with improved S-bow receiver and improved deep H/Cis connection
- Full length keyguard and adjustable thumb rest for comfortable playing
Cons
- Weighs 2.40 kg, so it is noticeably heavier to carry than a lighter alto sax
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,085 now$1,085€969 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight2.4 kg
If you want an alto sax you can set up to fit your hands, this one is worth a look. The adjustable thumb rest and palm keys let you change the fit, and the keys for your little fingers are laid out to be comfortable. It has a High F# key, so it suits players who need that note.
Pros
- Body and key system are made of brass, giving the horn a sturdy base
- High F# key is included, helping with notes in the upper range
- Adjustable thumb rest and palm keys let you fit the horn to your hand
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$557 now$557€498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight2.7 kg
You get a straight alto sax with a gold brass body and brass keys, plus a high F# key, a tilter and an adjustable thumb rest. It responds easily across its whole range and comes with a mouthpiece and case. It suits you if you want a straight-design alto that is ready to play right away.
Pros
- Body made of gold brass, with keys and key mechanism also in brass
- Includes a high F# key for extra low-register options
- Has a tilter and an adjustable thumb rest for comfortable playing
Cons
- Weighs 2.7 kg, which is heavier than many players will want for long sessions
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$557 now$557€498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yanagisawa A-WO2 Eb Alto Saxophone
A-WO2 Alto Sax · Yanagisawa
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
You get a bronze alto sax with revised mechanics, a high F# key, and an adjustable thumb rest. It comes with a mouthpiece and a new case with an outside accessory pocket and a backpack strap, so it is easy to carry. It suits you if you want a bronze alto with updated key work and a case you can carry on your back.
Pros
- Made of bronze, a metal that gives this sax its build
- Revised mechanics give the keys an updated action
- High F# key adds an extra note option for your playing
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,587 now$4,587€4,098 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight2.5 kg
The Selmer Axos is a brass alto sax made in France, with a gold-plated, hand-engraved finish. It comes with a Selmer S80 C+ mouthpiece and an Axos Light case with backpack straps, so you have what you need to start playing and carry it easily. It suits you if you want a premium alto sax with a High F# key and a standard Selmer bore.
Pros
- Made in France, where the Selmer brand has long been built
- Brass body and key system give it a sturdy, solid build
- Gold-plated and hand-engraved finish gives it a polished, detailed look
Cons
- At 2.5 kg, it is on the heavier side to carry for long periods
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,569 now$3,569€3,189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get a Yamaha YAS-82 Z 03 alto sax with a V1 neck and a hand hammered one piece bell. It includes a 4CM ebonite mouthpiece, metal resonator pads, and a gold lacquer finish, plus a lightweight, modern case with a shoulder strap. It suits you if you want a premium-priced alto with a careful build and a case ready to go.
Pros
- Hand hammered one piece bell gives the horn a crafted build
- Metal resonator pads are fitted to the instrument
- Improved low B/C# connection helps with the low register
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,147 now$5,147€4,598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 66 alto saxophones
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Yanagisawa A-WO1 Eb Alto SaxophoneA-WO1 Alto Sax · Yanagisawa42Stable$3,648€3,259$3,648€3,259Check ↗
- 12
Selmer SE-A2L Goldlac SA80 II AltoSaxSelmer · 4 finishes42Stable$5,707€5,099$5,707€5,099Check ↗
- 13
Yamaha YAS-62 04 Alto SaxYamaha · 3 finishes40Stable$3,132€2,798$3,132€2,798Check ↗
- 14
Thomann TAS-350 Alto SaxThomann · 2 finishes39Stable$669€598$669€598Check ↗
- 15
Thomann TAS-580 GL Alto SaxThomann · 2 finishes39Stable$726€649$726€649Check ↗
- 16
Rampone & Cazzani Two Voices Alto Sax OTSRampone & Cazzani39↓ 29.0%$8,616€7,698$8,616€7,698Check ↗
- 17
BetterSax Classic Alto SaxophoneBetterSax38↓ 25.0%$745€666$745€666Check ↗
- 18
Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Alto Sax AURampone & Cazzani · 3 finishes37Stable$6,490€5,798$6,490€5,798Check ↗
- 19
Selmer Supreme Alto Sax SE-ASULSelmer37↓ 6.7%$7,824€6,990$7,824€6,990Check ↗
- 20
Startone SAS-75 Alto SaxStartone · 3 finishes36Stable$334€298$334€298Check ↗
- 21
Thomann Little Bee Kids SaxophoneThomann36Stable$413€369$413€369Check ↗
- 22
Thomann Antique Alto SaxThomann36Stable$525€469$525€469Check ↗
- 23
Thomann MK III Handmade Alto SaxThomann36Stable$1,341€1,198$1,341€1,198Check ↗
- 24
Thomann MK II Handmade Alto SaxThomann36Stable$1,341€1,198$1,341€1,198Check ↗
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Thomann MK I Handmade Alto SaxThomann36Stable$1,341€1,198$1,341€1,198Check ↗
- 26
Thomann MK IV Handmade Alto SaxThomann36Stable$1,565€1,398$1,565€1,398Check ↗
- 27
Thomann ASBBS Custom Line Alto SaxThomann36Stable$1,789€1,598$1,789€1,598Check ↗
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Thomann ASBGG Custom Line Alto SaxThomann36Stable$1,846€1,649$1,846€1,649Check ↗
- 29
Thomann ASBGM Custom Line Alto SaxThomann36Stable$1,901€1,698$1,901€1,698Check ↗
- 30
Thomann ALBGS Custom Line Alto SaxThomann36Stable$2,236€1,998$2,236€1,998Check ↗
- 31
Thomann ASBBG Custom Line Alto SaxThomann36Stable$2,236€1,998$2,236€1,998Check ↗
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Buffet Crampon Prodige Alto SaxBuffet Crampon34↓ 11.1%$893€798$893€798Check ↗
