Best Tenor Saxophones Under $5,000 2025

Affordable tenor saxophones under $5,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 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

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

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Yanagisawa T-WO1 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Yanagisawa T-WO1 Tenor Sax

by Yanagisawa

Blues Jazz Rock

Key Feature:

• Iconic jazz and blues sound

✓ PROS

• Great projection and presence
• Deep, rich tenor voice

✗ CONS

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

Yanagisawa T-WO1 Tenor SaxophoneTenor SaxophoneProfessional modelBrass body and keysHigh F# keyC#/Bb leverHand...

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 365452

$4,168

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Thomann Custom Line TLBGMG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Thomann Custom Line TLBGMG

by Thomann

Rock Blues Soul

Key Feature:

• Great projection and presence

✓ PROS

• Great projection and presence
• Perfect for solo work

✗ CONS

• Requires more air support
• Transport case is bulky

Thomann Custom Line TLBGMGTenor SaxophoneWith gold matte lacquered bodyGold lacquered mechanismWide scale length with...

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 165435

$2,308

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Yamaha YTS-280S Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha YTS-280S Tenor Sax

by Yamaha

Blues R&B Big Band

Key Feature:

• Classic saxophone literature

✓ PROS

• Deep, rich tenor voice
• Great projection and presence

✗ CONS

• Larger and heavier than alto
• Transport case is bulky

Yamaha YTS-280STenor SaxophoneSchool modelNew model with improved neck attachment and improved low B/C#...

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 279386

$2,198

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Yanagisawa T-WO2 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

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

Selmer Axos Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 Tenor Sax 66FV-EC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Schagerl Tenor Sax 66FV-EC

by Schagerl

Rock Soul Blues

Key Feature:

• Perfect for solo work

✓ PROS

• Classic saxophone literature
• Iconic jazz and blues sound

✗ CONS

• Transport case is bulky
• Larger and heavier than alto

Schagerl Tenor Sax 66FV-ECTenor SaxophoneEuropean CustomizedProfessional SeriesBrass bodyVintage unvarnishedSpecial...

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 530011

$4,641

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Thomann Custom Line Bronze TLBBZG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Thomann Custom Line Bronze TLBBZG

by Thomann

Rock Blues Jazz

Key Feature:

• Perfect for solo work

✓ PROS

• Perfect for solo work
• Great projection and presence

✗ CONS

• More expensive than alto models
• Transport case is bulky

Thomann Custom Line Bronze TLBBZGTenor SaxophoneBronze bodyClear lacqueredWide scale with 160 mm bellHigh F# keyFrench...

⭐ 5.0/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 165437

$2,418

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Yamaha YTS-480 Tenor Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha YTS-480 Tenor Sax Set

by Yamaha

Soul Jazz R&B

Key Feature:

• Deep, rich tenor voice

✓ PROS

• Classic saxophone literature
• Perfect for solo work

✗ CONS

• Transport case is bulky
• Requires more air support

Yamaha YTS-480 Tenor Sax Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Yamaha YTS-480 Tenor Sax*Tenor Saxophone*New modelSuccessor of...

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 544193

$2,771

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Yamaha YTS-62S 02 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha YTS-62S 02 Tenor Sax

by Yamaha

R&B Big Band Blues

Key Feature:

• Deep, rich tenor voice

✓ PROS

• Perfect for solo work
• Iconic jazz and blues sound

✗ CONS

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

Yamaha YTS-62S 02 Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneNew modelHigh F# keyNew '62 S-bowImproved deep B/C# connectionNew...

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 321091

$4,288

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

#11

⭐ 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

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Thomann Custom Line TSBBG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Thomann Custom Line TSBBG

by Thomann

Blues R&B Jazz

Key Feature:

• Iconic jazz and blues sound

✓ PROS

• Perfect for solo work
• Classic saxophone literature

✗ CONS

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

Thomann Custom Line TSBBGTenor SaxophoneBlack nickel-plated bodyGold lacquered mechanicsStandard scaleHigh f# keyFrench...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 165434

$2,408

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Yamaha YTS-62A 02 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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

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

#14

⭐ 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

Yamaha YTS-480S Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha YTS-480S Tenor Sax

by Yamaha

Soul R&B Jazz

Key Feature:

• Deep, rich tenor voice

✓ PROS

• Deep, rich tenor voice
• Great projection and presence

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 279392

$3,188

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 Under $5,000 2025

Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line Tenor Sax

Yanagisawa T-WO1 Tenor Sax

Thomann Custom Line TLBGMG

Yamaha YTS-280S Tenor Sax

Yanagisawa T-WO2 Tenor Sax

Selmer Axos Tenor Sax

Schagerl Tenor Sax 66FV-EC

Thomann Custom Line Bronze TLBBZG

Yamaha YTS-480 Tenor Sax Set

Yamaha YTS-62S 02 Tenor Sax

Schagerl Superior Tenor Sax T-1L

Thomann Custom Line TSBBG

Yamaha YTS-62A 02 Tenor Sax

Schagerl SuperiorPro Tenor Sax T-2V

Yamaha YTS-480S Tenor Sax

How to Choose the Best Tenor Saxophones

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying tenor saxophones?

How much should I spend on tenor saxophones?

Are expensive tenor saxophones worth the investment?

What are the best brands for tenor saxophones?

Should I buy tenor saxophones online or in-store?

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