The Best Alto Saxophones for Beginner and Intermediate Students 2024

The alto saxophone has been a part of the modern American culture for generations. The smooth sound coming from the bowl has sustained jazz performers playing on street corners during the Great Depression hoping that someone would drop a loaf of bread by their feet.

The melodies from the best alto saxophones have resonated in jazz clubs for decades and crossed over into popular music making the saxophone an instrument to be admired, revered, and respected in all genres.

The alto saxophone is the best saxophone for beginners and if you or your child wants to become an emerging talent in the jazz world, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the best alto saxophones through alto saxophone reviews.

Some of the key questions answered in this guide are:

Top 10 Best Student Alto Saxophone Reviews for 2024

Here are the best alto saxophones 2024:

1. Yamaha YAS-280 – Best for High School Students
2. Mendini by Cecilio MAS-L – Best Cheap Alto Saxophone
3. Jean Paul AS-400 – Best for the Serious Student
4. Conn-Selmer AS711 – Best Durable for Beginners
5. Yamaha YAS-480 – Best Intermediate Alto Saxophone on a Budget
6. Selmer SAS280 La Voix II – Coolest Looking Alto Sax
7. Yamaha YAS-26 – Best Bang for Your Buck
8. Kaizer ASAX-1000LQ – Best for Young Students
9. Etude EAS-100 – Best Value Saxophone for Beginners
10. Jupiter JAS1100SG – Best Sax for Advanced Students

Yamaha YAS-280 – Best Student Alto Saxophone

The Yamaha YAS-280 student saxophone is for beginners but is a bit pricey. Students looking for the rich sound that Yamaha specializes in, can get behind this instrument, and put out some serious notes.

This alto saxophone is well built and is fit to last until the user is ready for a professional level sax. The usual ‘intermediate sax’ is unnecessary if this sax is the one you start off with. Playing small gigs and practicing with a band is perfectly fine with this model.

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This sax has an excellent action that relieves pressure against the student’s fingers and hands. It is made of quality materials that will last against normal wear and tear. The sound is similar to a professional saxophone that costs up to 6x as much. The accessories necessary to play this sax are easily accessible and affordable. It will come with a neck strap and a cleaning kit, depending where you purchase the sax. The finish is clean, smooth, and shiny and is ready to be on stage. The tabs can be a bit finnicky with saxes that were not tested properly.

The Yamaha YAS-280 is one of the best, if not the best, beginner alto saxophones. It will give you that sound you have heard on albums that brought you to want to play this beautiful instrument. This is one that will never disappoint.

Mendini by Cecilio MAS-L – Best Cheap Alto Saxophone

If you are just a beginner and, on a budget, then the Mendini by Cecilio MAS-L is the perfect instrument to start learning on.

It has everything a best alto saxophone for beginners should have at a fraction of the price. It is sold as a kit, so the user can get all the accessories needed to be able to play the sax.

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This sax has a good sound quality. It is easy to tune and will stay in tune for a long time. It is made of quality materials that will last a long time. The resale value is high when the user upgrades. Comes with a neck strap, mouthpiece, reeds, a tuner, cleaning kit, gloves, and a hard case to store everything. The price is definitely the biggest pro, considering what comes with the saxophone, and is a best seller on multiple websites among beginner saxophones. The inlays are a faux mother of pearl, which is to be expected for the price, but still a con. Although the sax is fitted with a tone booster, the sound is still a bit rich for people’s taste, but as a beginner sax, it is more than sufficient. The materials are lower quality than a more expensive saxophone.

For the beginning stages of an awesome career in playing the saxophone, this sax is a perfect, budget-friendly instrument to start making beautiful music.

It is important to note that the user will grow out of it. Which is why the price being so nice, because you can still save up for that incredible saxophone that you will use to dazzle the crowd in that underground jazz club.

Jean Paul AS-400 – Best for the Serious Student

The Jean Paul AS-400 is a mid-level alto saxophone for the serious student. The saxophone does cost more than a budget sax, so the user should be serious about sticking with learning this instrument, so that there is not a waste of time and money.

This Jean Paul AS-400 alto saxophone is popular and easy to play the smooth jazz and blues like a professional.

