AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Other Saxophones for Professional 2026
The top pick is Selmer Bass Saxophone SA80/II ($32,352). Emeo MK1 Digital Sax Black Nickel gives you the most for the money at $2,020. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 27 models across 6 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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The SA80/II is Selmer's flagship bass sax—it’s a serious instrument for the dedicated professional. The build is impeccable, and the tone is genuinely impressive, offering a rich, full sound that's perfect for orchestral work, jazz, and experimental music. It's an investment, but if you need that authentic Selmer bass sax sound, this is it.
Pros
- Exceptional Selmer build quality, robust and reliable for stage and studio.
- Gold lacquer finish provides a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- High F# key expands range and offers unique tonal possibilities.
Cons
- The sheer size and weight demand significant physical strength and stamina.
- Bass saxophones are inherently less versatile than their smaller counterparts.
33AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$32,352 now$32,352€28,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This small sax comes in one solid piece with special engraving. It has extra keys for harder playing and better pads for louder sound. Great for players who love tiny instruments and want something unique. Just be ready to work hard to lift it up.
Pros
- One-piece construction ensures solid structure and stability.
- Hand-engraved anniversary detailing adds unique artistic value.
- High F-sharp key improves playability for advanced techniques.
Cons
- Silver-plated finish may tarnish faster than solid gold.
- Sopranino size requires significant hand strength to play.
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$14,817 now$14,817€13,189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Eb-Sopranino curved AG
Not on Reverb yet3 finishes at Thomann
This is the only curved sopranino saxophone you can buy. It is handmade in Italy using gold brass and silver plating. The smooth keys make it easier to play than standard models. It suits players who need a unique shape for their setup.
Pros
- Handmade in Italy with gold brass body
- Vintage silver-plated finish throughout
- Only curved sopranino saxophone available
Cons
- Price is high for a specialized instrument
- No mouthpiece included in the package
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,985 now$8,985€7,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
This Thomann TSI Custom Line Sopranino is a surprisingly capable instrument, offering a good foundation for exploring the unique world of the sopranino. It's a great starting point for serious students or experienced saxophonists looking to add this niche voice to their arsenal, delivering a warm and expressive tone without the premium-priced tag of some established brands.
Pros
- Solid brass construction yields a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- Gold lacquer finish provides excellent protection and a professional aesthetic.
- Custom Line keywork offers surprisingly smooth and responsive action for the price point.
Cons
- Sopranino saxophones are inherently challenging to play in tune; requires skilled embouchure.
- The instrument's smaller size and weight can feel unwieldy for some players.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,132 now$2,132€1,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The SN-981 is Yanagisawa’s top-tier sopranino, and it shows. The refined brass body delivers a uniquely vocal tone, and the keywork is simply superb—it’s responsive and feels incredibly natural. This is for the serious saxophonist looking for a premium instrument with exceptional projection and a truly professional feel.
Pros
- Refined brass construction yields a remarkably warm, complex tone.
- High E key significantly expands the instrument's upper register accessibility.
- Yanagisawa’s renowned keywork provides exceptional smoothness and precision.
Cons
- Sopranino saxophones are inherently challenging to master, requiring considerable embouchure control.
- The instrument's size and weight can be fatiguing for extended playing sessions.
31AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,987 now$3,987€3,549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 27 other saxophones
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Thomann CMS-600 S C- Melody SaxThomann · 2 finishes41Stable$1,066€949$1,066€949Check ↗
- 12
Thomann TSI-350 Sopranino SaxophoneThomann36Stable$617€549$617€549Check ↗
- 13
Nuvo jSAX Saxophone white-green 2.0Nuvo42↓ 8.1%$102€91$102€91Check ↗
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Nuvo jSAX Saxophone white-pink 2.0Nuvo41↓ 6.1%$103€92$103€92Check ↗
- 15
Thomann Piccolino Kids Saxophone in BbThomann36Stable$313€279$313€279Check ↗
- 16
Nuvo jSAX Saxophone white-blue 2.0Nuvo38Stable$104€93$104€93Check ↗
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Nuvo jSAX Saxophone black-blue 2.0Nuvo38Stable$103€92$103€92Check ↗
- 18
Nuvo jSAX Saxophone black-green 2.0Nuvo38Stable$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 19
Nuvo jSAX Saxophone black 2.0Nuvo37↑ 2.1%$110€98$110€98Check ↗
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Nuvo Mouthpiece for jSax 2.0 blackNuvo38Stable$25€22$25€22Check ↗
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Nuvo Mouthpiece for jSax 2.0 w-pNuvo38Stable$25€22$25€22Check ↗
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Nuvo Mouthpiece for jSax 2.0 w-gNuvo38Stable$25€22$25€22Check ↗
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Nuvo Mouthpiece for jSax 2.0 w-bNuvo38Stable$25€22$25€22Check ↗
- 24
Nuvo jSAX Saxophone black-pink 2.0Nuvo38Stable$94€84$94€84Check ↗
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Nuvo Kit Straighten Your jSax w/gNuvo · 2 finishes26Stable$20€18$20€18Check ↗
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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
Playability
For pros, it's not about 'easy'; it's about immediate responsiveness and nuanced control. We're looking for horns that allow for rapid shifts in dynamics and articulation without fighting the instrument.
Timbral Palette
Beyond just 'bright' or 'dark', we're analyzing the horn's tonal complexity - its ability to deliver a fat midrange honk, a shimmering high end without ice-pick harshness, and a solid low-end thump that doesn't get muddy.
Intonation & Stability
Pro gigs demand consistent pitch. We're evaluating intonation across the range, and how the horn responds to temperature and humidity changes on stage.
Construction & Materials
The quality of the metal, the keywork mechanism, the overall build - these impact durability, feel, and long-term reliability. Cheap corners show up quickly when you're gigging 3-4 nights a week.
Ergonomics & Keywork
Comfort and efficiency matter. We're assessing the neck profile, the action, the key placement, and the overall feel of the mechanism - does it feel like an extension of your hands, or a hindrance?
Buying guide
Okay, so you're a pro sax player. You've mastered the Selmer Mark VI chase, and now you're looking for something... different. Maybe you need a horn that cuts through a screaming rock band, or something with a vintage vibe that's not another refinished '66. This isn't about student horns; this is about instruments that demand more and offer something unique to a seasoned player's palette.
Don't chase trends. A horn that sounds great on a YouTube demo might be a nightmare in a crowded club. Try before you buy, and seriously consider a tech's opinion - they've seen it all.
Paying extra for solid keywork and a stable neck is almost always worth it; corners are typically cut on those elements, and it will show up in your playing.
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 modern horns really that different from vintage ones?
Absolutely. Modern manufacturing allows for tighter tolerances and more precise keywork, but often lacks the 'broken-in' feel and complex overtones of a truly aged vintage horn. It's a trade-off - consistency versus character.
I've heard Yanagisawa horns are the new Selmer. Is that true?
They're a strong contender, no doubt. Yanagisawa offers incredible build quality and a remarkably consistent voice. However, they lack the history and certain tonal quirks that some players crave. They're a fantastic choice, just not a direct replacement.
What about P. Mauriat? Are they worth the hype?
P. Mauriat offers a unique aesthetic and a surprisingly versatile sound, especially for their price point. However, the keywork can feel a little 'plasticky' compared to higher-end options, and the intonation can be a bit finicky. Good for exploring different sounds, less so for a serious gigging situation.
I'm looking for a saxophone that can cut through a rock band. What should I prioritize?
Brightness and projection are key. Look for horns with a slightly brighter voicing and a robust upper register. A larger bore can also help, but be mindful of potential intonation issues. Pickup voicing is also crucial - a good pickup will amplify the horn's natural character without adding unwanted coloration.
What's the deal with saxophone necks? Do they really make that much difference?
Absolutely. The neck is the tonal heart of the saxophone. Different neck materials and profiles drastically impact the horn's response, intonation, and overall character. Swapping necks is a common practice among pros to fine-tune a horn's voice.
