AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Baritone Saxophones for Professional 2026
The top pick is Keilwerth SX 90R Shadow Baritone Sax ($14,533). Yamaha YBS-62II Professional Eb Baritone Saxophone gives you the most for the money at $9,619. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 26 models across 11 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Weight5 kg
The Keilwerth SX 90R Shadow Baritone is a truly exceptional instrument—built for the serious professional or dedicated student who demands the absolute best. Its precision intonation, responsive action, and rich, focused tone make it a joy to play, particularly suited for classical, jazz, and concert band settings where tonal clarity and stability are paramount.
Pros
- Exceptional intonation across the range, minimizing tuning headaches.
- Hydraulically formed neck offers incredible stability and responsiveness.
- Silvered keys and leather pads provide a smooth, exceptionally quiet action.
Cons
- The substantial weight (5 kg) can be fatiguing for extended playing sessions.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most musicians.
51AudioFu
Index↓ 1.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$14,689 · Aug 14$14,533 now$14,533€12,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Selmer SE-B3L is a serious instrument, delivering that iconic Selmer tone with modern ergonomic improvements. It’s perfect for professional players and advanced students who demand top-tier performance and are willing to invest in a horn that will last a lifetime. The build quality and sound are truly exceptional.
Pros
- Exceptional Selmer build quality ensures decades of reliable performance.
- Gold lacquer provides a warm, rich tone with excellent projection.
- Ergonomic design minimizes fatigue during extended playing sessions.
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
- Weight can be a challenge for smaller players or those with limited stamina.
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$14,935 now$14,935€13,349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This saxophone looks stunning with its gold lacquer and hand engraving. The leather pads and metal resonators promise a solid, tight sound. It comes with a case but you must buy a mouthpiece separately. This instrument is great for players who want that classic deep baritone tone, even though the price is steep.
Pros
- Gold lacquer finish adds bright visual appeal
- Hand-engraved detailing shows exceptional craftsmanship
- Leather pads with metal resonators ensure tight response
Cons
- Price is very high for most musicians
- Includes case but no mouthpiece in the box
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$13,200 now$13,200€11,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The YBS-82 is a serious step up for the dedicated baritone player. Yamaha’s nailed the ergonomics and tonal focus here; it's a joy to play, offering a powerful, resonant sound that excels in jazz and orchestral settings. This is for the pro or serious student wanting top-tier quality and a comfortable, modern feel.
Pros
- Ergonomic key layout reduces fatigue during extended playing sessions.
- One-piece bell construction delivers a remarkably focused and resonant low end.
- Gold lacquer finish provides a warm tone and excellent protection against wear.
Cons
- The weight, typical of baritones, can be tiring for less experienced players.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most musicians.
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$12,305 now$12,305€10,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha YBS-62II Professional Eb Baritone Saxophone
YBS-62II Baritone Sax - NEW · Yamaha
5 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The YBS-62II is a serious step up for the intermediate to professional baritone sax player. Yamaha’s refined keywork and shorter bell provide excellent intonation and playability—it’s a workhorse instrument capable of handling a wide range of musical styles, from jazz to classical, with a modern, focused sound.
Pros
- Improved ergonomics significantly reduce hand fatigue during long sessions.
- The shorter bell design demonstrably improves intonation across the range.
- New key designs offer a smoother, more responsive action, crucial for advanced players.
Cons
- The instrument’s weight will be a factor for players with smaller builds or limited stamina.
- The detachable peg is an optional extra, adding to the overall investment.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$9,619 now$9,619€8,598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Schagerl 66FV is a seriously impressive baritone. It’s built for big band and jazz orchestra work where a powerful, assertive sound and reliable intonation are essential. The unlacquered brass gives it a truly unique vintage vibe, though you’ll need to be prepared for the upkeep.
Pros
- Unlacquered brass offers a uniquely warm, vintage tonal character.
- High F# key expands the range for demanding repertoire.
