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Best Tenor Saxophones for Jazz 2025

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

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
Forestone RX Gold Lacquered Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Forestone RX Gold Lacquered Tenor Sax

by Forestone
Jazz Rock Big Band
Key Feature:
• Deep, rich tenor voice
✓ PROS
  • • Great projection and presence
  • • Classic saxophone literature
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than alto models
  • • Larger and heavier than alto

Forestone RX Gold Lacquered Tenor SaxBb Tenor saxophonePowerful and modern soundFlexible use - suitable for all...

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 422826
$5,664
Buy at Thomann View Details
Forestone GX Cognac Lacquered Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Forestone RX Red Brass GL Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Thomann TTS-180 Black Tenor Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Thomann TTS-180 Black Tenor Sax Set

by Thomann
Jazz Soul Rock
Key Feature:
• Classic saxophone literature
✓ PROS
  • • Iconic jazz and blues sound
  • • Perfect for solo work
✗ CONS
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort
  • • Requires more air support

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 521449
$758
Buy at Thomann View Details
Schagerl Superior Tenor Sax T-1L - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
#6

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
Thomann TTS-180 Black Tenor Saxophone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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 Unlacquered Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
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
Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#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
Selmer Supreme Tenor Sax SE-TSUM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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-TSIM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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
Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax Set

by Yamaha
R&B Rock Big Band
Key Feature:
• Perfect for solo work
✓ PROS
  • • Great projection and presence
  • • Classic saxophone literature
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than alto models
  • • Larger and heavier than alto

Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax*Tenor Saxophone*New model with improved...

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 517422
$1,792
Buy at Thomann View Details
Schagerl SuperiorPro Tenor Sax T-2L - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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 Vintage Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

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

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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