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Offered in two finishes, a standard brass with lacquer, and a silver lacquer finish, which both are professional and clean looking. Sound and tone are spot on with the better saxophones that are far more expensive. This sax is easy to tune and stays in tune while you jam with the band, practice classical solos, or play along with your favorite record. The action is smooth and gives your hands the relief they need to play for hours. Comes with a list of accessories needed to play the instrument right out of the box. Includes a reed, neck strap, carrying case, mouthpiece, cork grease, cleaning kit, gloves, and swabs. The key placement makes it easy to take on as many notes in a small amount of time, which classical artists need, as well as other musical styles.

This is a saxophone for the beginner or even intermediate players in any genre. The price is great for people on a budget. The company has really taken an interest in providing quality saxophones that rival professional level instruments.

Their customer service is top-notch as well, if in the event that there is a problem, they will work hard to send you replacement parts for repairs, so that you do not miss a lesson.

Conn-Selmer AS711 – Best Durable for Beginners

The AS711 by Conn-Selmer is a Prelude student model and the perfect alto saxophone for beginner players.

The body features a yellow brass finish with clear lacquer and is especially designed for students to learn accurate and comfortable hand positioning and key fingering techniques.

This affordable option for students is an entry-level alto saxophone that combines value and performance. The AS711 is also lightweight at only 3 pounds.

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Affordable budget option for students and beginner alto saxophone players. Comes with a case, mouthpiece, cap and ligature. Durable. Easy to play. High F#, rocking table keys, and articulated C#. Ribbed construction and a detachable body to boy connection that is reinforced for strength and durability. Tone is not always uniform in all registers. The mouthpiece is very basic and some musicians will prefer to purchase an upgraded mouthpiece separately.

Conn-Selmer is a brand that can be trusted and relied upon to produce high quality beginner or student level alto saxophones. Some consumers have reported air leaks, delayed shipments from China, and issues with the tone; however, you can’t beat the price and quality for a student level instrument.

Yamaha YAS-480 – Best Intermediate Alto Saxophone on a Budget

The Yamaha YAS-480 is an intermediate alto saxophone that is perfect for the high school or college student who is performing in concert or jazz band, in a symphony, or starting their very first jazz band with friends.

The design is inspired by the high-end Yamaha saxophones and features quick response with very accurate intonation. This instrument carries a more mature sound because of the 62-style professional style neck. Musicians also have the option of using the Custom Z or Custom EX Yamaha necks.

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Silver plated. Highly accurate intonation. Quick response. Warm tone. Hand-engraved pattern on the bell. 62-style neck included. Separate key guards with adjustable screw cap stoppers. Left hand seesaw key designed for increase playability and comfort. Improved low B-C# mechanism from previous models. Soft, padded case rather than hard shell (this can be a pro for those preferring a lightweight and easy to carry case). Pricier model for students who are still in school.

If you’re taking saxophone playing seriously and looking to upgrade your student model, the Yamaha YAS-480 alto saxophone is a great choice that can carry you into professional playing as well.

Don’t let the price scare you away, this saxophone is extremely durable and well made and should last you a long time. Warranties are also included from Yamaha.

Selmer SAS280 La Voix II – Coolest Looking Alto Sax

If you’re looking for a super cool, stylish, alto saxophone that will draw attention, look no further than the Selmer SAS280 La Voix II alto saxophone.

This intermediate saxophone is plated with black nickel which gives it a much edgier look than the traditional brass or silver-plated saxophones.

This Selmer saxophone also features fluid keywork with perfect intonation and a traditional sized bell. A focused tone with a blended sound is exactly what you’ll achieve with the SAS280 La Voix II.

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Awesome look that will make you stand out from the band. Perfect intonation. Great key fluidity. Professional key styling for accurate fingering. Consistent from low end to altissimo. Faux leather custom backpack style case included. Mouth piece, cap, and ligature included. Tone can get wild when switching registers but can be controlled by an experienced alto saxophone player.

The list of cons for the Selmer SAS280 La Voix II is super short because Selmer is known for their high-quality instruments.

