Session Alto Saxophone – Matte Black
Introducing the BetterSax Session Alto, the saxophone created for players who are ready to step up. Building on the reputation and popularity of the Classic line, the Session was developed from the ground up with enhancements in every area—tone, projection, ergonomics, and finish—while staying true to BetterSax’s core mission: delivering world-class instruments at accessible prices.
Performs like a pro, priced like an intermediate, the BetterSax Session competes directly with saxophones twice its price. Whether you’re playing jazz, classical, or pop, this versatile instrument delivers a focused, resonant tone and the professional precision every saxophonist dreams of.
Designed for Saxophonists, By Saxophonists
At BetterSax, we’re saxophonists first and foremost. The Session saxophone is the result of listening to the community and creating an instrument that meets the demands of today’s players. Whether you’re a professional or stepping up from a student model, the Session offers a saxophone you can rely on at a price that’s remarkable.
What Sets the Session Apart
- Exceptional Tone Quality: The Session neck features a reengineered bore, tone ring, internally tapered tenon, and a tone-enhancement plate at a weak nodal area. These refinements deliver quicker response, improved intonation, and added resonance across all registers. The redesigned body, bow, and bell feature a slightly wider bore taper, complemented by a redesigned tone hole system for accurate intonation and enhanced flexibility and projection. This results in a tonal character that leans toward the French tradition. The Session produces a warm, resonant sound with a focused core, making it perfect for all music styles.
- Refined Body & Bell Construction: Unlike the Classic, which uses post-to-body construction, the Session employs advanced mini-ribbed construction which retains its response but adds greater stability and tonal depth. A brass rim wire around the bell adds projection and carries the full spectrum of its sound to the back of the performance hall.
- Professional Ergonomics & Playability: Every detail was designed with the player in mind: genuine mother-of-pearl key touches, blue steel springs for a quick and light action, and Pisoni Pro pads with metal resonators for enhanced durability and response. The custom ergonomic right-hand thumb rest, which is investment cast for precision and expertly sculpted, offers a comfort level that makes it hard to go back once experienced. To ensure long-term safety, the Session also features a slightly thicker and much stronger nickel-silver neckstrap ring, providing much greater resistance to neckstrap hooks wearing through over time.
- Premium Finishes & Custom Engraving: Choose from three distinctive finishes: Matte Black, Matte Dark Gold, or Copper-Bronze. Each Session features intricate custom hand engraving developed in-house by artist Marcy Lyzun.
- Upgraded Case & Accessories: Every Session ships with a premium professional backpack case featuring a molded memory foam nest, ballistic nylon exterior, and extra accessory compartments. Included is a professional BetterSax by Meyer mouthpiece, created in collaboration with JJ Babbitt. Modeled after our favorite vintage Meyer, each hard rubber mouthpiece is hand-finished, vulcanized, and personally play-tested by a BetterSax team member to ensure quality and consistency.
| Weight | 5 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 36 × 26 × 70 cm |
2 reviews for Session Alto Saxophone – Matte Black
HighlightedTestimonials
I put down my horn that I've been playing since I was 18 and I picked up one of the new models and it immediately sang, it sang perfectly, I've never been that comfortable playing a new horn, this horn was remarkably clean. This thing's a tank and it's new and it's aerodynamic and I think the air travels through it more consistently and sensibly. We're in a new generation of saxophones and I think this is it.
Michael Ghegan
Recording Artist
This is a professional level instrument… really we are seeing great value for money… it is very rare to see something that is a professional instrument currently priced under two thousand pounds. This one should be firmly on your list… it will really chime with you… there can be no denying that this is an excellent new instrument based on its own merits… it looks fabulous… feels great under the fingers… and personally I am very excited to get into this instrument.
Jim Cheek
Director Sax.co.uk
When it arrived, I was impressed immediately by the packaging - no plain brown box, but a fully logoed, four-color, branded masterpiece. This is not a small thing - it showed thoughtfulness and brand confidence. When I opened the box, the case was snug and secure. Speaking of the case - it's a beauty. I love the shape and the compact design, and the way it grabs the instrument when you put it away. The expandable external pocket is a cool feature.
