AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Baritone Saxophones Under $5,000 2026
The top pick is Thomann TBS-150 Baritone Sax ($2,122). Startone SBS-75 Baritone Sax gives you the most for the money at $1,451. Thomann BariPRO S Baritone Sax leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 12 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Weight6 kg
The Thomann TBS-150 is a surprisingly capable baritone sax, offering a full, round tone for a budget-friendly price. It’s a great starting point for serious students or players seeking a dependable, resonant horn without premium price tag. The build is decent, though a bit stiff out of the box.
Pros
- Solid brass construction lends a warm, resonant tone.
- Low A key expands the range for advanced players.
- Adjustable thumb rest improves comfort and ergonomics.
Cons
- The weight (6.0 kg) can be tiring for extended playing sessions.
- Mouthpiece is likely entry-level, may need upgrading for pros.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$2,122 now$2,122€1,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Startone SBS-75 is a surprisingly capable baritone sax for the price. It offers a full, rich tone that's great for jazz, blues, or even orchestral work. This is a solid choice for students or intermediate players looking for a dependable, affordable baritone without sacrificing too much in terms of build quality.
Pros
- Solid brass body delivers a warm, resonant low-end tone.
- High F# key extends range for complex passages and improvisation.
- Adjustable thumb holder provides customizable comfort for various hand sizes.
Cons
- Lacquered finish, while attractive, may be prone to wear with heavy use.
- Weight can be a challenge for less experienced or smaller players.
46AudioFu
Index↓ 3.8%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$1,508 · Aug 14$1,451 now$1,451€1,298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Thomann lowJAZZ L is a surprisingly capable baritone sax for the price. It offers a solid foundation for student or intermediate players looking for a full, resonant sound with extended low range. While not a professional-grade horn, the build quality and included features make it a great value for those starting or expanding their baritone journey.
Pros
- Hand-engraved details elevate the aesthetics and feel of the horn.
- Italian pads offer a responsive and consistent action across the range.
- Brass body delivers a warm, resonant tone suitable for jazz and beyond.
Cons
- The lacquered finish, while attractive, can be prone to wear with heavy use.
- Baritone saxophones are inherently heavy; this one will require a strong player.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$4,135 now$4,135€3,698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Thomann BariPRO L is a surprisingly capable baritone sax, delivering a rich, full sound at a premium-priced point. It's a great option for serious students and gigging musicians who want a solid, well-built horn without the stratospheric price tag of the major brands. Just be prepared for the weight!
Pros
- Solid brass construction yields a warm, resonant, and powerful tone.
- Italian pads offer exceptional responsiveness and a comfortable feel.
- High F# and low A keys expand range and versatility for advanced players.
Cons
- The substantial brass body makes it noticeably heavy, demanding stamina.
- Lacquered finish, while beautiful, requires diligent care to prevent wear.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$4,135 now$4,135€3,698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Thomann BariPRO VG is a surprisingly capable baritone sax, offering a vintage-inspired aesthetic and solid build quality. It's a great option for serious students or gigging musicians wanting a premium instrument without the exorbitant price tag of a Selmer or Yanagisawa. The included accessories are a nice touch, but expect to upgrade the mouthpiece to truly unlock its potential.
Pros
- Solid brass construction provides a warm, resonant tone.
- Italian pads offer excellent responsiveness and a secure seal.
- High F# and low A keys expand range for complex passages.
Cons
- The weight will be noticeable for less experienced players.
- Dark lacquer can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$4,247 now$4,247€3,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The BariPRO VD is a serious contender for intermediate to advanced baritone sax players seeking a full, vintage-inspired sound without a premium-priced tag. The build quality is surprisingly good for the price point, and the inclusion of a low A key expands its versatility. It’s a great option for big band, jazz, or anyone wanting a powerful, resonant low end.
Pros
- Solid brass construction delivers a warm, resonant, and powerful tone.
- Italian pads offer exceptional responsiveness and a comfortable feel.
- Presence of high F# expands upper register possibilities for advanced players.
Cons
- The bariPRO's weight, typical of brass instruments, will be tiring for extended playing.
- Vintage Dark finish, while attractive, may show wear more readily than a gloss finish.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$4,247 now$4,247€3,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Thomann lowJAZZ PB is a surprisingly capable baritone sax for the price. Its solid brass build gives it a rich, warm tone, perfect for jazz ensembles and soloists who appreciate a traditional feel. It's an excellent starting point for serious baritone players looking for a premium-priced instrument without the top-tier brand name markup.
Pros
- Solid brass construction delivers a warm, resonant low-end tone.
- Italian pads offer excellent responsiveness and a comfortable feel.
- High F# key expands the range for more complex melodies and improvisation.
Cons
- The all-brass build contributes to a substantial weight, demanding physical stamina.
- While capable, the included mouthpiece is likely a stepping stone for serious players.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$4,470 now$4,470€3,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Thomann BariPRO BS is a surprisingly capable baritone sax for the price. It offers a solid, brassy tone and a decent key range for a variety of genres, from jazz to funk. This is a great option for serious students or gigging musicians looking for a reliable, well-built instrument without the premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Solid brass construction delivers a warm, resonant low-end tone.
- High F# and low A keys expand melodic and harmonic possibilities.
- Italian pads offer reliable response and a comfortable feel.
Cons
- The matte black finish might show fingerprints and require more frequent cleaning.
- Baritone saxophones are inherently heavy; this one will be a workout.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$4,582 now$4,582€4,098 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Thomann BariPRO PB is a compelling option for serious intermediate to advanced baritone players seeking a raw, unlacquered brass sound. It delivers a robust tone and expanded range at a premium-priced point, but be prepared for the upkeep involved with an unlacquered brass instrument. This is an excellent choice for jazz, big band, and anyone who wants a truly classic baritone voice.
Pros
- Solid brass construction yields a warm, resonant, and powerful tone.
- Italian pads offer excellent response and a comfortable feel.
- High F# and low A keys expand the instrument's range and versatility.
Cons
- Unvarnished brass requires diligent maintenance to prevent tarnishing.
- The weight, typical of baritone saxes, may be challenging for some players.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$4,694 now$4,694€4,198 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The BariPRO S is a surprisingly capable baritone sax, offering a good balance of quality and affordability. Its warm tone and expanded range make it a solid choice for serious students or gigging musicians looking for a reliable, professional instrument. The silver plating gives it a bright aesthetic, but be prepared for some upkeep to keep it looking its best.
Pros
- Solid brass body delivers a warm, resonant low end.
- Italian pads offer excellent response and airtightness for consistent intonation.
- High F# key expands range for complex melodic possibilities.
Cons
- The brass body will require diligent maintenance to prevent tarnish.
- Weight can be a factor for smaller players or extended performance periods.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$4,751 now$4,751€4,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 12 baritone saxophones
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
Baritone Saxophones by the numbers
Measured across all 13 models we track, not a sample.
Median $4,247 — half of all baritone saxophones here cost less.
How to choose the best baritone saxophones
Tone
Forget 'warm' or 'bright' - we're looking for a fundamental that's centered and responsive. A bari needs to have that low-end thump that cuts through a loud ensemble, but also the agility for smoother lines. Compromises often show up in the upper register; a muddy or thin sound is a dealbreaker.
Intonation
Baris are notorious for intonation issues. A horn that's consistently sharp or flat is a nightmare to tune and a pain to play with others. We're looking for stability across the range, especially in the low register where small intonation shifts are amplified.
Keywork & Ergonomics
Let's be honest, a stiff or poorly designed key system will kill your playing. We considered the feel of the actions, the layout of the keys, and overall comfort - especially crucial for long gigs or intense recording sessions.
Build Quality & Materials
At this price point, you're not getting all-brass everything. Expect some nickel-silver plating over a brass body, or even a more basic brass alloy. We assessed the overall construction - are the pads secure? Do the keys feel solid? Does it feel like it'll survive a few years of regular gigging?
Pickup Voicing (if applicable)
Many players want to mic their bari. A poorly voiced pickup can sound brittle or muffled.
Buying guide
So, you're looking for a baritone sax without emptying your bank account? It's a tricky proposition - these horns are big, complex, and generally expensive. But it's absolutely possible to get a gig-worthy, recording-capable bari for under $5000 if you're smart about it. We're focusing on bang-for-your-buck here, not chasing the absolute top-tier dream horns.
Don't expect a $5000 bari to play like a $10,000 one. Intonation will likely require more tweaking, and the overall response might not be as effortless. Prioritize a horn with a comfortable neck profile and a responsive action - those are the things that will make a big difference in your day-to-day playing.
Be prepared to budget for a good mouthpiece, as that's where a lot of the tonal character will come from.
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 13 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
Are vintage baris a good option at this price?
Potentially, but be very careful. Vintage horns can be a gamble - they might have hidden repairs or be in need of a full overhaul, which can easily eat up your budget. Unless you're an experienced repair tech, stick to newer instruments.
What's the deal with nickel-silver vs. brass?
Nickel-silver is generally brighter and more durable than raw brass. Most horns in this price range will have nickel-silver keys and a brass body. It's a compromise that balances cost and performance.
Should I buy new or used?
Used is almost always the smarter move in this price range. You'll get more horn for your money, but be sure to have it checked out by a tech before you commit.
What about student models? Can I get away with one?
Student models are often built down to a price point, with compromises in materials and keywork. They can be okay for beginners, but if you're serious about playing, invest in something better - you'll notice the difference immediately.
What's the most important thing to look for?
Responsiveness. The horn needs to speak clearly and consistently across its range, even at lower dynamic levels. If it feels choked or unresponsive, move on.
