Best tenor saxophones

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Oct 6, 2022

The www.playersbenchmusic.com editors have carefully selected the top 28 tenor saxophones out there. Below you'll find our detailed reviews of the best options from CODN, Cheerock, VANPHY.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Yamaha YTS-875EX Custom Tenor Saxophone Lacquer
#TOP 1
Yamaha YTS-875EX Custom Tenor Saxophone Lacquer
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Yamaha YTS-480 Intermediate Bb Tenor Saxophone Lacquer
#TOP 2
Yamaha YTS-480 Intermediate Bb Tenor Saxophone Lacquer
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Yamaha YTS-62 III Professional Tenor Saxophone
#TOP 3
Yamaha YTS-62 III Professional Tenor Saxophone
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Top 28 Best tenor saxophones Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Yamaha YTS-875EX Custom Tenor Saxophone Lacquer

Yamaha

Features

  • Improved key and hook placement for greater comfort
  • New smaller cup diameter for better response and resonance
  • Redesigned left-hand pinky keys provide extraordinary comfort and quick response
  • Smaller C, C#, D & E tonehole diameters for better intonation
  • Custom handmade G3 neck improves intonation
#TOP 2

Yamaha YTS-480 Intermediate Bb Tenor Saxophone Lacquer

Yamaha

Features

  • Quick response
  • Compatible with other necks
  • Warm tone
  • New key guard
  • Hand engraving
#TOP 3

Yamaha YTS-62 III Professional Tenor Saxophone

Yamaha

Features

  • with 62-style Neck
  • Case - Silver-plated
  • Bb Ten Saxophone
  • Integrated Key Posts
  • Professional Neck Receiver
#TOP 4

Selmer TS44 Professional Tenor Saxophone Lacquer

SELMER

Features

  • Drawn tone holes, ribbed mounting
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Leather pads
  • Engraved bell
  • Great sound and playing feel
#TOP 5

Selmer Paris Series II Model 54 Jubilee Edition Tenor Saxophone 54JU

Selmer Paris

Features

  • The S125 Anniversary mouthpiece offers dynamic aesthetics and an optimized acoustic resonance Gold tone lacquer offers more warmth and presence A new style of outline engraving highlights a thinner, more elegant and elaborate design from the bell to the bow, with Henri Selmer's signature on the connecting ring. A redesigned octave neck key has a lighter mechanism and subtly thinner outlines The bow-to-bow ring displays the original signature of Henri Selmer 100% French manuf
#TOP 6

Yamaha YTS-26 Student Tenor Saxophone

Yamaha

Features

  • Nickel-plated Keys
  • Case - Gold Lacquer
  • with Stard Neck
  • Intermediate-style Neck Receiver
  • Bb Ten Saxophone
#TOP 7

Jean Paul USA Silver-Plated Intermediate Tenor Saxophone TS-400SP

Jean Paul USA

Features

  • Key of Bb and Includes high F# and front F keys for an even wider tonal range
  • Includes robust contoured Premium Carrying Case with contoured ABS molded padded interior and reinforced hardware
  • Beautiful brass body construction with silver-plated finish
  • Lovely engraved bell pattern for and extra touch of quality and class
  • Included accessories: one Rico reed 2. 5, cork grease, cleaning cloth, professional mouthpiece, and D'addario's Rico H ligature
#TOP 8

Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player


Features

#TOP 9

Jean Paul USA Tenor Saxophone

Jean Paul USA

Features

  • Key of Bb with power forged and tapered pivot keys for easy playability
  • Included accessories: one Rico reed, Premium Carrying Case, Cork Grease, Cleaning Cloth and Mouthpiece
  • Includes robust contoured Premium Carrying Case with contoured ABS molded padded interior and reinforced hardware
  • Beautiful yellow brass body construction with lacquer finish
  • Engraved bell pattern for and extra touch of quality and class
#TOP 10

HIUHIU Tenor Saxophone Black Tenor Sax Top Professional Musical Instrument

HIUHIU

Features

  • Type: Falling Tune B (C)
  • Head Material: Bakelite
  • Tone: BB
  • Surface Material: Nickel Plated
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • Body Material: Brass
#TOP 11