And then, of course, there is the saxophone. The lacquer is beautiful and rich looking, the keywork exquisite, and very satisfying to the eye of a former Selmer artist. The action is light and consistently even and the horn is as quiet as a whisper - not a hint of key, spring or pad noise. Speaking of pads, clearly these are not budget pads, but of high quality in both material and construction.
From the first note I played I could not help but smile inside. The response was fast from reed to fingers to bell, the tone rich, flowing easily through the entire range. The intonation is so true and accurate I feel like I could play it on a gig tomorrow without the slightest tweak or adjustment, so familiar is the voicing and the placement of every note.
In short, this horn is equal to instruments selling for more than five times the price, and surpassing even those in just about every way. I don't know how you did it, but I don't think it is an understatement to say that this instrument can change the face of saxophone training, putting a professional quality instrument in the hands of every beginner and a ridiculously affordable price point.
I have so much more to say and share ... I definitely will be posting about it and spreading the word.
It is clear that your passion for the saxophone has gone into every step of this process and the end product is a masterpiece. Well done! I'm really proud of you and your team.
Dr. Robert Faub
Renowned Saxophone Educator and Artist
I can tell you that from a player's perspective this thing plays really really well and it feels great under the fingers. Everything feels really well built, and nothing gave me any problems. The intonation is excellent. It purrs when you tickle it. It cruises nicely at mid volume. And when I tank it, it keeps opening up like my six. The left hand pinky keys are as easy and smooth to get around as any saxophone I've ever played. Much easier than my six, in fact. And the front F is exactly where it should be. If you're in the market to upgrade your beginner alto and your budget is about two grand, it's a no brainer in my opinion.
Jamie Anderson
@GetYourSaxTogether
Praise for the Session Alto
I received the Session Black today from Sweetwater, the day after my Birthday! I love it Jay, it has a nice velvet sound, looks great, keys feels great, the case is well built and stylish, very happy with my purchase.
Jonathan M.
BetterSax Session Alto Owner
Arrived last night and today i played for the first time and what a delight to play it sounds wonderful and and feels smooth. Even my teacher was excited about the way it played and sounded.
Roland K.
BetterSax Session Alto Owner
Ok, so I don't normally make the effort to review things, especially if they're ok. BUT I have just received my Session Alto (black). And I just had to say something. I bought it unseen from Sax.co.uk. It came in two days. I opened it I, put it on and two hours later my lip has gone and I have the biggest grin on my face. It's outstanding. Straight from the box with its own mouthpiece and a Legere American Cut 2.5 synthetic Reed I had waiting. I usually play tenor (Selmer Reference 54) but I can tell it's going to have to take a back seat for while. The session was instantly MY sax. I thought l'd have to fork out for a new mouthpiece etc etc. Nope. Case is good too. You have exceeded my expectations which makes the price tag very good value indeed. Thanks Jay and the team. Happy customer. James (UK)
James M.
BetterSax Session Alto Owner
Dear Jay! I just opened my box from Sweetwater and I wanted to send you this message to personally thank you for my Bond villain alto!! I'm originally a Bari player but in my new group with my brothers I'm playing alto for the first time in my life and I've been on a search for a pro Alto and I think my search is over, Mon frere!! This alto will be THE VOICE of our group, like the guitar of Jimi in the Jimi Hendrix Experience!! I can't tell you how emotional I got listening back to my dad's video of me playing in their kitchen. Jay... you did it, my friend!! This sax is amazing brother!! You changed my life and the sound of our group forever!!
Karlos C.
BetterSax Session Alto Owner
I'm really enjoying my Bettersax Session Matte Black Alto. I use Legere Signature 2.0 reeds, but decided to try the Bettersax 2.5 reed that came with my session black and I was pleasantly surprised at the nice velvet sound that came out. I also really like the quality of the case inside and out. The memory foam inside the Bettesax case is much better quality than what I have in my expensive protec pro pac XL case, which did not come with back pack straps or rain cover, those are sold seperately. I like that you included a rain cover and back pack straps for the case, that was a nice surprise among other surprises included.
