Alto Saxophone Play Test Reviews & Buyers Guide

Top Alto Saxophones For All Budgets
Top Alto Saxophones For All Budgets

People are always asking me what my favorite saxophones are, what saxophones are best for beginners, what saxophones are more affordable, is it safe to order a saxophone from a particular website… So I created this list of saxophone reviews to help you navigate your saxophone shopping experience.

Below you’ll find some of my past video reviews of alto saxophones.

If you’ve played any of these horns, please comment below and let us know what your experience has been with any of these instruments.

The BetterSax Alto Saxophone

Out of all of these saxophones, my BEST recommendation is the brand new BetterSax Alto Saxophone. I have recently developed the Bettter Sax alto saxophone to fill a gap in the market for a high quality, reliable and desirable entry-level saxophone at an affordable price under $1000. I learned a great deal from examining the best low cost instruments on the market these days and in close partnership with Conn-Selmer we developed literally a much better option compared to what’s available in that price range.

My vision for this saxophone is to change the way we think of an entry level instrument. I want people to be able to buy this horn and not have to think they are going to need a step up instrument a few years later. If your budget is under $1000 this can be your one and only main instrument no matter what level player you are. This truly is a fantastic horn and I’m excited to finally get it into your hands!

You can purchase the BetterSax Alto exclusively here at Sweetwater.com if you live in the US and Sax.co.uk if you live outside the US.

YouTube video

Saxophones For Beginners

For beginners who are starting out I would consider the Yamaha YAS-280. This instrument sells for about $1,100 and some saxophonists have actually played on Yamaha Saxophones for their entire musical careers. Unless you’re at the highest level of saxophone playing, this instrument is all you could ever need. It is the cheapest Yamaha saxophone you can get and it is truly an excellent instrument.

Save Some Money and Buy the YAS-280

It is basically an identical instrument to the YAS-26 that is sold in the United States but has gold lacquered keys rather than the nickel plating. The reason for the large price difference has to do with set dealer pricing agreements in the US. So if you want to save some money, use this link to purchase one of these “European” model Yamaha saxophones that have been imported to sell on Amazon.

Personally, I much prefer the YAS-280 over the YAS-26 for the consistent lacquer color. For me the nickel plated keys say “student” model!

YouTube video

Saxophones for People on a Budget

It is really easy to think that buying a saxophone is going to be a huge investment, but I’ve found three fairly viable options for you to purchase without breaking the bank

  1. The Eastar Alto Saxophone, aka the cheapest saxophone on Amazon – $259.
  2. The Ammoon/Lade Alto Saxophone, another very inexpensive model – $270.
  3. The Jean Paul AS-400 Alto Saxophone, which I consider to be the BEST saxophone currently available for under $500 – $490.

The Eastar Alto Saxophone

While this instrument actually plays fairly well, it comes with a very cheap case, and cheap, sticky pads. However, it had the best setup I’ve seen in this price range. There was virtually zero mechanical play in the keys. I found a minuscule amount in the low C key and the front F key is a bit wobbly, but since there is no pad attached to that key, its impact is minimal.

There is of course no guarantee that the one you purchase will be as well setup as the one I got. Usually in this price range consistency is an issue.

YouTube video

Lade Alto Saxophone from Amazon

Back in February of 2019, I bought the cheapest saxophone on Amazon to see what you could get for $270, and I was rather surprised with the result. I purchased the Ammoon/Lade Alto Saxophone, a Chinese made saxophone and discovered that it was actually a pretty good value for your money. The pads sealed very well and the sound is surprisingly nice. It plays well in tune and doesn’t look half bad. I was surprised at how well it plays considering the price.

While it doesn’t come with any cork grease, it does come with a playable mouthpiece, a set of reeds, a neck strap, some cleaning supplies, and a cheap case which is terrible and should be replaced if you need to move around with the instrument a lot.

If you have a budget of under $300 and really want to get a saxophone then the Ammoon/Lade Alto saxophone is a viable option.

