Best Tenor Saxophones for Beginner 2026

Perfect tenor saxophones for beginner - easy to play and learn on

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

Forestone RX Red Brass GL Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Forestone RX Red Brass GL Tenor Sax

by Forestone

Jazz R&B Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic saxophone literature

✓ PROS

• Classic saxophone literature
• Deep, rich tenor voice

✗ CONS

• Transport case is bulky
• Neck strap essential for comfort

Forestone RX Red Brass GL Tenor SaxBb Tenor SaxophoneMaterial: BrassFinish: Copper lacqueredFlanged tone...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 570959

$6,368

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha YTS-82 ZA Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Yamaha YTS-82 ZA Tenor Sax

by Yamaha

R&B Big Band Rock

Key Feature:

• Great projection and presence

✓ PROS

• Perfect for solo work
• Classic saxophone literature

✗ CONS

• Neck strap essential for comfort
• More expensive than alto models

Yamaha YTS-82 ZA Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneBrass body with amber lacquer finishV1 S-bowAdjustable front F keyImproved low...

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 579076

$7,258

Buy at Thomann View Details

Forestone RX Unlacquered Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Forestone RX Unlacquered Tenor Sax

by Forestone

Blues Big Band R&B

Key Feature:

• Classic saxophone literature

✓ PROS

• Great projection and presence
• Classic saxophone literature

✗ CONS

• Requires more air support
• More expensive than alto models

Forestone RX Unlacquered Tenor SaxBb Tenor SaxophonePowerful and modern soundFlexible use - suitable for all...

⭐ 4.6/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 422827

$5,664

Buy at Thomann View Details

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

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-62A 02 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha YTS-62A 02 Tenor Sax

by Yamaha

Soul Blues Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic saxophone literature

✓ PROS

• Iconic jazz and blues sound
• Perfect for solo work

✗ CONS

• Transport case is bulky
• Larger and heavier than alto

Yamaha YTS-62A 02 Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneBrass body with amber lacquer finish62 S-bow2-piecehand-engraved...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 590651

$4,388

Buy at Thomann View Details

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUM

by Selmer

Soul R&B Big Band

Key Feature:

• Classic saxophone literature

✓ PROS

• Iconic jazz and blues sound
• Deep, rich tenor voice

✗ CONS

• Transport case is bulky
• Requires more air support

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUMTenor Saxophone in BbBody: MatteStrong projection due to enlarged bore at the S-bowNew...

⭐ 4.4/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 564223

$12,968

Buy at Thomann View Details

Selmer Signature Tenor Sax SE-TSIP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Selmer Signature Tenor Sax SE-TSIP

by Selmer

Big Band R&B Rock

Key Feature:

• Perfect for solo work

✓ PROS

• Iconic jazz and blues sound
• Great projection and presence

✗ CONS

• More expensive than alto models
• Larger and heavier than alto

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 575741

$10,064

Buy at Thomann View Details

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUS

by Selmer

Blues Soul Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great projection and presence

✓ PROS

• Deep, rich tenor voice
• Iconic jazz and blues sound

✗ CONS

• Transport case is bulky
• More expensive than alto models

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUSBb Tenor SaxophoneSilver-platedStrong projection due to enlarged bore at the S-bowNew...

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 564222

$13,079

Buy at Thomann View Details

Schagerl Superior Tenor Sax T-1L - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Schagerl Superior Tenor Sax T-1L

by Schagerl

Rock Jazz Soul

Key Feature:

• Deep, rich tenor voice

✓ PROS

• Deep, rich tenor voice
• Perfect for solo work

✗ CONS

• Transport case is bulky
• Neck strap essential for comfort

Schagerl Superior Tenor Sax. T-1LTenor saxophoneWith high F# fkeyBrassGold lacqueredElaborate engravingEasy...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 473638

$2,496

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann TTS-180 Vintage Tenor Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 5.0/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Thomann TTS-180 Vintage Tenor Sax Set

by Thomann

R&B Big Band Soul

Key Feature:

• Iconic jazz and blues sound

✓ PROS

• Iconic jazz and blues sound
• Classic saxophone literature

✗ CONS

• More expensive than alto models
• Neck strap essential for comfort

Thomann TTS-180 Vintage Tenor Sax Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Thomann TTS-180 Vintage Tenor Sax*Tenor Saxophone*High...

⭐ 5.0/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 521452

$791

Buy at Thomann View Details

Selmer Signature Tenor Sax SE-TSIM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Selmer Signature Tenor Sax SE-TSIM

by Selmer

Big Band Blues Jazz

Key Feature:

• Iconic jazz and blues sound

✓ PROS

• Deep, rich tenor voice
• Iconic jazz and blues sound

✗ CONS

• Larger and heavier than alto
• Requires more air support

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 575740

$10,064

Buy at Thomann View Details

Schagerl SuperiorPro Tenor Sax T-2L - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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 Black Tenor Saxophone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Thomann TTS-180 Black Tenor Saxophone

by Thomann

Soul Jazz R&B

Key Feature:

• Iconic jazz and blues sound

✓ PROS

• Perfect for solo work
• Deep, rich tenor voice

✗ CONS

• Larger and heavier than alto
• Neck strap essential for comfort

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 475547

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Selmer Signature Tenor Sax SE-TSIB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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

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.

Best Tenor Saxophones for Beginner 2026

Forestone RX Red Brass GL Tenor Sax

Yamaha YTS-82 ZA Tenor Sax

Forestone RX Unlacquered Tenor Sax

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Tenor Sax

Yamaha YTS-62A 02 Tenor Sax

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUM

Selmer Signature Tenor Sax SE-TSIP

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUS

Schagerl Superior Tenor Sax T-1L

Thomann TTS-180 Vintage Tenor Sax Set

Selmer Signature Tenor Sax SE-TSIM

Schagerl SuperiorPro Tenor Sax T-2L

BetterSax Classic Tenor Saxophone

Thomann TTS-180 Black Tenor Saxophone

Selmer Signature Tenor Sax SE-TSIB

How to Choose the Best Tenor Saxophones

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

Best Diatonic Harmonicas

Best Bb Trumpets

Best Tenor Trombones with F-Attachment

Best Chromatic Harmonicas

Best Open Hole Flutes

Best Alto Saxophones

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies