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Best Alto Saxophones for Jazz 2025

Perfect alto saxophones for jazz - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $800 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz For Blues For Pop For Classical For Rock For Smooth Jazz
BRANDS: Thomann Yamaha Selmer Rampone & Cazzani Forestone Yanagisawa Keilwerth
Buffet Crampon Prodige Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Buffet Crampon Prodige Alto Sax

by Buffet Crampon
Smooth Jazz Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Great for beginners and professionals
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of available music
  • • Perfect pitch range for most music
✗ CONS
  • • Reed replacement costs add up
  • • Can be loud for apartment practice

Buffet Crampon Prodige Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneMaterial: Gold brassClear lacquer finishLeather pads with metal...

⭐ 4.4/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 580266
$988
Buy at Thomann View Details
BetterSax Classic Alto Saxophone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

BetterSax Classic Alto Saxophone

by BetterSax
Pop Blues Jazz
Key Feature:
• Great for beginners and professionals
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
  • • Most popular and versatile saxophone
✗ CONS
  • • Requires regular maintenance
  • • Reed replacement costs add up

BetterSax Classic Alto SaxophoneAlto SaxophoneProfessional boreOctave key inspired by King and Yanagisawa...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 553607
$977
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Alto Sax

by Rampone & Cazzani
Pop Smooth Jazz Jazz
Key Feature:
• Excellent for both lead and harmony
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
  • • Most popular and versatile saxophone
✗ CONS
  • • Reed replacement costs add up
  • • Quality instruments are expensive

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneBody and keys made of brass in vintage finish (brushed and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 511162
$2,914
Buy at Thomann View Details
Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASIB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASIB

by Selmer
Jazz Rock Blues
Key Feature:
• Great for beginners and professionals
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
  • • Great for beginners and professionals
✗ CONS
  • • Learning curve for proper embouchure
  • • Requires regular maintenance

Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASIBAlto SaxophoneKey: EbRenewal of the Selmer Super Action 80 Series IIRetention of the...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 575738
$7,908
Buy at Thomann View Details
Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASIS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASIS

by Selmer
Smooth Jazz Blues Pop
Key Feature:
• Perfect pitch range for most music
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect pitch range for most music
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
✗ CONS
  • • Quality instruments are expensive
  • • Reed replacement costs add up

Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASISAlto SaxophoneKey: EbRenewal of the Selmer Super Action 80 Series IIRetention of the...

⭐ 4.9/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 575737
$8,348
Buy at Thomann View Details
Startone SAS-75 Alto Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Startone SAS-75 Alto Sax Set

by Startone
Smooth Jazz Blues Pop
Key Feature:
• Most popular and versatile saxophone
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect pitch range for most music
  • • Wide variety of available music
✗ CONS
  • • Quality instruments are expensive
  • • Reed replacement costs add up

Startone SAS-75 Alto Sax Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Startone SAS-75 Alto Sax*Alto Saxophone*Tuning: EbWith high F#...

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 509155
$428
Buy at Thomann View Details
Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASIL

by Selmer
Pop Jazz Classical
Key Feature:
• Great for beginners and professionals
✓ PROS
  • • Most popular and versatile saxophone
  • • Wide variety of available music
✗ CONS
  • • Reed replacement costs add up
  • • Learning curve for proper embouchure

Selmer Signature Alto Sax SE-ASILAlto SaxophoneRenewal of the Selmer Super Action 80 Series IIRetention of the specific...

⭐ 4.4/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 575734
$7,424
Buy at Thomann View Details
Forestone RX Red Brass GL Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Forestone RX Red Brass GL Alto Sax

by Forestone
Blues Classical Jazz
Key Feature:
• Most popular and versatile saxophone
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect pitch range for most music
  • • Great for beginners and professionals
✗ CONS
  • • Learning curve for proper embouchure
  • • Requires regular maintenance

Forestone RX Red Brass GL Alto SaxEb Alto SaxophoneMaterial: BrassFinish: CopperFlanged tone holesHand-engraved...

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 570958
$5,498
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann Little Bee Kids Saxophone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Thomann Little Bee Kids Saxophone

by Thomann
Jazz Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Perfect pitch range for most music
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of available music
  • • Most popular and versatile saxophone
✗ CONS
  • • Quality instruments are expensive
  • • Reed replacement costs add up

Thomann Little Bee Kids SaxophoneEb Alto Saxophone with Child-Friendly Key SystemNeck shape taken from the tenor...

⭐ 4.4/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 504558
$406
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann TAS-180 Alto Sax Set II - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Thomann TAS-180 Alto Sax Set II

by Thomann
Blues Classical Rock
Key Feature:
• Excellent for both lead and harmony
✓ PROS
  • • Most popular and versatile saxophone
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
✗ CONS
  • • Learning curve for proper embouchure
  • • Reed replacement costs add up

Thomann TAS-180 Alto Sax Set II*Bundle offer comprising*, Thomann TAS-180 Alto Sax*Alto Saxophone*Body and key system...

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 519499
$450
Buy at Thomann View Details
Selmer Axos Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Selmer Axos Alto Sax

by Selmer
Blues Classical Rock
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of available music
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
  • • Perfect pitch range for most music
✗ CONS
  • • Reed replacement costs add up
  • • Requires regular maintenance

Selmer Axos Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneBrass body and mechanicsNarrow scaleHigh F# keyTilter low BbLeather padding with...

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 511290
$3,508
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann TAS-180 Vintage Alto Saxophone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Thomann TAS-180 Vintage Alto Saxophone

by Thomann
Blues Smooth Jazz Classical
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of available music
✓ PROS
  • • Great for beginners and professionals
  • • Wide variety of available music
✗ CONS
  • • Can be loud for apartment practice
  • • Quality instruments are expensive

Thomann TAS-180 Vintage Alto SaxophoneAlto SaxophoneHigh F# keyFront F keyBodyS-bow and key system made of...

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 475545
$438
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YAS-82 ZA Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Yamaha YAS-82 ZA Alto Sax

by Yamaha
Smooth Jazz Pop Jazz
Key Feature:
• Most popular and versatile saxophone
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
  • • Perfect pitch range for most music
✗ CONS
  • • Requires regular maintenance
  • • Reed replacement costs add up

Yamaha YAS-82 ZA Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneBrass body with amber lacquer finishV1 S-bowAdjustable front F keyImproved low...

⭐ 4.4/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 579075
$5,718
Buy at Thomann View Details
Startone SAS-75 Alto Sax Set II - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Startone SAS-75 Alto Sax Set II

by Startone
Pop Classical Jazz
Key Feature:
• Great for beginners and professionals
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of available music
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
✗ CONS
  • • Requires regular maintenance
  • • Can be loud for apartment practice

Startone SAS-75 Alto Sax Set II*Bundle offer comprising*, Startone SAS-75 Alto Sax*Alto Saxophone*Tuning: EbWith high...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 518650
$472
Buy at Thomann View Details
Schagerl Academia Alto Sax A-920L-II - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Schagerl Academia Alto Sax A-920L-II

by Schagerl
Smooth Jazz Rock Classical
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of available music
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for both lead and harmony
  • • Most popular and versatile saxophone
✗ CONS
  • • Requires regular maintenance
  • • Quality instruments are expensive

Schagerl Academia Alto Sax A-920L-IIAlto SaxophoneAcademica series - anniversary modelHigh F# keylacquered body made...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 579073
$1,627
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Alto Saxophones

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced alto saxophones typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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