This amazing alto saxophone is the perfect choice for the student who is ready to step up to a more professional sounding instrument or the semi-pro player who wants the quality of a professional grade instrument without the price tag of one.

Yamaha YAS-26 – Best Bang for Your Buck

The Yamaha YAS-26 alto saxophone is a great choice for beginner students who love the saxophone and plan to play for a long time. This model is not a cheap alto saxophone, but it is a great investment into your musical future.

The YAS-26 is an entry-level saxophone that combines state-of-the-art production with the design of a higher end professional Yamaha saxophone. The tone and response of the alto saxophone for beginners is surprisingly accurate and fast.

There are several new features to this model including an improved B-C# connection, redesigned neck receiver that makes playing easy and comfortable, and an adjustable thumb rest.

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Newly designed neck receiver with better, more durable screws. Adjustable thumb rest. Nickel plated keys. Improved B-C# connection. Amazing durability. Lightweight at only 11.68 pounds. Includes strap, neck, and mouthpiece. Includes case. The mouthpiece is a student beginner model and may not be comfortable for more advanced players.

The Yamaha YAS-26 is a great model for students that is a step above cheap alto saxophones that are only a few hundred dollars.

While you are going to spend more on this entry-level saxophone, the instrument itself is comparable to many saxophones that are considered intermediate from other manufacturers.

The reliability and reputation of Yamaha make this alto saxophone the best bang for your buck if you plan to play long term.

Kaizer ASAX-1000LQ – Best for Young Students

The Kaizer ASAX-1000LQ is arguably the best cheap alto saxophone on the market and is certainly the best alto saxophone under $500.

For a beginner, spending thousands on a sax is just not realistic. These budget-friendly saxophones are perfect for diving into the world Adolphe Sax invented and discovering the beauty of its sound.

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This saxophone is sold with a long list of accessories that certainly enhance the user’s experience with the product. The sax comes with a case molded to the sax, which provides solid protection when moving and storing it, a ligature set with mouthpiece, and a cleaning kit complete with gloves for maintenance. The company provides a refund guarantee for 45 days, going beyond most stores and websites that offer less, or even a no refund policy. This product comes with a lifetime warranty, no matter if it is bought by one user, then sold to another, as the warranty stays with the product, not the person. It is made with a solid brass body with enhanced tonality for a better-quality sound from a budget sax. This sax does have a fast action, great response, pro pads that give the product intonation control, and is designed with the classical player in mind. Some users have experienced air leaks throughout the product, resulting in a broken saxophone, and had to use their lifetime warranty to receive another product. It is common for people to report that the metal of the sax is too soft, and the sound quality diminishes because of this.

This saxophone is for students just starting in band and parents who are in the situation where they just do not know if their child will stick with playing the instrument. Buying a budget alto sax is the smart way to go for learning the remarkable instrument.

The adult who wants something to use for practice at home, and does not worry much about the sound quality, will also enjoy playing this basic alto saxophone.

Etude EAS-100 – Best Value Saxophone for Beginners

The Etude EAS-100 student saxophone is specifically designed for students. The alto saxophone has excellent tone production and comes with everything a student needs to get started learning including a case, mouthpiece, ligature, and care products.

The EAS-100 is already set up perfectly to take it right out of the case and play. You can generally find one of these saxophones brand new for only a few hundred dollars, making it an affordable instrument which is also constructed for durability.

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Excellent tone. Ready to play. Comes with all the extras you need such as neck strap, case, and reeds. Brightly colored lacquer finish. Durable. Lightweight at around 10 pounds. Neck strap is short. You’ll want to upgrade to better reads and possibly a different mouthpiece.

The Etude EAS-100 student alto sax has the best overall value for students who are picking up an instrument for the first time. The construction is durable and at less than $500 students can make this saxophone investment go a long way.

Jupiter JAS1100SG – Best Sax for Advanced Students

When you’re ready to make the jump from student/beginner to intermediate alto saxophone player you need an instrument that can provide the great jazz tones you’re looking to produce.

The Jupiter JAS1100SG intermediate alto saxophone has a silver plated Sona-Pure neck that was made with artisan tooling and annealing to create a dark, vintage tone. The brass body is also silver plated and has excellent playability with contoured left-hand table keys and a tilting Bb rocker arm for comfort and added agility.