Roland AE-10G Aerophone Digital Wind Instrument

Roland

Features

  • Mouthpiece features sensitive breath sensor with reed structure for friendly playing feel and control over techniques like Vibrato and Pitch
  • Onboard monitor speakers and Headphones output for playing anytime, anywhere
  • Battery operation (6 x AA) for up to seven hours of continuous play
  • Roland latest Synth sounds on board, optimized for breath control
  • Wide variety of additional acoustic sounds include wind instruments (clarinet, flute, and trumpet) and string instruments (violin)
  • Realistic and expressive saxophone sounds include soprano, Alto, tenor, and baritone, all instantly transposable to any key with no fingering stress
  • Input for Connecting a smartphone or music player for playing along with backing music
  • Easy operation with display for selecting sounds and settings
  • Fingering compatible with an acoustic saxophone
  • Choose from Alto, tenor, soprano, and baritone sax types that all respond just like their acoustic counterparts
#TOP 12

Apollo Student Tenor Saxophone in gold lacquer

Apollo

Features

  • Premium leather pads with metal resonators
  • Yellow Brass Neck, Body tube, Bow and Bell finished in Honey Gold Lacquer
  • Blued Steel Springs
  • Yellow Brass keys finished in Honey Gold Lacquer
  • Standard-class Tenor Saxophone in key of Bb
  • High quality plastic mouthpiece, complete with cap, ligature and Rico reed
  • U.S. designed, tested, and supported
  • Protective 2nd generation neck plug
  • Purchase includes backpack-style protective case with shoulder strap and Apollo premium accessory package including neckstrap, cork grease and cleaning swab
#TOP 13

Selmer STS711 Professional Tenor Saxophone

SELMER

Features

  • Henri Selmer Paris Neck Mouthpiece
  • Blued Steel Springs
  • Bb Ten Saxophone with Ribbed Body Construction
  • Case - Matte
  • Pisoni Pro Leather Pads with Metal Resonats
#TOP 14

Selmer STS280 La Voix II Tenor Saxophone Outfit Silver Plated

SELMER

Features

  • Inheriting the pure intonation and fluid keywork of the original La Voix saxophones
  • High F# Key
  • Ideal for concert band and solo playing
  • Includes: Trek style case / Selmer mouthpiece / ligature and cap / care products
  • Clear Lacquered body, neck, and bell
#TOP 15

Selmer STS280 La Voix II Tenor Saxophone Outfit Lacquer

SELMER

Features

  • Clear Lacquered body, neck, and bell
  • Ideal for concert band and solo playing
  • Inheriting the pure intonation and fluid keywork of the original La Voix saxophones
  • High F# Key
  • Includes: Trek style case / Selmer mouthpiece / ligature and cap / care products
#TOP 16

Glory Black/Gold B Flat Tenor Saxophone

GLORY

Features

#TOP 17

Glory Gold Laquer B Flat Tenor Saxophone

GLORY

Features

#TOP 18

Mendini by Cecilio Tenor Saxophone

Mendini by Cecilio

Features

  • Quality Sound: Whether you're a pro, a student, or just a hobbyist, you won't be disappointed with the top tier quality of this horn's sound! Plus, you can make sure you're playing at your best with the included saxophone tuning device.
  • Bonus: You don't just get an instrument with us - you get the case, a mouthpiece with a cap, a tuner, 10 reeds (2.5"), a polishing cloth, a cleaning rod, AND a pair of white gloves keep your sax spot-free!
  • Travel Safely: Our nylon case ensures that your sax stays safe, even on the go. It includes a backpack strap for easy carrying, PLUS zippered pockets to keep extra reeds or your tuner in!
  • Multiple Colors: Looking to stand out musically AND visually? We've got several color options to choose from! Gold, nickel, black - take your pick and get creative!
  • All Levels, All Ages: Thinking of picking up a tenor sax? Or maybe you're a professional in need of a replacement? Either way, our saxophones are the answer! They're great for players of all ages and skills levels.
#TOP 19

Roland AE-05 Aerophone GO Digital Wind Instrument

Roland

Features

  • 11 onboard tones including four sax variations, flute, clarinet, violin, plus 50 sounds available through the aero phone go Plus app for iOS or Android devices
  • Easy to carry, weighing just 1 lb. 9 oz. (695 g) – comes with dedicated soft case
  • 4 AA batteries not required. (not included)
  • Headphones let you play anytime without disturbing other people
  • Roland op-ae01mp is available as a replacement mouthpiece (sold separately)
  • Play along with favorite songs on your smartphone, using Bluetooth audio
#TOP 20