Jonathan M.
BetterSax Session Alto Owner
I recently bought the BetterSax Session Alto Saxophone - Bond Villain Black, and I just wanted to say a huge thank you for creating such an incredible instrument!
It's honestly the only sax l've played that lets me blow into the lower register effortlessly — the response is so smooth and free, it really feels amazing to play. The intonation and tuning are incredibly precise across the full range, and it stays beautifully balanced no matter how I play. The Bond Villain Black finish is one of the reasons this saxophone took my attention, if is Gorgeous!.
The key action feels great too, though a little different from what I'm used to on my Yamaha saxophones. That's not a bad thing at all — it just takes a bit of getting used to, since l've played Yamaha for years. This is the only thing I would've loved to be the same.
Overall, this horn really exceeded my expectations
- fantastic sound, great tuning, and an inspiring feel.
Alex T.
BetterSax Session Alto Owner
Really nice probably one of the best saxophone I have played
Jason F.
BetterSax Session Alto Owner
This is a great horn. Been playing for almost 50 years. It's not my first rodeo. Great job on these, Jay.
Becky N.
BetterSax Session Alto Owner
I bought the BetterSax Seasion Alto Sax Copper Bronze model a week ago. I am a classical player, I am blown away in a great way. It has a wonderful, great classical tone and sound. It has a great warm, focused and resonant tone/sound. Plays easily, in tune from low B flat through the altissimo register. The dynamic range from loud, to soft and soft to loud and phrasing musical lines is very easy it is excellent. The articulation from normal, slurring, staccato and legato playing is excellent. Congratulations and job well done to Better Sax and Sweetwater. You guys have done an amazing job giving the saxophone world a professional saxophone at a great price and a very versatile saxophone playing depending on a person is mouthpiece, ligature, reed and embouchure. This model plays just as great, if not better then Selmer, Yamaha and Yanagisawa right out of the box and overall. I have played many Selmers and Yamahas right out of the box over my 28 plus years of playing saxophone and they need adjustments to play good after you get them right out of the box and overall. I like how the BetterSax Session model for alto saxophone plays freely and expressively right out of the box, this is great. I find most Selmers and Yamahas you have to test play a lot of them to find one that is somewhat decent not being super resistant and playing some what freely and expressively. I am selling my current alto saxophone to pay off the financing plan I got through Sweetwater on the BetterSax Session alto saxophone I have now. I am also selling my curved soprano saxophone to buy the BetterSax Classic model curved soprano out right or get a really low financing plan through Sweetwater when I sell it. I am so glad to took the risk with this, I couldn't be happier and I am very excited to own the BetterSax Session Copper Bronze model and only have positive and very high great things to say about it and encourage other classical players to buys this model too, they will not be disappointed and very happy to this amazing alto saxophone model available now to saxophone players around the world.
Kyle K.
BetterSax Session Alto Owner
Video Gallery
Key Features
- Enhanced Body Design: Advanced mini-rib construction and a wider bore taper give the Session added stability and projection, with a sound that fills the room.
- Upgraded Neck: A reengineered neck with an internally tapered tenon ensures smooth airflow, quick response, and improved intonation across all registers.
- Premium Pads & Resonators: Fitted with Pisoni Pro pads and metal resonators for a stable seal, reliable durability, and a projecting, resonant tone.
- Extra Resonance & Strength: The mini-rib construction, brass rim wire around the bell, metal thumbrests, and neck tone plates add projection, focus, and stability to your sound.
- Comfortable Ergonomics: The entire keywork design, including the brass custom investment-cast right-hand thumb rest are sculpted for comfort.
- Built for Reliability: The Session saxophone line features cold-forged keywork, ensuring strength, reliability, and durability for daily use. A nickel-silver suspension ring provides a secure connection for any neck strap, resisting the common wear often seen on other instruments.
- Responsive Keywork: Pisoni blued steel spring tensions are dialed in for a light and fast key action to reduce fatigue and tension.
