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Best Tenor Saxophones 2026

Top-rated tenor saxophones 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

PRICE RANGES: 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 Rock For Soul For R&B For Big Band
BRANDS: Thomann Yamaha Selmer Yanagisawa Schagerl
Rampone & Cazzani Two Voices Tenor Sax BRS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Rampone & Cazzani Two Voices Tenor Sax BRS

by Rampone & Cazzani
Big Band Rock Blues
Key Feature:
• Deep, rich tenor voice
✓ PROS
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
  • • Classic saxophone literature
✗ CONS
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort
  • • More expensive than alto models

Rampone & Cazzani Two Voices Tenor Sax BRSTenor SaxophoneHand-engraved special modelBronze bodySterling silver...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 288765
$10,448
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rampone & Cazzani Solista Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Rampone & Cazzani Solista Tenor Sax

by Rampone & Cazzani
Soul R&B Blues
Key Feature:
• Iconic jazz and blues sound
✓ PROS
  • • Iconic jazz and blues sound
  • • Perfect for solo work
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than alto models
  • • Larger and heavier than alto

Rampone & Cazzani Solista Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneLarge boreBody and S-bow made of copperBrass keysGold-plated...

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 591602
$9,184
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yanagisawa T-WO20 Elite Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Yanagisawa T-WO20 Elite Tenor Sax

by Yanagisawa
Big Band Rock Soul
Key Feature:
• Classic saxophone literature
✓ PROS
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
  • • Iconic jazz and blues sound
✗ CONS
  • • Requires more air support
  • • Larger and heavier than alto

Yanagisawa T-WO20 Elite Tenor SaxophoneTenor SaxophoneElite ModelBronze bodyBrass keysHigh F# keyC#/Bb and B/C#...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 365455
$6,357
Buy at Thomann View Details
Keilwerth SX 90R Vintage Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Keilwerth SX 90R Vintage Tenor Sax

by Keilwerth
Blues Big Band Jazz
Key Feature:
• Great projection and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Great projection and presence
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
✗ CONS
  • • Larger and heavier than alto
  • • Requires more air support

Keilwerth SX 90R Vintage Tenor SaxophoneVintage Tenor SaxophoneUntreated bodyClear lacquer finishMechanisms: Matte...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 192614
$5,828
Buy at Thomann View Details
Schagerl SuperiorPro Tenor Sax T-2L - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Schagerl SuperiorPro Tenor Sax T-2L

by Schagerl
Rock Blues R&B
Key Feature:
• Perfect for solo work
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for solo work
  • • Classic saxophone literature
✗ CONS
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort
  • • Larger and heavier than alto

Schagerl SuperiorPro Tenor Sax T-2L, Tenor Saxophone, With high F# key, Captivates with improved playability and sturdy...

⭐ 5.0/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 473640
$3,156
Buy at Thomann View Details
BetterSax Classic Tenor Saxophone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

BetterSax Classic Tenor Saxophone

by BetterSax
Blues Big Band Jazz
Key Feature:
• Deep, rich tenor voice
✓ PROS
  • • Classic saxophone literature
  • • Perfect for solo work
✗ CONS
  • • Transport case is bulky
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort

BetterSax Classic Tenor SaxophoneTenor SaxophoneProfessional boreOctave key inspired by King and Yanagisawa...

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 586859
$1,538
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann TTS-180 Vintage Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Thomann TTS-180 Vintage Tenor Sax

by Thomann
Soul Jazz Rock
Key Feature:
• Deep, rich tenor voice
✓ PROS
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
  • • Great projection and presence
✗ CONS
  • • Requires more air support
  • • Transport case is bulky

Thomann TTS-180 Vintage Tenor SaxophoneTenor SaxophoneHigh F# keyFront F keyBodyneckand mechanical parts made from...

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 475546
$637
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YTS-82 Z 03 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Yamaha YTS-82 Z 03 Tenor Sax

by Yamaha
Jazz Rock Big Band
Key Feature:
• Iconic jazz and blues sound
✓ PROS
  • • Classic saxophone literature
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than alto models
  • • Transport case is bulky

Yamaha YTS-82 Z 03 Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneV1 NeckAdjustable front F keyImproved low B-C# connectionOne-piece...

⭐ 5.0/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 335926
$6,005
Buy at Thomann View Details
Selmer Axos Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Selmer Axos Tenor Sax

by Selmer
R&B Blues Big Band
Key Feature:
• Great projection and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Great projection and presence
  • • Classic saxophone literature
✗ CONS
  • • Transport case is bulky
  • • More expensive than alto models

Selmer Axos Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneBody and mechanism made of brassNarrow scaleHigh F# keyTilter low BbLeather...

⭐ 4.9/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 511289
$4,508
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann MK I Handmade Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Thomann MK I Handmade Tenor Sax

by Thomann
Jazz R&B Soul
Key Feature:
• Deep, rich tenor voice
✓ PROS
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
  • • Classic saxophone literature
✗ CONS
  • • Requires more air support
  • • Larger and heavier than alto

Thomann MK I Handmade Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneGold brass bodyHigh F# keyArtistic engravingBody: Black...

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 226877
$1,648
Buy at Thomann View Details
Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUP

by Selmer
Soul Blues Rock
Key Feature:
• Perfect for solo work
✓ PROS
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
  • • Perfect for solo work
✗ CONS
  • • Transport case is bulky
  • • Requires more air support

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUPBb Tenor SaxophoneBody and keys patinatedStrong projection due to enlarged bore at the...

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 564225
$12,968
Buy at Thomann View Details
Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUB

by Selmer
Rock Soul Blues
Key Feature:
• Deep, rich tenor voice
✓ PROS
  • • Iconic jazz and blues sound
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
✗ CONS
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort
  • • Transport case is bulky

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUBBb Tenor SaxophoneBlack lacquer finish bodyStrong projection due to enlarged bore at...

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 564224
$12,088
Buy at Thomann View Details
Hamaril Saxophone Set 4 Tenor - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Hamaril Saxophone Set 4 Tenor

by Hamaril
Blues Big Band R&B
Key Feature:
• Deep, rich tenor voice
✓ PROS
  • • Classic saxophone literature
  • • Iconic jazz and blues sound
✗ CONS
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort
  • • Requires more air support

Hamaril Saxophone Set 4 Tenor*Bundle offer comprising*, Jupiter JTS700Q Tenor Sax*Bb Tenor Saxophone*Brass body and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 422774
$1,682
Buy at Thomann View Details
Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Tenor Sax

by Forestone
Big Band Soul Jazz
Key Feature:
• Perfect for solo work
✓ PROS
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
  • • Classic saxophone literature
✗ CONS
  • • Requires more air support
  • • More expensive than alto models

Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Tenor SaxBb Tenor SaxophoneMaterial: BrassFlanged tone holesHand-engraved bellPisoni...

⭐ 4.8/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 570962
$3,838
Buy at Thomann View Details
Schagerl SuperiorPro Tenor Sax T-2V - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Schagerl SuperiorPro Tenor Sax T-2V

by Schagerl
Soul Rock Jazz
Key Feature:
• Iconic jazz and blues sound
✓ PROS
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
  • • Perfect for solo work
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than alto models
  • • Requires more air support

Schagerl SuperiorPro Tenor Sax T-2VTenor SaxophoneHigh F# keyBrass "Vintage"UnvarnishedThis saxophone...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 473642
$3,266
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Tenor 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 tenor 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.

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