Eastar Tenor Saxophone Student Tenor Saxophone Bb Tenor Sax B Flat Gold Lacquer Beginner Saxophone With Cleaning Cloth

Eastar

Features

  • Please Rest Assured to Buy -- Eastar TS -Ⅱ Tenor saxophone, Carrying Case ,Mouthpiece Set, Real Leather Strap (110lb limit), Shoulder Strap x 2,White Gloves, Resin Practice Reed x 1, Advanced Bulrush Reeds (Strength 2.5 ), Soft Swab, Soft Cloth, Cleaning Brush. If you are not satisfied with the product you received, please contact us directly and we will replace it or give you a full refund. 12 months warranty.
  • Practical Design -- Full bounding key stick gasket for longer life and better pressing feel. Keystroke link: all being applied oil for debugging before leaving the factory , preventing the link from rusting and getting stuck.Setting the F# key to suit the performance.The U-tube of the bass is adopted: Eastar has accumulated crafts experiences for many years to improve the stability of the bass and achieve a stable feeling of playing and resistance.
  • Top Material -- instruments dedicated copper, lead-free welding green craft, feel free to use. Advanced imported leather pads, high air tightness, Imported blue copper needle spring, moderate elasticity, not aging, high feedback when finger pressing.
  • Beautiful Sound -- professional tone adjustment before leaving factory , excellent sound quality without noise, pleasant surprise. No pressure from low to high gamut range transition.Improved saxophone flute head, as a regular jazz visitor, this saxophone features a smooth response and a deep, refined sound full of rich colors.
  • Amazing look -- Eastar TS -Ⅱ: Transparent Anlique Red Brass , multi-layer painted ,durable and barely to fade color. Faux mother of pearl inlaid keys are simple and generous. The handcrafted carvings of the bell mouth makes TS -Ⅱ perfect even more perfect.
#TOP 21

Jean Paul USA Intermediate Tenor Saxophone TS-400GP

Jean Paul USA

Features

  • Included accessories: one Rico reed, Premium Carrying Case, Cork Grease, Cleaning Cloth, Swabs, and Mouthpiece
  • Engraved bell pattern for and extra touch of quality and class
  • Beautiful yellow brass body construction with lacquer finish
  • Key of Bb with power forged and tapered pivot keys for easy playability
  • Includes robust contoured Premium Carrying Case with contoured ABS molded padded interior and reinforced hardware
#TOP 22

Jean Paul USA Soprano Saxophone

Jean Paul USA

Features

  • Rico H Ligature
  • Professional Mouthpiece
  • Professional Carrying Case
  • Gold plated body construction
#TOP 23

EASTROCK Tenor Saxophone B Flat Gold Laquer Sax Students Beginner With Updated Carrying Case

EASTROCK

Features

  • Top MaterialOur beautiful instrument used selected h68 copper material and multi-layer painted transparent lacquered gold,durable and non-fading and Hand carved on the appearance and high-quality shell buttons make the sax more perfect.EASTROCK saxophone is definitely an outstanding musical instrument in terms of quality and appearance.
  • 100% Money BackEASTROCK musician instrument have 1 year manufacture warranty against defect.Any problems,please feel free to contact us,we must give you satisfied solutions.
  • Excellent SoundThe EASTROCK saxophone have been professionally adjusted before leaving the factory to ensure that have good sound without noise, and the buttons have good feedback and look perfect when the fingers are pressed down.
  • Advanced DesignEASTROCK saxophone used upgraded quality leather so that make the saxaphone have higher air tightness,used the upgraded quality copper needle spring make the instrument more smooth.Choose EASTROCK must be your best investment,NEVER let you disappoint.
  • Suitable For Any Level PlayerEASTROCK saxophone is suitable for students,beginners,school,concert,gifts and any level players.Tone B-Flat to High F.Package included one tenor saxophone,portable updated hard case,Mouthpiece,neck strap,Reeds,Mouthpiece Cushion Pads,Cleaning Cloth&Cleaning Rod,White Gloves,Alcohol Pads.Absolute value for money.
#TOP 24