YouTube video

Jean-Paul USA AS-400

If you can spend a bit more, I recommend the Jean Paul AS-400, which I consider to be the Best Student Alto Sax Under $500. Jean-Paul USA has been providing great customer service and have repair centers set up around the country to service the instruments. It comes with a good beginner mouthpiece, and all the other necessary accessories to get started. The case that comes with the Jean-Paul AS-400 is excellent and helps make this a fantastic value.

YouTube video

Intermediate Saxophone with a Vintage Vibe

Wilmington Alto Saxophone Engraving

The Wilmington Alto Saxophone is an intermediate Alto imported from China, but setup and backed by the renowned Music Medic workshop. This instrument sells for $1,335 with an excellent case and full guarantee. The Wilmington Alto Sax has a rich and dark tone which is uncommon for imported saxophones in this price range. The vintage look, nickel-silver body and unique engraving complete the package. You can check out the video below for the full review and unboxing of this saxophone

YouTube video

The Best Saxophone in the World… for me – Saxophones for Professionals

Now if you’re looking for a top of the line saxophone, for me the Yanagisawa Saxophones are the best in the world. The build quality, sound, intonation, design, ergonomics and playability make them second to none in my estimation. In this video I discuss some of the differences between the 2 WO series saxophones Yanagisawa makes. The WO10 elite model vs the WO1 professional model. But don’t be fooled – they are both incredible saxophones and the elite model only has a few minor extras added to it that differentiate it from the professional model.

Plus for only a few extras, the price difference is over a $1,000. The elite alto model runs for about $4,600 and the professional alto model goes for around $3,400. Many professionals actually prefer the less expensive professional models finding them to be more free blowing, lighter and less resistant.

You can find my FULL playlist of saxophone reviews here on my YouTube channel.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to saxophone, the most important thing is to have one that works. There is not as much of a difference between them as marketing hype would lead us to believe. Sounding good on the saxophone comes down to practice, not how much you spend on an instrument. A cheap but workable saxophone is better than no instrument at all, or a more prestigious brand that is in poor condition.

Always play test instruments if you can, but don’t be afraid to buy sight unseen from reputable sources. Almost all of the instruments I own were purchased this way. Manufacturing processes are very consistent and generally there is little difference between instruments of the same brand and model.

Interested in more recommendations? Check out my Saxophone Buyers Guide for Students and Parents.

Also be sure to follow BetterSax on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay up to date with us for news, giveaways, and other saxophone tips and tricks.

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21 Comments

Byron says:

Hi Jay, As of right now I am still waiting for confirmation on whether or not I made it in to my school jazz band for my junior year of high school. But if not. I will joining my school’s symphonic band. No matter the case I will be needing a new saxophone (I have been playing on school rentals ever since I started 5 years ago). I’ve read up about and watched some of your videos on saxophones, but I find the range of ‘good’ saxophones really broad. I’ve read up people saying go for Yamaha, Conn-Selmer, and Yanagisawa (but I don’t think I need to go that high). If I don’t make it into the jazz band I’ll be sticking to the alto saxophone, but if I make it into our jazz band I will most likely get assigned as a tenor player. I’m not planning on going professional on the saxophone, but I don’t see myself quitting the saxophone anytime either.

Jay Metcalf says:

Good luck with your audition.

Byron says:

UPDATE: Just got my results recently and I made the cut! Time to practice and hone in on my skills during the summer.

John Venables says:

Bought the cheapo Eastar on your say so. Awesome. Much easier to play than my previous YAS 25. Especially at the top and bottom. Pads don’t stick. No issues at all. Sounds isn’t quite as sweet as the Yamaha but that could be playing with a JJ HR mp. It sounds nicer with my Yamaha 5c. Plastic reed and I’m happy.

Jay Metcalf says:

Great to hear this John, I’m glad it’s working out for you.

Simon says:

Hi Jay,

Thanks for your review, and what are you thoughts about Buffet 400 series alto sax ?

John Venables says:

I see the Ammoon is currently (mid May) on Amazon at 186 English pounds, whatever that is in your money. That is a fairly crazy low price for an alto that works.

