AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Forestone Alto Saxophones 2026
The top pick is Forestone GX Gold Lacquered Alto Sax ($3,131). Forestone RX Red Brass GL Alto Sax leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 8 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 20, 2026
Top 8
Full detail for the 8 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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The Forestone GX offers a fantastic blend of modern playability and a pleasingly warm tone. It's a premium-priced instrument, but the build quality and feel are excellent – perfect for serious students and gigging musicians looking for versatility and a refined aesthetic without needing to break the bank.
Pros
- Yellow brass construction delivers a warm, responsive core tone.
- Pisoni pads with resonators ensure airtightness and excellent intonation.
- Hybrid key post design enhances action and overall feel, reducing fatigue.
Cons
- Gold lacquer, while beautiful, requires diligent care to prevent tarnish.
- Ergonomic design may not suit all hand sizes or playing styles perfectly.
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,131 now$3,131€2,789 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Forestone GX Cognac is a surprisingly well-rounded alto, offering a warm and flexible tone suitable for a wide range of styles. Its ergonomic design and quality components make it a great choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a professional instrument with a vintage aesthetic, without the premium price tag of a Selmer or Yanagisawa.
Pros
- Hand-engraved bell adds visual flair and potentially enhances projection.
- Pisoni pads with resonators offer excellent response and intonation stability.
- Hybrid key post design improves ergonomics and facilitates faster, more fluid playing.
Cons
- Cognac vintage finish might be prone to wear and tear requiring careful maintenance.
- The compact design could feel slightly cramped for players with larger hands.
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,253 now$3,253€2,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Forestone GX is a solid, well-built alto that delivers a warm and modern voice. It’s a great option for serious intermediate to advanced players looking for a professional instrument without the ultra-premium price tag – particularly appealing to jazz and contemporary saxophonists.
Pros
- Yellow brass body provides a warm, responsive core tone.
- Hand-engraved bell adds a touch of elegance and enhances projection.
- Pisoni pads with resonators offer exceptional leak resistance and intonation.
Cons
- Cognac lacquer can be prone to wear and tear with heavy use.
- Ergonomic design might not suit all players’ hand sizes or preferences.
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,253 now$3,253€2,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Forestone GX Black Nickel is a thoughtfully designed alto sax that strikes a balance between modern responsiveness and a classic warmth. It’s a fantastic choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a versatile instrument suitable for jazz, classical, and contemporary styles—players who appreciate a refined feel and a unique look.
Pros
- Yellow brass body delivers a warm, responsive core tone.
- Pisoni pads with resonators ensure airtightness and improved intonation.
- Hybrid key post construction promotes a free-blowing, comfortable feel.
Cons
- Black nickel finish, while attractive, may require more diligent cleaning.
- Ergonomic design might feel unconventional for players accustomed to traditional shapes.
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,647 now$3,647€3,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This alto sax has a bright silver look and a deep, strong tone that works for many styles. The metal parts inside the pads help it respond quickly, while the hand-engraved bell gives it a special look. It feels comfortable to play, making it a solid choice for players who want a modern sound without extra cost.
Pros
- Silver-plated finish with rich, powerful sound
- Hand-engraved bell adds unique visual appeal
- Metal resonators boost pad response and tone
Cons
- Pisoni Pro pads are not standard on all models
- Hybrid post construction lacks traditional post detail
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,759 now$3,759€3,349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Forestone RX Gold Lacquered Alto is a serious contender for intermediate to advanced players seeking a vibrant, responsive horn. The build quality is excellent, and the hybrid post design makes it a joy to play across a wide range of musical styles. It’s a great choice for players who want a professional-grade instrument without the ultra-premium price tag of the top-tier brands.
Pros
- Yellow brass body offers a warm, responsive core tone.
- Pisoni pads with resonators ensure excellent intonation and projection.
- Hybrid post construction promotes smoother, faster key action and ergonomics.
Cons
- Gold lacquer can be susceptible to wear and require occasional maintenance.
- The ergonomic design may not suit all players’ hand sizes or preferences.
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,479 now$4,479€3,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Forestone RX is a beautifully crafted alto, offering exceptional ease of response and a truly brilliant, versatile sound. It's a fantastic choice for serious students and professional players seeking a refined instrument with a classic feel and a willingness to put in the upkeep for the unique finish. Expect a warm, centered tone with impressive projection.
Pros
- Yellow brass construction delivers a warm, resonant core tone.
