Best Tenor Saxophones for Big Band 2026

Perfect tenor saxophones for big-band - 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

BetterSax Classic Tenor Saxophone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 Vintage Tenor Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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

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

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

Startone STS-75 Tenor Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Startone STS-75 Tenor Sax Set

by Startone

Jazz Soul Blues

Key Feature:

• Iconic jazz and blues sound

✓ PROS

• Classic saxophone literature
• Iconic jazz and blues sound

✗ CONS

• Transport case is bulky
• Larger and heavier than alto

Startone STS-75 Tenor Sax Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Startone STS-75 Tenor Sax*Tenor Saxophone*With high F# keyWith...

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 517829

$648

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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

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-TSIB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Selmer Axos Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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

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

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

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

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

Thomann TTS-180 Black Tenor Saxophone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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

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

#14

⭐ 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

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

#15

⭐ 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

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 Big Band 2026

BetterSax Classic Tenor Saxophone

Thomann TTS-180 Vintage Tenor Sax Set

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUP

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Tenor Sax

Forestone RX Unlacquered Tenor Sax

Startone STS-75 Tenor Sax Set

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUB

Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUM

Selmer Signature Tenor Sax SE-TSIB

Selmer Axos Tenor Sax

Schagerl SuperiorPro Tenor Sax T-2V

Schagerl SuperiorPro Tenor Sax T-2L

Thomann TTS-180 Black Tenor Saxophone

Forestone RX Red Brass GL Tenor Sax

Selmer Signature Tenor Sax SE-TSIP

How to Choose the Best Tenor Saxophones

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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