AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Other Saxophones 2026
The top pick is Thomann TBB-150 Bass Saxophone ($3,368). Nuvo Mouthpiece for jSax 2.0 black gives you the most for the money at $25. Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Eb-Sopranino straight leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 27 models across 6 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
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All Other SaxophonesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Weight8.6 kg
The Thomann TBB-150 is a surprisingly capable bass sax, offering a genuine brass tone and decent playability at a premium-priced point. It's a great entry point for serious low-sax players, composers, or anyone wanting that unique, powerful bottom-end in a big band or jazz ensemble – just be prepared for a workout!
Pros
- Solid brass construction delivers a warm, resonant low-end tone.
- Adjustable thumb rest improves ergonomics for extended playing.
- Inclusive mouthpiece provides a playable starting point for beginners.
Cons
- The lacquer finish, while attractive, might be prone to wear with heavy use.
- Bass saxophones generally lack versatility compared to more common sax models.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,368 now$3,368€2,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight1.7 kg
The Emeo is a really interesting proposition for sax players looking to explore digital sounds without completely abandoning the feel of a traditional instrument. It's surprisingly well-built with a solid mechanism, and the software integration is a big draw for recording artists. It’s a great option for those wanting a versatile practice tool or a unique stage presence, but don't expect it to perfectly replicate the raw character of an acoustic horn.
Pros
- Black nickel finish provides a premium aesthetic and resists fingerprints well.
- The 'authentic' saxophone mechanism offers familiar keywork for traditional players.
- Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity allow for seamless DAW integration and recording.
Cons
- The Respiro Lite software limitation excludes Android users, a significant restriction.
- At 1.7kg, it's noticeably heavier than a typical alto sax, impacting portability.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,020 now$2,020€1,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight1.7 kg
This digital sax feels like a real instrument but packs twenty sounds inside. It works alone or connects to your computer via Bluetooth or USB-C. Great for beginners who want a vintage look without carrying a full brass sax. The battery life is short, and the Android support is limited. Still, the light weight and durable build make it easy to move around.
Pros
- Authentic saxophone mechanism for real feel
- 20 built-in sounds in one device
- Plays standalone without a computer
Cons
- Battery lasts only about 6 hours
- Respiro Lite licence fails on Android
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,245 now$2,245€1,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight1.7 kg
This digital sax feels real thanks to genuine springs and pads. It plays twenty different sounds controlled by your breath. The black nickel finish looks professional and it weighs just under two kilos. It works well with your computer via USB but forgets Android phones. Great for students needing a quiet practice tool.
Pros
- Authentic springs and pads give a true playing feel
- Built-in sound module offers 20 distinct sounds
- Breath control sensor reacts to air pressure level
Cons
- Battery life lasts only about 6 hours
- Licence does not work on Android devices
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,245 now$2,245€1,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight1.7 kg
This instrument feels real because it uses actual saxophone springs and pads. It plays twenty different sounds directly without needing a computer. The air pressure sensor makes your breath control the volume. It is a great option for beginners or those wanting a portable practice tool.
Pros
- Authentic springs and pads give a true playing feel
- Standalone instrument with built-in 20 distinct sound modules
- Breath control sensor responds to air pressure levels
Cons
- Does not function with Android operating systems
- Missing specific material specifications in description
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,245 now$2,245€1,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The jSAX is a clever entry point for young players or those curious about saxophones. It’s exceptionally robust and easy to care for, making it ideal for kids and beginners who want a taste of the saxophone experience without the complexity and fragility of a full-sized instrument. Don’t expect professional tone, but it’s a fun, accessible introduction.
Pros
- Durable ABS and silicone construction withstands beginner handling.
- Simplified fingering system eases transition to traditional sax.
- Waterproof design simplifies cleaning and maintenance for parents.
Cons
- Limited range (C to G) restricts musical versatility.
- Silicone keys lack the precise feel of metal saxophones.
42AudioFu
Index↓ 8.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$111 · Aug 17$102 now$102€91 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Eb-Sopranino straight
Not on Reverb yet3 finishes at Thomann
This Italian sax plays very straight and stays in tune well. It has no lacquer so it vibrates nicely, but you can't change the mouthpiece on it. The hand-hammered build gives it a warm sound.
Pros
- Hand-hammered for unique tone character
- No lacquer for better vibration
- Very stable intonation performance
Cons
- No removable mouthpiece receiver
- Silver plating may wear faster
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,189 now$7,189€6,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The jSAX 2.0 is a clever introduction to saxophone playing, especially for younger or less experienced musicians. It's robust, easy to handle, and surprisingly versatile for its simplicity. Ideal for kids or anyone wanting a fun, low-maintenance sax experience without the commitment of a full-sized instrument.
Pros
- Durable ABS/silicone construction withstands rough handling by beginners.
- Chromatic range allows for surprisingly expressive musical exploration.
- Silicone keys and plugs simplify playing for smaller hands.
Cons
- Sound quality lacks the richness and projection of a traditional saxophone.
- Limited tonal range compared to a full-sized saxophone restricts advanced playing.
41AudioFu
Index↓ 6.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$110 · Aug 17$103 now$103€92 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Thomann CMS-600 L is a surprisingly capable C melody sax, offering a good foundation for beginners or players looking for a vintage-style horn without the premium price tag. The keywork feels decent, and the High F# is a welcome addition for extending your range. It's a solid choice for students or those wanting a reliable, budget-friendly instrument.