- Excellent tuning stability across the entire register minimizes frustration.
Cons
- The unlacquered finish requires diligent maintenance to prevent tarnishing.
- Baritone saxophones are inherently heavy, demanding significant breath support.
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$8,043 now$8,043€7,189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Yanagisawa B-WO1 is a truly exceptional baritone sax, built for serious players seeking top-tier performance. Its responsiveness, intonation, and projection are superb, making it ideal for professional orchestral work, jazz ensembles, and anyone demanding the very best. This is a workhorse instrument that will last a lifetime.
Pros
- Exceptional intonation across the full range, a Yanagisawa hallmark.
- Robust, hand-fitted brass keywork offers lightning-fast response.
- The gold lacquer finish provides a warm, resonant tone and visual appeal.
Cons
- The weight, typical of professional baritones, can be tiring for extended playing.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$8,277 now$8,277€7,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The B-WO2 is a serious contender for the discerning baritone saxophonist. It offers a fantastic combination of warmth, projection, and responsiveness, making it ideal for jazz, classical, and any genre demanding a rich, powerful low end. This is a top-tier instrument designed for the experienced player who values exceptional build quality and tonal character.
Pros
- Exceptional intonation across the range, even in the low register.
- The bronze body delivers a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- Robust brass keywork ensures smooth, reliable action and durability.
Cons
- The weight can be fatiguing for extended playing sessions, particularly for smaller players.
- The premium-priced nature puts it out of reach for many aspiring baritone players.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$9,117 now$9,117€8,149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Yanagisawa B-WO10 is a truly elite baritone sax. It’s built for serious players—jazz soloists, orchestral musicians—who demand the best possible response, intonation, and tonal complexity. The build quality is simply superb, and it's a joy to play.
Pros
- Exceptional intonation across the full range, even in the low register.
- The brass body provides a warm, resonant core tone, ideal for jazz.
- Precision-engineered keywork ensures lightning-fast response and minimal resistance.
Cons
- The substantial weight can be fatiguing for players with smaller builds.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most musicians.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$10,012 now$10,012€8,949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Yanagisawa B-WO20 is a serious instrument for the seasoned baritone sax player. Its bronze body delivers a rich, resonant tone and the impeccable keywork feels incredibly responsive. It’s ideal for professional jazz musicians and orchestral players seeking a top-tier, expressive voice.
Pros
- Exceptional projection and warmth thanks to bronze body construction
- Brass keywork offers a responsive, vintage-inspired feel
- High F# and Low A keys extend range for complex passages
Cons
- The bronze body requires diligent care to prevent tarnish and patina
- Significant weight makes extended playing sessions physically demanding
38AudioFu
Index↑ 2.0%since Aug 14$11,186 · Aug 14$11,410 now$11,410€10,198 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 26 baritone saxophones
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Baritone Sax OTRampone & Cazzani37Stable$9,955€8,898$9,955€8,898Check ↗
- 12
Forestone SX Gold Lacquered Baritone SaxForestone35Stable$9,172€8,198$9,172€8,198Check ↗
- 13
Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Baritone SaxRampone & Cazzani36↑ 2.9%$7,829€6,998$7,829€6,998Check ↗
- 14
Yamaha YBS-480 Baritone SaxophoneYamaha38Stable$7,382€6,598$7,382€6,598Check ↗
- 15
Thomann BariPRO S Baritone SaxThomann42Stable$4,754€4,249$4,754€4,249Check ↗
- 16
Thomann BariPRO PB Baritone SaxThomann42Stable$4,697€4,198$4,697€4,198Check ↗
- 17
Thomann BariPRO BS Baritone SaxThomann42Stable$4,585€4,098$4,585€4,098Check ↗
- 18
Thomann lowJAZZ PB Baritone SaxThomann42Stable$4,473€3,998$4,473€3,998Check ↗
- 19
Thomann BariPRO VD Baritone SaxThomann42Stable$4,249€3,798$4,249€3,798Check ↗
- 20
Thomann BariPRO VG Baritone SaxThomann42Stable$4,249€3,798$4,249€3,798Check ↗
- 21
BetterSax Classic Baritone SaxophoneBetterSax35Stable$4,352€3,890$4,352€3,890Check ↗
- 22
Thomann TBS-150 Baritone SaxThomann57Stable$2,123€1,898$2,123€1,898Check ↗
- 23
Startone SBS-75 Baritone SaxStartone · 2 finishes46↓ 3.8%$1,452€1,298$1,452€1,298Check ↗
- 24
Thomann BariPRO L Baritone SaxThomann42Stable$4,137€3,698$4,137€3,698Check ↗
- 25
Thomann lowJAZZ L Baritone SaxThomann42Stable$4,137€3,698$4,137€3,698Check ↗
- 26
Jupiter JBS1000 Baritone SaxJupiter35Stable$4,137€3,698$4,137€3,698Check ↗
Baritone Saxophones by the numbers
Measured across all 28 models we track, not a sample.