- Pisoni padding with metal resonators ensures excellent response and projection.
- Hybrid post construction promotes a remarkably smooth and ergonomic key action.
Cons
- The unlacquered finish requires diligent maintenance to prevent excessive tarnishing.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players.
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,904 now$4,904€4,369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Forestone RX is a serious contender for the discerning saxophonist. The red brass gives it a beautiful, focused warmth that’s really pleasing, and the build quality feels rock-solid. It’s perfect for players who want a classic, professional alto without the ultra-modern feel of some other instruments – think jazz, blues, and classic pop.
Pros
- Red brass provides a uniquely warm, resonant, and complex tonal palette.
- Flanged tone holes improve intonation and responsiveness across the range.
- Pisoni pads with metal resonators offer exceptional leak resistance and projection.
Cons
- The red brass construction can be slightly denser, contributing to a heavier feel.
- The premium-priced nature puts it out of reach for many student or intermediate players.
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,610 now$5,610€4,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Alto Saxophones by the numbers
Measured across all 105 models we track, not a sample.
Median $3,759 — half of all alto saxophones here cost less.
median of 24 models · 1 kg–2.6 kg
How to choose the best alto saxophones
Tone
Forestone altos generally have a warmer, rounder tone than some of the brighter, more aggressive Japanese-made horns. It's not a dark tone, mind you - it's got a pleasing sustain and a good amount of body, making it cut through a band mix without being shrill. It's a good foundation for different mutes, too.
Keywork & Action
The action is usually surprisingly smooth for the price point, though you might find a few keys a little stiff straight out of the box. They tend to use a decent, if somewhat generic, keywork design - nothing revolutionary, but it's reliable and generally comfortable to play. It's not going to feel like a vintage horn, but it's respectable.
Build Quality
Forestone uses a lot of brass, which is good, but the finish isn't always perfect. You might find some minor cosmetic imperfections, and the lacquer can be a little thin - expect to re-lacquer if you're hard on your horns. The pads are typically decent quality, but not top-tier; they'll probably need replacing eventually.
Neck Profile & Response
The neck profile is a bit more traditional, which I appreciate. It encourages a more centered embouchure and allows for a good range of expression. The response across the range is generally even, although the upper register can get a little buzzy if you're pushing it hard - a common trade-off at this price.
Value
This is the big one. Forestone offers a ton of value. You're getting a horn that feels and plays like it costs significantly more. It's a fantastic option for serious students, gigging musicians on a budget, or anyone looking for a reliable, good-sounding alto without breaking the bank.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at a Forestone alto? Smart move. They've been quietly building a reputation for offering a serious bang for your buck, especially if you're tired of the usual student-grade horns that sound like a strangled cat. They aren't trying to be Selmer Mark VI's, but for the price, they deliver a surprising amount of pro-level feel and a tone that's genuinely usable across genres. Let's break down what makes them tick.
Don't expect perfection. These aren't flawless instruments; they're a great value, but they have their quirks. Check the pads for leaks, make sure the keys are aligned properly, and inspect the finish for any major blemishes.
A little bit of setup work - a pad seating, maybe a key adjustment - will go a long way in maximizing its potential. And be realistic; it's not a Mark VI, but it's a solid, gig-worthy horn.
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 8 alto saxophones from the Thomann catalogue (of 105 in the category). 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
Are Forestone saxophones made in China?
Yep, pretty much all of them. But don't let that scare you off. Manufacturing standards in China have improved dramatically, and Forestone is generally considered to be one of the better Chinese saxophone brands.
How do Forestone saxophones compare to Yamaha?
Yamaha tends to be brighter and more focused, while Forestone is warmer and more rounded. Yamaha's build quality is generally a bit more consistent, but you're paying for it. It really comes down to your tonal preference and budget.
Do I need to have a technician set up a Forestone alto?
It's always a good idea to have any new horn set up, but especially a more affordable one. A proper setup will ensure optimal action, intonation, and overall playability. It's a worthwhile investment.
What kind of mouthpiece would you recommend for a Forestone alto?
Something with a medium facing and a good tip opening will generally work well. A Vandoren AL3 or a Yamaha 5AN are good starting points. Experiment to find what works best for your embouchure and style.
Are Forestone saxophones durable enough for gigging?
Absolutely. They're built to handle regular use. Just treat it with reasonable care and get any necessary repairs done promptly.