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BetterSax Session Alto Copper BronzeBetterSax · 2 finishes34Stable$2,460€2,198$2,460€2,198Check ↗
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Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASILSelmer34Stable$7,554€6,749$7,554€6,749Check ↗
- 35
Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASIBSelmer34Stable$8,047€7,189$8,047€7,189Check ↗
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Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASIPSelmer34Stable$8,047€7,189$8,047€7,189Check ↗
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Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASIMSelmer34Stable$8,047€7,189$8,047€7,189Check ↗
- 38
Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASISSelmer34Stable$8,494€7,589$8,494€7,589Check ↗
- 39
Selmer Supreme Alto Sax SE-ASUPSelmer34Stable$8,616€7,698$8,616€7,698Check ↗
- 40
Selmer Supreme Alto Sax SE-ASUBSelmer34Stable$8,942€7,989$8,942€7,989Check ↗
- 41
Selmer Supreme Alto Sax SE-ASUMSelmer34Stable$8,952€7,998$8,952€7,998Check ↗
- 42
Selmer Supreme Alto Sax SE-ASUSSelmer34Stable$9,624€8,598$9,624€8,598Check ↗
- 43
Jupiter JAS700Q Alto SaxJupiter · 2 finishes32Stable$1,203€1,075$1,203€1,075Check ↗
- 44
Forestone GX Gold Lacquered Alto SaxForestone32Stable$3,122€2,789$3,122€2,789Check ↗
- 45
Forestone GX Cognac Vintage Alto SaxForestone32Stable$3,244€2,898$3,244€2,898Check ↗
- 46
Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Alto SaxForestone32Stable$3,244€2,898$3,244€2,898Check ↗
- 47
Forestone GX Black Nickel Alto SaxForestone32Stable$3,637€3,249$3,637€3,249Check ↗
- 48
Forestone GX Colors Silver Vintage AltoForestone32Stable$3,749€3,349$3,749€3,349Check ↗
- 49
Forestone RX Gold Lacquered Alto SaxForestone32Stable$4,466€3,990$4,466€3,990Check ↗
- 50
Yanagisawa A-WO10 Elite Alto SaxYanagisawa32Stable$4,587€4,098$4,587€4,098Check ↗
Alto Saxophones by the numbers
Measured across all 100 models we track, not a sample.
Median $3,244 — half of all alto saxophones here cost less.
median of 20 models · 1 kg–2.6 kg
How to choose the best alto saxophones
Tone
Jazz isn't about shrillness. We're after a core warmth, a fat midrange honk that cuts through without being harsh. Think Charlie Parker's growl or Cannonball Adderley's soulful delivery - that's the tonal landscape we're aiming for. Too much high-end ice pick and it's unusable.
Response & Articulation
A responsive horn lets you shape phrases with nuance. Quick, clean articulation is critical for bebop lines and complex runs. A sluggish response just won't cut it when you're trying to nail those intricate melodies.
Keywork & Ergonomics
Comfort matters, especially during long gigs. The keywork needs to be smooth and reliable, and the horn's overall ergonomics should feel natural in your hands. A cramped action or awkward key layout will kill your flow.
Intonation
Consistent intonation across the range is absolutely essential. A horn that's consistently sharp or flat will require constant adjustment, which is a massive distraction and a pain to correct in a live setting.
Build Quality & Durability
Gigs aren't gentle. You need a horn that can withstand the rigors of travel and regular playing. Cheap horns often use thinner metal and less robust key mechanisms - these are the first things to fail.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're hunting for an alto sax to really dig into some jazz. It's not just about blowing air; it's about sculpting tone, getting that vocal quality, and having the headroom to nail those late-night improv sessions. Forget the bright, squeaky stuff - we're talking about finding an instrument with warmth, responsiveness, and the ability to tell a story. Let's cut through the noise and find you a horn that sings.
Don't fall for the hype. A shiny finish and fancy engraving don't equal a great-sounding horn. Entry-level horns often compromise on metal thickness, leading to a thinner tone and questionable intonation.
Spending a bit more on a horn with a better neck and body material (yellow or red brass is a good starting point) will pay dividends in the long run. Ultimately, play before you buy - trust your ears, not the sales pitch.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 100 alto saxophones from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the deal with vintage Selmer Mark VI's? Are they really worth the insane price?
They're legendary for a reason - the build quality and tonal character are exceptional. But prices are inflated by demand. A well-maintained modern horn from Yamaha or Yanagisawa can get you close to that Mark VI vibe for less, especially if you're willing to tweak the setup.
I'm a beginner. Should I just get a cheap student model?
A decent student horn is fine to start, but be aware of the compromises. The tone will likely be thin, and the action might be stiff. Consider renting first to see if you stick with it, and look for used horns from reputable brands - you can often find a better instrument for the same price.
What's the importance of the neck?
The neck massively impacts the tone. A poorly fitting or low-quality neck can ruin an otherwise good horn. The neck profile affects the feel and responsiveness, too. Experimenting with different necks is a common practice for serious players.
Should I get a horn with a pickup?
It depends. If you plan on recording or playing amplified, a pickup is a good idea. However, the stock pickups on many horns are often weak and poorly voiced. Aftermarket pickups from companies like AMT or Steve Elster are a worthwhile upgrade if you're serious about amplified tone.
What about mouthpiece choices?
The mouthpiece is arguably more important than the horn itself! A brighter mouthpiece will bring out the upper harmonics, while a darker mouthpiece will mellow the tone. Experimenting with different mouthpieces is essential to finding your sound.