- Custom Engraving: Elegant hand engraving, designed in-house by Marcy Lyzun, makes every horn visually stunning.
- Striking Finishes: Available in three professional finishes—Matte Black, Matte Dark Gold, and Copper Bronze—each with a distinctive look for the stage.
- Professional Mouthpiece Included: Includes a vintage-inspired, hand-finished BetterSax by Meyer mouthpiece (tip opening 5), developed in collaboration with JJ Babbitt, hand crafted in USA, and carefully inspected and playtested by a member of the BetterSax team to ensure consistent quality.
- Aux. Keys: Includes High F# and auxiliary front F keys
- Road-Ready Case: Ships with a premium Session backpack case featuring a molded memory foam interior, rugged nylon exterior, and ample storage space.
Frequently Asked Questions
BetterSax saxophones are available at Sweetwater or Amazon in the US, in the EU at Thomann Music, and in the UK at Sax.co.uk.
Yes, BetterSax saxophones, including the Session Alto, are available for international shipping through Thomann Music, Sax.co.uk. and Twigg Musique in Canada.
The P65 sticker refers to something called Proposition 65. This was enacted in 1986, the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, commonly known as Proposition 65, requires businesses to notify consumers about potential chemical risks.
Proposition 65 applies to any products that may be sold in or brought into the state of California. It requires the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) to maintain and annually update a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. This list includes a variety of substances found in everyday items, from food additives to dyes, solvents and pesticides, with the goal of keeping consumers informed about their exposure to these chemicals.
If a product contains or is made using any of these listed chemicals, businesses must provide a warning. Manufacturers are responsible for notifying consumers through labels or inserts. You can find more details here.
Yes, BetterSax Classic saxophones come with a 2 year manufacturers warranty.
Jonathan M. –
I want to start off by saying I’m very happy with my purchase, I really like the quality of this instrument, mouthpiece and carrying case.
I have test played numerous high quality name brand saxophones and I would put this one up against any of them.
The cases memory foam is great quality, better than the expensive protec pro pac XL case I have, which didn’t come with back pack straps and train cover,that was sold separately.
The mouth piece and 2.5 bettersax reed had a nice velvet rich sound that you normally would not get with a stock mouth piece.
The key action was ergonomic and comfortable to play and the matte black finish was awesome. I’ve never liked the traditional saxophone color.
The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars and these are minor personal preferences, would have like the end plug to be open, like the new D’Adarrio. They included an all black body swab and it would have been nice to get a matching all black neck swab and pad dryer.
I would have liked the neck strap clip to have been made of metal with some rubber coating instead of plastic, but it is a comfortable, easily adjusting strap.
All in all I would highly recommend this saxophone because of the quality of the saxophone and case and the beautiful sound.
Dave –
Once I saw Jay’s new matte black Session Alto I knew I had to have one! I’ve grown tired of the traditional brass lacquer look, so I was excited to see 3 exciting lacquer finishes. The matte black speaks to me unlike any other I’ve seen before. I wanted a pro level horn that would be great for my evening gigs that are often dimly lit, and wouldn’t reflect light like bright lacquer. So far the responses I’ve gotten from the looks alone have been really great!
The key work is buttery smooth, the tone is consistent, and I can tell Jay has modeled this horn after his favorite manufacturer. Real mother of pearl key touches, the tapered neck, unslung neck key, and blue needle springs give this horn an updated pro horn feel, without the need to upgrade. The case is well made, and is definitely something I appreciate–as it has a smaller profile, yet has room to carry my neck strap, reeds, repair kit, and a small tablet.
I use my own neck strap as the included one doesn’t have the safety clasp I prefer, but that’s a minor thing. I wish the pads were black like the horn, so when it’s time for its major service, I’ll have those swapped out. Those minor things aside, this is a really great Saxophone. Jay and his team hit this one out of the park in quality, playability, and an affordable price point that rivals many student level horns, with a professional level Saxophone that truly shines! I’m impressed!
Jay Metcalf –
This is wonderful to hear Dave! Congrats on your new horn. Yes, the black looks killer. I can’t wait to have the tenor version which is coming soon!