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Excellent vintage jazz zone. Stylish and sophisticated body and neck. Enhanced playability. Extremely comfortable fingering. High F#, front F, tilting G#-Bb table keys. Upper and lower stack adjustable. Artists series wood framed case included. Cost of more than $2,000 can make this instrument an unrealistic option for some alto saxophone players or students.

Jupiter has been making musical instruments since the 1930s and is one of the biggest distributers of instruments for schools in the world. They specialize in woodwind and brass instruments that are durable, reliable, and easy to learn to play on.

This intermediate Eb alto saxophone by Jupiter is perfect for advanced students or semi-professional adult players.

Short Guide to Alto Saxophones

An alto saxophone is a woodwind instrument that is pitched in E flat. The alto sax is the most common saxophone to play with the other options being a tenor saxophone (larger than an alto) or a soprano saxophone (smaller than an alto).

The fingering positions on each type of saxophone are the same, so you’ll never have to worry about learning new notes, only the sound and size will be different.

Why is the Alto Saxophone the Best Type for Beginners?

The alto saxophone is the best type of saxophone for beginners because they are the most common. When you are starting out on your alto saxophone journey, you’ll need to become familiar with the sound of the saxophone by listening to music, especially jazz, and you’re most likely to hear an alto saxophone.

If you’re a junior high or high school student playing in the concert, jazz, or marching band, your school will most likely start all saxophone players on the alto saxophone anyway.

How Much to Spend on Your First Alto Saxophone?

How much you spend on your first alto saxophone depends on your level of commitment and your budget.

New alto saxophones that are student models can average around $300 and these are great cheap saxophones for kids who don’t know whether or not they will continue playing alto saxophone, or music at all, as they grow older.

Adult beginners should consider putting a little more money into their alto saxophone so that they are learning on an instrument with great sound quality and durability.

Professional alto saxophones can run thousands of dollars, but we suggest you limit your spending to under $1,000 when you’re purchasing the very first saxophone.

What are the Best Alto Saxophones Brands?

There are five popular brands that are the best alto saxophone brands for students. All of these brands offer professional quality alto saxophones as well so upgrading when you are ready will be no problem.

Here are the best saxophone brands for beginners:

1. Conn-Selmer

The merger between Conn and Selmer may have been the best thing to happen to jazz music. The Conn brand dates back to the 19th century and jazz legends such as John Coltrane, Paul Desmond, and others swear by the Selmer as the best alto saxophone.

The Conn-Selmer company produces all ranges of saxophone and are revered for their longevity, quality of tone and sound, and hand made professional instruments.

2. Yamaha

If you’re a student in school the Yamaha brand is probably the most popular brand you’ll find at your school or local music shop.

Yamaha has been producing high quality student instruments at a great price for a long time and is the best alto saxophone brand for kids and students who are just finding an interest in the alto saxophone.

3. Mendini by Cecilio

If you’re looking for a cheap alto saxophone or a saxophone on a budget, the Mendini by Cecilio brand is a good option for you. These alto saxophones are available through Amazon and are known for being a decently constructed instrument for the lowest price available.

4. Yanagisawa

Founded as a brasswind company at the end of the 19th century, Yanagisawa has been producing high-quality professional grade saxophones for years.

One difference these saxophones have from other manufacturers is the bronze build that creates a warmer and more resonate tone than its competitors.

You may struggle to find a student model in this brand, but if you’re serious about the saxophone, you’ll love the sound quality from a Yanagisawa.

5. Jupiter

Quickly becoming one of the largest musical instrument producers in the world, Jupiter was established in 1930 and offers a full line of quality instruments available to schools and individual musicians.

Jupiter is known for their high-quality instruments, even at the student level because all of their plants are company owned, no part of the manufacturing process is outsourced which ensures consistent quality and reliable instruments.

Conclusion

Still want an alto saxophone? Of course, you want an alto saxophone, how else are you going to rock the jazz clubs and become a legend in the music industry?

Hopefully this guide is helpful enough to get you on the right track to purchasing the best beginner saxophone for your needs, wants, and desires.