Pros
- Solid build quality for the price point, feels surprisingly robust
- High F# key expands melodic possibilities significantly
- Metal resonators improve pad response and overall tone clarity
Cons
- Lacquer finish may be prone to wear with heavy use
- Mouthpiece is likely a basic model, upgrade recommended for tonal refinement
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,009 now$1,009€898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This black mouthpiece is a worthwhile upgrade for jSax 2.0 players, especially beginners. It delivers a noticeably improved sound and projection without significantly altering the instrument’s ease of play. It’s a solid, budget-friendly option for students looking to explore tonal variations on their jSax.
Pros
- Improved tonal projection compared to the stock jSax mouthpiece
- Durable ABS plastic construction ensures longevity for student use
- Black finish offers a sleek, professional aesthetic
Cons
- Limited tonal versatility compared to traditional saxophone mouthpieces
- May feel slightly 'soft' to players accustomed to harder mouthpiece materials
All 27 other saxophones
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Nuvo Mouthpiece for jSax 2.0 w-pNuvo38Stable$25€22$25€22Check ↗
- 12
Nuvo Mouthpiece for jSax 2.0 w-gNuvo38Stable$25€22$25€22Check ↗
- 13
Nuvo Mouthpiece for jSax 2.0 w-bNuvo38Stable$25€22$25€22Check ↗
- 14
Nuvo jSAX Saxophone black-pink 2.0Nuvo38Stable$94€84$94€84Check ↗
- 15
Nuvo jSAX Saxophone black-green 2.0Nuvo38Stable$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 16
Nuvo jSAX Saxophone black-blue 2.0Nuvo38Stable$103€92$103€92Check ↗
- 17
Nuvo jSAX Saxophone white-blue 2.0Nuvo38Stable$104€93$104€93Check ↗
- 18
Selmer SE-SO2L Sopranino SaxSelmer · 2 finishes38Stable$14,377€12,798$14,377€12,798Check ↗
- 19
Nuvo jSAX Saxophone black 2.0Nuvo37↑ 2.1%$110€98$110€98Check ↗
- 20
Thomann Piccolino Kids Saxophone in BbThomann36Stable$313€279$313€279Check ↗
- 21
Thomann TSI-350 Sopranino SaxophoneThomann36Stable$617€549$617€549Check ↗
- 22
Thomann TSI Custom Line Sopranino SaxThomann36Stable$2,132€1,898$2,132€1,898Check ↗
- 23
Selmer Bass Saxophone SA80/IISelmer33Stable$32,352€28,798$32,352€28,798Check ↗
- 24
Yanagisawa SN-981 Sopranino SaxYanagisawa31Stable$3,987€3,549$3,987€3,549Check ↗
- 25
Nuvo Kit Straighten Your jSax w/gNuvo · 2 finishes26Stable$20€18$20€18Check ↗
- 26
Nuvo Kit Straighten Your jSax w/pNuvo23Stable$20€18$20€18Check ↗
- 27
Nuvo Kit Straighten Your jSax blackNuvo23Stable$20€18$20€18Check ↗
Other Saxophones by the numbers
Measured across all 37 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,066 — half of all other saxophones here cost less.
median of 9 models · 1.7 kg–8.6 kg
How to choose the best other saxophones
Size & Ergonomics
Obvious, but crucial. A sub-bass sax like a contrabass is a commitment; you'll need space, strength, and a serious case. Consider the neck and bell angle, and how they affect your posture and playing comfort - especially important for long gigs.
Intonation
Less forgiving than alto or tenor. Larger horns are inherently more prone to intonation issues, especially in the lower registers. Expect to do more fine-tuning and potentially mouthpiece experimentation to dial things in reliably.
Tone & Projection
Don't expect a bright, cutting tone. Many of these larger horns prioritize a warm, full sound with a noticeable low-end thump. How well it cuts through the mix depends heavily on the horn's construction and your embouchure - a weak horn will just sound muddy.
Keywork & Action
Often a trade-off. Cheaper models might have stiff or poorly placed keys, making complex passages a real struggle. The action (how much force it takes to activate a key) is critical - too high and it's fatiguing, too low and you get squeaks and leaks.
Materials & Construction
Brass is common, but the alloy matters. Higher-end horns will use better brass, which improves resonance and sustain. Look for solid keywork construction and quality pads - those are the things that will fail first and cost you down the road.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking beyond the standard alto and tenor? Smart move. The world of saxophones goes way deeper than just those two, and finding the right one can unlock sounds and playing experiences you never knew existed. This isn't just about having a baritone or a bass-it's about finding the right voice for your music, whether you're laying down a soulful low-end groove or chasing that elusive high-register shimmer.
Buying a less common sax is a bigger investment. You're not just paying for the horn itself; you're paying for the specialized knowledge of a repair tech who can keep it running. Don't chase novelty; listen carefully and be honest about your skill level - a poorly played baritone sounds worse than a well-played alto.
And factor in the cost of a good, sturdy case - these horns are big and fragile.
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 37 other 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 these horns hard to find?
Yes, generally. Expect to scour the used market or order directly from manufacturers. Dealer support can be limited, so research repair options in your area.
Can I use my standard saxophone mouthpiece?
Maybe. Mouthpiece compatibility varies. Larger horns often benefit from larger-bodied mouthpieces, but experimentation is key. Be prepared to try a few different ones.
What's the deal with contrabass saxophones? Are they just for novelty acts?
They can be, but they're also incredibly powerful instruments capable of incredible low-end textures. They require a lot of air and a very controlled embouchure, and they are HEAVY.
I'm a beginner. Should I start with a baritone or bass sax?
Probably not. These instruments have a steeper learning curve and require more physical strength. Master the basics on a standard horn first.
What's the difference between a C melody sax and a baritone sax?
The C melody is pitched a minor third higher than standard alto and tenor, while the baritone is a whole tone lower. Both were popular in different eras, but aren't standard anymore, meaning sheet music and reeds can be a challenge.