Yamaha YTS-82ZII Custom Z Tenor Saxophone Black Lacquer

Yamaha

Features

  • YTS-82ZII Custom Z Tenor Saxophone Black Lacquer
  • Since the Custom Z was developed in 2003, the technology, craftsmanship and specifications of the Custom Z series have continued to improve to fulfill the needs of the highest level musicians
  • In the tradition of the much-coveted vintage saxophones, the 82Z now comes equipped with a one-piece bell
  • On the 10th Anniversary of their introduction, the Custom Z saxophones have been reexamined from neck to bell
  • They now offer the ultimate combination of expressiveness, response and control while staying true to their free-spirited origins
#TOP 25

Yamaha YTS-480 Intermediate Tenor Saxophone

Yamaha

Features

  • with 62-style Neck
  • 4C Mouthpiece
  • Bb Ten Saxophone
  • Case - Clear Lacquer
  • Professional Neck Receiver
#TOP 26

JodyBlues Tenor Saxophone Bb JTS-802 Professional Black lacquered Tenor Sax

Jody Blues

Features

  • High cost performance, made in China, suitable for beginners and professional people
  • Note: This tenor does not support return and exchange without reason. Except for quality problems, the buyer need pay the return freight.
  • INCLUDES- durable hard-shell case,rubber mouthpiece,neck strap,reeds (Size 2.5",10pieces), cleaning cloth & rod, and a pair of gloves
  • Professional SAXOPHONE-Black Matte Bb Tenor Saxophone
  • FINE WORKMANSHIP-Carved design,Black Matte Lacquered, Rubber Mouthpiece,good leather cushion, enamel needle, lacquer gold process, imitation of pearl shell button, large bore
#TOP 27

OPUS USA by Ktone Professional Black Gold Tenor Saxophone Sax Brand New

OPUS USA by Ktone

Features

  • Bb Key with High F# key
  • French Super Style
  • U.S.A. Mouth Piece
  • Durable Body & Keys
#TOP 28

Singer's day SD-5003S Gold Lacquer Tenor Saxophone

Singer's day

Features

  • Grade A Black Mother of Pearls Button
  • 1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects
  • Blue Steel Springs
  • Beautiful Hand-crafted Engraving
  • High F#

The Buyer's Guide to the Perfect tenor saxophones - What to Consider Beforhand

Is tenor sax hard to play?

Soprano, alto, tenor or baritone, the sax is one of the easier musical instruments to get started with. The keys were designed for easy, logical use, the mouthpiece is less complex than it's orchestral counterparts and playing in tune with a good tone is feasible within a few practice sessions.

What is the rarest saxophone?

The Contrabass Saxophone A rare and expensive instrument, it's also very difficult to play, though its offers an extremely warm, full sound to the big-breathed master.

Which saxophone is most popular?

The Alto Saxophone is the #1 type in terms of worldwide sales. It has become very popular due to the size and versatility of tone. The Alto is used in all types of musical scenarios, from jazz to classical.

Do you need big hands for tenor sax?

You do not need big hands to play the saxophone. While you do need hands large enough to fit around the instrument, it is more common to have hands which are too large for the saxophone and necessitate adjustments on some keys.

What is the most difficult saxophone to play?

soprano The soprano is known as the hardest saxophone to play.

Why is the sax not in orchestra?

Being relatively easy for beginner musicians, the saxophone is popular for both learning and listening. However, we rarely see it in orchestra concerts. Why? Many believe that the saxophone's timbre is hard to blend, out-of-tune, and simply too loud.

Can saxophone be self taught?

You CAN teach yourself saxophone, yes, but without some kind of help it will be difficult and time consuming. You can access online saxophone lessons at any time of the day or night that suits you. If you don't feel like playing today, then don't.

How long does it take to get decent at saxophone?

Realistically, playing the sax should take between six months to a year to really learn. That means maintaining the skill long after you have stopped playing regularly. However, once you start, you won't want to stop.

Is tenor easier than alto?

Tenor is a easier blow and requires a more relaxed embouchure than alto.

Editor's Notes

All in all, our testing team spent 55 hours on the research before they come up with the list of the 28 best tenor saxophones out there. We've read over 462 of real buyers' reviews to get the full picture of the current situation on the market. On the list, you'll find models with an average rating of 243 - so rest assured all of them are worth your attention.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.