Median $7,597 — half of all baritone saxophones here cost less.
How to choose the best baritone saxophones
Playability
A professional needs an action that's consistently low and comfortable across the range. Too high, and you'll fight for those low notes; too low, and you'll get buzzing. Neck profile is key - a comfortable grip minimizes fatigue during long gigs.
Tone & Projection
This isn't just 'warm' or 'bright.' We're talking about a balanced response across the range, a solid low-end thump that doesn't muddy the mix, and enough projection to be heard over drums and rhythm section without sounding harsh. The ability to shape your tone with subtle embouchure adjustments is essential.
Intonation
Baritones are notoriously tricky to keep in tune. Consistent intonation across the entire range is non-negotiable. Look for horns with well-designed keywork and resonators, and be prepared for some minor adjustments.
Durability & Build Quality
Gigs beat up instruments. We're looking for robust keywork, solid construction, and pads that will last. Cheap plating will flake off, and keys will feel sloppy - that's a sign of corners cut.
Pickup Voicing (if applicable)
Many pros mic their horns. A good pickup needs to capture the instrument's natural tone without adding unwanted coloration or brittleness. The best pickups offer a usable signal for direct recording and are less prone to feedback.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're a pro looking for a baritone sax. Forget the student models - we're talking serious instruments here. It's not just about low notes; it's about projection, articulation, and a tone that cuts through a big band or shines in a recording. Finding the right baritone is a significant investment, so let's sort through what you really need to be looking for.
Don't be swayed by flashy finishes or marketing hype. A pro-level baritone is an investment, and you need to play it before you buy. Be wary of horns that promise 'vintage tone' at a fraction of the price - those are usually riddled with compromises.
Pay extra for quality pads, durable keywork, and a comfortable neck - those are the things that will make a difference night after night.
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 28 baritone 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 vs. modern baritones?
Vintage horns (Conn 12s, King Marzois) can have incredible tone, but they often need significant work to be reliable and in tune. Modern horns benefit from improved manufacturing and design, but might lack some of the character of a well-maintained vintage.
Is a custom neck worth it?
Absolutely. A properly designed neck can dramatically improve playability and intonation, especially if you have specific preferences for action and hand position. It's a relatively expensive upgrade, but often yields significant returns.
What about baritone saxophones with two necks?
Two necks allow you to quickly switch between different feels and response characteristics. It's a luxury, but it's great for players who need to cover a wide range of musical styles or who have specific ergonomic needs.
Should I worry about the horn's weight?
Baritones are heavy, period. But some models are noticeably more cumbersome than others. Consider how long you'll be holding it during gigs and rehearsals - a lighter horn can make a real difference in stamina.
What's the best way to test intonation?
Use a tuner - a chromatic one. Play a full range of notes, paying close attention to notes around the break and in the lower register. Listen for any significant deviations from the target pitch; a good horn will have minimal tuning issues, but be prepared for minor adjustments regardless.