Bruce Lally says:

Personally I’m blown away how well the YAS-200 AD ll made in Indonesia plays. In fact I don’t have the heart to tell her she’s not a top of the line Selmer !

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A M says:

How about the yas-23?

Jay Metcalf says:

That’s an older model of the Yamaha student alto sax. Those are great horns, but may need servicing when you buy it used depending on its condition.

Arbra says:

I’m an older gentleman who played woodwinds when I was younger (both single reed and double reed) and am thinking of buying a sax and just playing for fun and to keep me young. Been considering buying a new Jean Paul USA AS-400 Student Alto Saxophone (that you seem to recommend) or a professionally refurbished Yamaha VITO YAS-23 in really good condition from 2ndending. Curious what you opinion would be of those choices (or of a better choice if you want to offer one). I guess I’m also keeping in mind resale value if I wind up not having as much fun as I thought… lol… Any recommendations?

Jay Metcalf says:

I’d get the Yamaha probably depending on the price.

Arbra says:

Well, I did a LOT of research before deciding which saxophone to buy (thanks for your recommendation Jay, by the way). Wound up buying a Julius Keilwerth ST90 Series III in great condition from George at 2ndendings for around the same price as a refurbished Yamaha YAS-23 or a new Jean Paul AS-400. George has a great reputation and he’s gonna do a full workup/refurb on the horn to make it look, perform and sound fantastic). While not as popular as the Yamaha, many seem to consider the ST90 a better horn with a fuller, lusher sound and better keywork than the Yamaha. What do you think of my choice?

Jay Metcalf says:

congrats on the new horn. Often a well researched used horn is the best value.

Richard Goffin-Lecar says:

I agree EXACTLY with what you say about Yanagisawa saxophones. I have two – an A992 alto, and a B992 baritone. I will shortly be selling my Selmer Reference 54 tenor, and buying a Yanagisawa tenor! I love these horns!

Glenn L.I. says:

Hi Jay ,
I’m still losing sleep over the choice between the AW01 and the AW10. I’m a former music major in college who then played professionally for a few years before leaving the music business entirely to earn a steady living. Now 35 years later i now have the time to get back into it and can practice hours per day. I had the opportunity to briefly play the AW01 and enjoyed it. I have not been able to find a WO10 to test so I have been checking out the you tube videos. I noticed that many experts said that the WO10 had a bit more resistance.
So my most pressing question is whether a 62 year old who is in excellent physical condition would find the WO10 to be too difficult to play (too resistant?).
There is also the question of post construction vs ribbed. Do most pro’s prefer the ribbed? I noticed that all of your horns are ribbed. If so then why is that construction more popular. I saw the video with Bruce Williams who had a AW01 in his hand but then I saw him playing in videos with his group and he appeared to be using something else.
Sorry for the numerous questions but I’d like to be one and done with my purchase.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Jay Metcalf says:

Glenn, No need to lose sleep on this decision, you cannot go wrong with either. I have Yanagisawas with post construction and ribbed. There is a difference but it is not a better or worse thing. When we say resistance it’s not a very good descriptor since that gives the impression that it’s somehow harder to play. It is not at all, there is just a bit more weight to the sound. Again not better or worse, just subtly different. I used to get the “elite” versions because I thought they were superior because of the higher price tag. They are not superior, just a variation on a near perfect design. Once you realize that the decision gets easier.

Jay Campbell says:

Hi…looking for thoughts on purchasing a YAS-280 for my 9 yo first year student…or renting a YAS-200AD? I played sax and am hoping he sticks with it.

Richard Cropper says:

Hi Jay , I just retired at 65 and I played sax since 5th grade ….. but have not played for 20 years or more .
I now have plenty of time to start again. Just to play around with . I’ve looked on 2nd ending and found a conn m50 shooting star 1970s that i used to play in high school. Also a vito yas 21/23 yamaha . A Martin indiana 1950s and a king clevland 1970s. All altos ….. I need help …..would you be able to recommend one over another or shoud i go with a new eastar . I dont want to spend money for a pro model ….just looking for a good player….by the way I have a selmer signet alto and a Jupiter tenor they both in my opinion need a complete overhaul……. thank you

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