Best Alto Saxophones Under $5,000 2025

Affordable alto saxophones under $5,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

Yanagisawa A-WO1 Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Yanagisawa A-WO1 Alto Sax

by Yanagisawa

Jazz Blues Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✓ PROS

• Perfect pitch range for most music
• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✗ CONS

• Reed replacement costs add up
• Requires regular maintenance

Yanagisawa A-WO1 Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneRevised key systemNew engraving designMade from a new brass alloyHigh F# keyB...

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 334485

$3,585

Buy at Thomann View Details

Forestone GX Gold Lacquered Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Forestone GX Gold Lacquered Alto Sax

by Forestone

Blues Classical Smooth Jazz

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of available music

✓ PROS

• Great for beginners and professionals
• Perfect pitch range for most music

✗ CONS

• Reed replacement costs add up
• Learning curve for proper embouchure

Forestone GX Gold Lacquered Alto SaEb Alto SaxophoneCompactwarm and modern sound that is very flexibleSuitable for all...

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 422803

$3,068

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann ASBBG Custom Line Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Thomann ASBBG Custom Line Alto Sax

by Thomann

Pop Classical Jazz

Key Feature:

• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✓ PROS

• Most popular and versatile saxophone
• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✗ CONS

• Quality instruments are expensive
• Can be loud for apartment practice

Thomann ASBBG Custom Line Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneBlack nickel-plated bodyGold lacquered keyworkNormal scaleHigh F#...

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 165449

$2,198

Buy at Thomann View Details

Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Alto Sax

by Forestone

Classical Blues Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for beginners and professionals

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of available music
• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✗ CONS

• Reed replacement costs add up
• Can be loud for apartment practice

Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneCompactwarm and modern sound that is very flexibleSuitable for all...

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 422810

$3,188

Buy at Thomann View Details

Schagerl Alto Sax 66FV-EC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Schagerl Alto Sax 66FV-EC

by Schagerl

Smooth Jazz Pop Blues

Key Feature:

• Great for beginners and professionals

✓ PROS

• Most popular and versatile saxophone
• Wide variety of available music

✗ CONS

• Can be loud for apartment practice
• Learning curve for proper embouchure

Schagerl Alto Sax 66FV-ECAlto SaxophoneEC - European CustomizedProfessional SeriesBrass bodyVintage unvarnishedSpecial...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 530720

$4,135

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yanagisawa A-WO10 Elite Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Yanagisawa A-WO10 Elite Alto Sax

by Yanagisawa

Pop Smooth Jazz Rock

Key Feature:

• Perfect pitch range for most music

✓ PROS

• Most popular and versatile saxophone
• Great for beginners and professionals

✗ CONS

• Quality instruments are expensive
• Reed replacement costs add up

Yanagisawa A-WO10 Elite Alto SaxophoneAlto SaxophoneRevised mechanismNew engraving designMade from a new brass...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 334487

$4,508

Buy at Thomann View Details

Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Alto Sax OT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Alto Sax OT

by Rampone & Cazzani

Pop Smooth Jazz Jazz

Key Feature:

• Most popular and versatile saxophone

✓ PROS

• Perfect pitch range for most music
• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✗ CONS

• Quality instruments are expensive
• Can be loud for apartment practice

Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Alto Sax OTAlto SaxophoneMade of unlacquered gold brassLarge boreHand-hammered S-bowbody...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 266498

$4,618

Buy at Thomann View Details

Forestone GX Black Nickel Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Forestone GX Black Nickel Alto Sax

by Forestone

Pop Smooth Jazz Blues

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✓ PROS

• Perfect pitch range for most music
• Great for beginners and professionals

✗ CONS

• Reed replacement costs add up
• Can be loud for apartment practice

Forestone GX Black Nickel Alto SaxEb Alto SaxophoneCompactwarm and modern sound that is very flexibleSuitable for all...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 422814

$3,574

Buy at Thomann View Details

Forestone RX Gold Lacquered Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Forestone RX Gold Lacquered Alto Sax

by Forestone

Pop Blues Classical

Key Feature:

• Great for beginners and professionals

✓ PROS

• Most popular and versatile saxophone
• Great for beginners and professionals

✗ CONS

• Can be loud for apartment practice
• Requires regular maintenance

Forestone RX Gold Lacquered Alto SaxEb Alto SaxophoneVery easy response and brilliant soundFlexible use - suitable for...

