AudioFu

Best Yamaha Tenor Saxophones 2025

Premium Yamaha tenor saxophones - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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
Yamaha YTS-480S Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Yamaha YTS-280S Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YTS-62S 02 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Yamaha YTS-62 02 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Yamaha YTS-62 02 Tenor Sax

by Yamaha
Jazz R&B Rock
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-62 02 Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneNew modelHigh F# keyNew '62 S-bowImproved low B/C# connectionNew...

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 315796
$3,848
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YTS-480 Tenor Sax Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YTS-82 ZS 03 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Yamaha YTS-82 ZS 03 Tenor Sax

by Yamaha
R&B Big Band Rock
Key Feature:
• Deep, rich tenor voice
✓ PROS
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
  • • Perfect for solo work
✗ CONS
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort
  • • Transport case is bulky

Yamaha YTS-82 ZS 03 Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneNew modelV1 NeckAdjustable front F keyImproved low B-C# connectionOne-piece...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 321072
$6,488
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YTS-875 EXB 03 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Yamaha YTS-875 EXB 03 Tenor Sax

by Yamaha
Big Band Rock R&B
Key Feature:
• Deep, rich tenor voice
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for solo work
  • • Classic saxophone literature
✗ CONS
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort
  • • Transport case is bulky

Yamaha YTS-875 EXB 03 Tenor Saxophone, Tenor SaxophoneYamaha saxophones of the master class represent the ne plus ultra...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 146925
$6,818
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YTS-875 EX 03 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Yamaha YTS-875 EX 03 Tenor Sax

by Yamaha
Big Band Blues Rock
Key Feature:
• Great projection and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Great projection and presence
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
✗ CONS
  • • Transport case is bulky
  • • Requires more air support

Yamaha YTS-875 EX 03 Tenor Sax, Tenor SaxophoneYAMAHA saxophones of the master class represent the non plus ultra in...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 146924
$6,324
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YTS-480 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

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
Yamaha YTS-82 ZA Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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
Yamaha YTS-875 EXS Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Yamaha YTS-875 EXS Tenor Sax

by Yamaha
R&B Blues Soul
Key Feature:
• Perfect for solo work
✓ PROS
  • • Classic saxophone literature
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
✗ CONS
  • • Requires more air support
  • • More expensive than alto models

Yamaha YTS-875 EXS Tenor SaxophoneTenor SaxophoneMaster classAdjustable front F keyHigh F# keyAdjustable thumb...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 146926
$6,818
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Yamaha YTS-280 Tenor Sax

by Yamaha
Big Band Rock Jazz
Key Feature:
• Perfect for solo work
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for solo work
  • • Great projection and presence
✗ CONS
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort
  • • More expensive than alto models

Yamaha YTS-280Tenor SaxophoneNew model with improved neck attachment and improved low B/C# connectionBody and key...

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 279381
$1,758
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YTS-82 ZB 03 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Yamaha YTS-82 ZB 03 Tenor Sax

by Yamaha
Rock R&B Soul
Key Feature:
• Perfect for solo work
✓ PROS
  • • Iconic jazz and blues sound
  • • Classic saxophone literature
✗ CONS
  • • Larger and heavier than alto
  • • Neck strap essential for comfort

Yamaha YTS-82 ZB 03 BlackTenor SaxophoneV1 NeckAdjustable front F keyImproved low B-C# connectionOne-piece...

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 321066
$6,488
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha YTS-82 Z 03 Tenor Sax - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Yamaha YTS-82 Z 03 Tenor Sax

by Yamaha
Jazz Rock Big Band
Key Feature:
• Iconic jazz and blues sound
✓ PROS
  • • Classic saxophone literature
  • • Deep, rich tenor voice
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than alto models
  • • Transport case is bulky

Yamaha YTS-82 Z 03 Tenor SaxTenor SaxophoneV1 NeckAdjustable front F keyImproved low B-C# connectionOne-piece...

⭐ 5.0/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 335926
$6,005
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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Diatonic Harmonicas

POPULAR

Best Bb Trumpets

TOP

Best Tenor Trombones with F-Attachment

RELATED

Best Chromatic Harmonicas

TOP

Best Open Hole Flutes

RELATED

Best Alto Saxophones

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more