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Best Tenor Saxophones 2025

Top-rated tenor saxophones 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 2025

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
Yanagisawa T-WO2 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Yanagisawa T-WO2 Tenor Sax

by Yanagisawa
Rock Soul R&B
Key Feature:
• Great projection and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Iconic jazz and blues sound
  • • Perfect for solo work
✗ CONS
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort
  • • Larger and heavier than alto

Yanagisawa T-WO2 Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneProfessional modelBronze bodyBrass keysHigh F# keyC#/Bb leverAdjustable thumb...

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 365453
$4,948
Buy at Thomann View Details
Keilwerth SX 90R Tenor Sax Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Keilwerth SX 90R Tenor Sax Black

by Keilwerth
Big Band R&B Rock
Key Feature:
• Iconic jazz and blues sound
✓ PROS
  • • Classic saxophone literature
  • • Great projection and presence
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than alto models
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort

Keilwerth SX 90R Tenor Sax BlackTenor SaxophoneBody is black nickel-platedHigh-gloss polished mechanisms feature a...

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 244817
$6,488
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann Antique Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Thomann Antique Tenor Sax

by Thomann
Big Band Rock R&B
Key Feature:
• Deep, rich tenor voice
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for solo work
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than alto models
  • • Requires more air support

Thomann Antique Tenor SaxophoneTenor SaxophoneSpecial seriesHigh F# keyTilterAdjustable thumb restBrass body and...

⭐ 4.8/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 113389
$611
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YTS-82 ZUL 03 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Yamaha YTS-82 ZUL 03 Tenor Sax

by Yamaha
Blues Jazz Rock
Key Feature:
• Iconic jazz and blues sound
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for solo work
  • • Great projection and presence
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than alto models
  • • Transport case is bulky

Yamaha YTS-82 ZUL 03 Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneNew modelV1 S-bowAdjustable front F keyImproved low B/C#...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 321074
$6,488
Buy at Thomann View Details
Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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 Signature Tenor Sax SE-TSIB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Selmer Signature Tenor Sax SE-TSIB

by Selmer
Blues Big Band Soul
Key Feature:
• Perfect for solo work
✓ PROS
  • • Classic saxophone literature
  • • Great projection and presence
✗ CONS
  • • Requires more air support
  • • Larger and heavier than alto

Selmer Signature Tenor Sax SE-TSIBTenor SaxophoneKey: BbRenewal of the Selmer Series IIIEnlarged diameter of the S-bow...

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 575743
$10,064
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Tenor Sax AU - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Tenor Sax AU

by Rampone & Cazzani
Big Band R&B Jazz
Key Feature:
• Deep, rich tenor voice
✓ PROS
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
  • • Classic saxophone literature
✗ CONS
  • • Larger and heavier than alto
  • • Transport case is bulky

Rampone & Cazzani R1 Jazz Tenor Sax AUTenor SaxophoneBig boreMade of gold brass for a soft soundHand hammered...

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 229901
$8,028
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Tenor Sax

by Rampone & Cazzani
Soul Rock Big Band
Key Feature:
• Classic saxophone literature
✓ PROS
  • • Great projection and presence
  • • Classic saxophone literature
✗ CONS
  • • Requires more air support
  • • Transport case is bulky

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Tenor SaxTenor SaxophonePerformance lineNew scaleSmaller bore than the Rampone...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 511163
$3,508
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YTS-480 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Yamaha YTS-480 Tenor Sax

by Yamaha
Big Band Jazz Blues
Key Feature:
• Iconic jazz and blues sound
✓ PROS
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
  • • Classic saxophone literature
✗ CONS
  • • Larger and heavier than alto
  • • More expensive than alto models

Yamaha YTS-480Tenor SaxophoneNew modelSuccessor of the YTS-475New neck mountImproved H/ C# connectionSeparate key...

⭐ 4.6/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 279391
$2,748
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann TTS-180 Tenor Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Thomann TTS-180 Tenor Sax Set

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

Thomann TTS-180 Tenor Sax Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Thomann TTS-180 Tenor Sax*Tenor Saxophone*High F# keyFront F...

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 521450
$692
Buy at Thomann View Details
Thomann TTS-180 Vintage Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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
Rampone & Cazzani Two Voices Tenor Sax BRS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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
Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUL

by Selmer
Rock Soul Blues
Key Feature:
• Deep, rich tenor voice
✓ PROS
  • • Great projection and presence
  • • Perfect for solo work
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than alto models
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSULTenor Saxophone in BbDark gold lacquerStrong projection due to enlarged bore at the...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 564215
$11,318
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yanagisawa T-WO30 Elite Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Yanagisawa T-WO30 Elite Tenor Sax

by Yanagisawa
Rock Jazz Soul
Key Feature:
• Perfect for solo work
✓ PROS
  • • Iconic jazz and blues sound
  • • Great projection and presence
✗ CONS
  • • Requires more air support
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort

Yanagisawa T-WO30 Elite Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneElite ModelSterling Silver neck and tubeYellow brass bell and bowBrass...

⭐ 4.8/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 365456
$9,096
Buy at Thomann View Details
Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

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

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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