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 422821

$4,806

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha YAS-480 Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Yamaha YAS-480 Alto Sax

by Yamaha

Pop Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of available music

✓ PROS

• Most popular and versatile saxophone
• Great for beginners and professionals

✗ CONS

• Quality instruments are expensive
• Learning curve for proper embouchure

Yamaha YAS-480Alto SaxophoneNew modelSuccessor to the YAS-475 modelNew neck receiverImproved B/C# connectionSeparate...

⭐ 4.4/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 279387

$2,166

Buy at Thomann View Details

Schagerl A-1VB Superior Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Schagerl A-1VB Superior Alto Sax

by Schagerl

Rock Classical Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✓ PROS

• Perfect pitch range for most music
• Great for beginners and professionals

✗ CONS

• Learning curve for proper embouchure
• Requires regular maintenance

Schagerl A-1VB Superior Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneSuperior seriesWith high F# keyBody and neck: unvarnished bronzeWith...

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 473630

$2,606

Buy at Thomann View Details

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

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

Yamaha YAS-62S 04 Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha YAS-62S 04 Alto Sax

by Yamaha

Smooth Jazz Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✓ PROS

• Excellent for both lead and harmony
• Wide variety of available music

✗ CONS

• Can be loud for apartment practice
• Quality instruments are expensive

Yamaha YAS-62S 04 Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneNew '62s style neckImproved low B/ C# connectionNew engravingSilver...

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 321092

$3,244

Buy at Thomann View Details

Forestone GX Cognac Vintage Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Forestone GX Cognac Vintage Alto Sax

by Forestone

Classical Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Perfect pitch range for most music

✓ PROS

• Great for beginners and professionals
• Wide variety of available music

✗ CONS

• Learning curve for proper embouchure
• Requires regular maintenance

Forestone GX Cognac Vintage Alto SaxEb Alto SaxophoneCompactwarm and modern sound that is very flexibleSuitable for all...

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 422812

$3,188

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha YAS-480S Alto Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha YAS-480S Alto Sax

by Yamaha

Jazz Blues Smooth Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of available music
• Excellent for both lead and harmony

✗ CONS

• Quality instruments are expensive
• Reed replacement costs add up

Yamaha YAS-480S Alto SaxAlto SaxophoneNew neck receiverImproved B / C# connectionSeparated key guardHigh F# keyNew...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 279390

$2,485

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Diatonic Harmonicas

POPULAR

Best Bb Trumpets

TOP

Best Tenor Trombones with F-Attachment

Best Chromatic Harmonicas

TOP

Best Open Hole Flutes

POPULAR

Best Alto Saxophones Under $5,000 2025

Yanagisawa A-WO1 Alto Sax

Forestone GX Gold Lacquered Alto Sax

Thomann ASBBG Custom Line Alto Sax

Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Alto Sax

Schagerl Alto Sax 66FV-EC

Yanagisawa A-WO10 Elite Alto Sax

Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Alto Sax OT

Forestone GX Black Nickel Alto Sax

Forestone RX Gold Lacquered Alto Sax

Yamaha YAS-480 Alto Sax

Schagerl A-1VB Superior Alto Sax

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Alto Sax

Yamaha YAS-62S 04 Alto Sax

Forestone GX Cognac Vintage Alto Sax

Yamaha YAS-480S Alto Sax

How to Choose the Best Alto Saxophones

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying alto saxophones?

How much should I spend on alto saxophones?

Are expensive alto saxophones worth the investment?

What are the best brands for alto saxophones?

Should I buy alto saxophones online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best Diatonic Harmonicas

Best Bb Trumpets

Best Tenor Trombones with F-Attachment

Best Chromatic Harmonicas

Best Open Hole Flutes

Best Tenor Saxophones

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies