HighlightedTestimonials
It's a great horn. I could play on this right now and for the price it's a very good deal.
Eric Alexander
Jazz Recording Artist
This is a great horn! It’s super solid. I would absolutely take this on the road with me.
Michael Ghegan
Recording Artist
The horn plays and sounds really great. A big surprise. I A B’d it with my Silver Mark VI and I think I liked the tone of your horn better. Well done!
Jody Espina
Founder of Jody Jazz Mouthpieces
Outperforms all the other saxes in its class, and sounds as good as many pro saxophones.
Jim Cheek
Director Sax.co.uk
The “Better Sax Classic” tenor saxophone, Helps me get that awe-inspiring and even sound that I’ve been searching for. From loud to soft, this sax can be a “paint peeler”, and it can warm a room. The intonation is superb from top to bottom of the horn and I must say it’s Cognac color is very easy on the eyes.
This horn performs at a professional level at only a fraction of the cost.
Jason Gay
Recording Artist
I was quite impressed with these horns as they are targeted towards beginners or those players who may want a backup saxophone that does not break the bank.
Zach Sollitto
Best. Saxophone. Website. Ever.
Vintage Styling Meets Advanced Performance
Capture the elegance of vintage saxophones with the stunning cognac-tinted lacquer and hand-engraving found on the BetterSax Classic line. Built with blue steel springs, Pisoni pads with domed metal resonators, and a distinct underslung octave key, these saxophones deliver a rich, focused tone and a look players love to show off.
Beginner-Friendly Comfort, Intermediate-Level Features
The BetterSax Classic saxophones are thoughtfully designed for both ease and excellence. With lightweight post-to-body construction, an adjustable thumb rest, and responsive action, they’re comfortable for beginners—paired with advanced features like a high F# key, a high-quality Classic mouthpiece and generous accessory case, they offer long-term value for growing musicians.
Beautiful Sound & Playability That Delivers
Praised for its immediate response, balanced tone, and smooth key action, the BetterSax Classic horns outperform entry-level expectations. As one player put it, “it has no business sounding that good at that price.” With features you'd expect on higher tier instruments, it’s a standout option for both students and seasoned players alike.
Praise for the Classic Saxophones
Just to let you know I’ve just bought the tenor and it’s very impressive, great build quality and sound, well done to Jay and team!
Enzo L.
BetterSax Classic Tenor owner
The BetterSax Classic Tenor saxophone from Thomann arrived today. I’m excited about this great tenor saxophone. It plays super light and all tones come almost by themselves and very clean and clear. What more could you want. Great sound and the paintwork is awesome. Thank you BetterSax for this great tenor saxophone. I love it.
Martin T.
BetterSax Classic Tenor owner
I decided to get a BetterSax alto from Sweetwater. The day it arrived, a couple days ago, I was just about to record a sax part for a music project, and decided to use the new BetterSax, fresh out of the case, no adjustments or technician fixes. I was amazed at how good the sax played, and some of the "improvements" you made. This is the first sax I've tried in the last decade that got those left hand palm keys where they are supposed to be, under the pads of your fingers, not in the palm, just like the Mark VI. No palm key boosters needed. Well done Jay.
Michael Francis
BetterSax Alto owner
I’ve been playing tenor for a few years and have had the Better Sax
alto for just over a week. I’m so pleased on so many levels. Of
course, sound is utmost, and I find the tones to be crisp and bright.
It is very responsive, and those tones really fill the room when I go
“full tilt.” Its form is elegant and comfortable. Being totally blind,
I can’t comment on its appearance, but my tenor friend said that it
was “beautiful.” I recently ordered a Burnin’ tenor mouthpiece and was
thrilled with the result so that upgrading to a Burnin’ alto was a
no-brainer. Long story… this was a dream 41 years in the making and so
glad it’s a Better Sax!
Oda L.
BetterSax Alto owner
Hey Jay! Wanted to say thanks for designing and creating the Better Sax Alto, haven’t put it down since I took it out of the case. Been needing a new sax to finish out high-school and go into college. Amazing!
Ryan C
BetterSax Alto owner
I would not call this a beginner horn, I’ve played many and they were limiting the player. I would say a near pro horn with the right setup. Time will tell. For the money and your demonstration and the features, I am very impressed.
Laurence Smith
BetterSax Alto owner
Just finished an hour on my new BetterSax alto. I’m a beginner using an AP3 and 2.5 Boston sax reed on this instrument.
I couldn’t be more pleased.
Played perfectly out of the box.
Very nice sound and the intonation was good.
Good key ergonomics. I’ll need to lower the thumb rest, and I’m happy it’s adjustable.
I like the pinky key set up.
This doesn’t look or feel like a ‘student’ instrument and I’m looking forward to taking it on vacation with me.
I gave away my JeanPaul to a friends grandson but regretted not having a ‘travel’ sax. So, I took a gamble on the BetterSax, money well spent.
Well done! And many thanks!
Elizabeth Kaufman
BetterSax Alto owner
Hi Jay,
I received the BetterSax from Sweetwater today! Wow! Excellent! Beautiful!!!
Thank you again for the early holiday special, I will go ahead and order!
I’m excited and really look forward to this new adventure!
Ken Kimura
BetterSax Alto owner
I bought one of these earlier this year. I've been learning to play on it and I can't praise it enough! Not only am I super happy with the sax, but the people over at Sweetwater are the absolute best people ever! They make you feel like family when you call.
Jacob Donahue
BetterSax Alto owner
At age 78, I decided I wanted to learn to play the saxophone. I started with a $300 Chinese one but saw that the Better Sax alto was much more highly rated. I ordered one from Sweetwater, played it for two weeks to see if the difference with the Chinese was worth the difference in cost. It is worth much more than the $600 difference. I returned the Chinese one. I've been playing the Better Sax one for two months now and I've gotten more than $900 enjoyment from it. When the tenor sax comes out, I will consider learning that also. Many thanks for making my retirement more enjoyable.
Samuel Sullivan
BetterSax Alto owner
I want to thank you and your partners for making this saxophone. It sounds absolutely amazing as well as plays just as good! There has always been a gap in the market for good saxophones at an affordable price. I have watched your videos for many years and they have been a great resource to me! Thank you for being an inspiration to me and many others around the world!
Aidan N.
BetterSax Alto owner
Just got my EAS112 a few days ago. Wonderful low register. Loving the tone. Great work on this instrument.
Saleemo
BetterSax Alto owner
Hi, I got an BetterSax Alto. Great Sax! If you believe me or not usually I play a Supreme Alto in my Big Band but since I got yours the Supreme sleeps in the corner
😀
... I have a lot of fun with this sax! Thank you!
Chris W.
BetterSax Alto owner
Hay Jay, I just got my BetterSax Alto Sax. I only blew on it a few minutes but right away I was blown away by the ease of play and the sound is so awesome. I like the sound of your sax over the sound of my former horn, a Super Action 80II Alto.
Robert D.
BetterSax Alto owner
I own a BetterSax alto and tenor. Your pricing and great product allow me to pursue what I love to do while still in high school. Thank you for all you've done for young musicians worldwide.
Matteui B.
BetterSax Alto & Tenor owner
Just got mine today! Wonderful saxophone ❤️ Lovely sound, precise, feels so good in my hands. Looks good, plays amazing, and for me it's the best choice ever!
Mytza Handbalitstu
Musical Artist
I stopped playing saxophone for about 4.5 years. I got back into watching your videos as well as some others that I used to follow. I saw that you had your own brand Saxophone. I checked out all the reviews I could find, video and written. I decided to take the plunge and buy the Alto. It has become my favorite horn. free blowing, and the intonation is great. Of course I am no pro, but man I have really enjoyed getting back into it. I practice daily and my time has been extending weekly. Just wanted to say. Great job on the design and especially for a beginner or like me getting back into it. Thanks!!
Josef
BetterSax Alto owner
One of my students brought in a BetterSax Tenor. Definitely the best quality sax I have ever seen at this price! I think of saxes in 3 big categories - Beginner , Intermediate , Professional. Your Tenor Sax is high in the Intermediate level. Gutsy projection, quick response and impressive intonation in all registers!
Mark P.
Saxophone Educator
I own a BetterSax alto and tenor. Your pricing and great product allow me to pursue what I love to do while still in high school.
Thank you for all you've done for young musicians worldwide
Matteui B.
BetterSax Alto & Tenor owner
What you are doing for sax players out there, releasing these awesome instruments at the price level they surpass anything on the market, has value beyond just making saxes business! You are making the world better (sounding) place! Thinking about all the students or amateur players benefiting and enabled to afford and play a great horn, I have your Alto... so I know what I am talking about! Now staring savings fund for the bari 😀
József H.
BetterSax Alto owner
Thank you for starting your own line of great and affordable saxophones. I've been watching your videos for years ever since I started playing tenor sax in high school. When I graduated I joined the army and left a few months after. I wasn't able to play my tenor for about 5 years and always thought I would never pick it up again.
Recently I purchased the Better Sax Classic Tenor. From the day it arrived I was so excited and it rekindled a flame and passion that almost snuffed. I played the sax and NEVER wanted to put it down.
I've been practicing every day since then and will continue to practice and hope to get some gigs soon! My father passed away on New Years Eve and he always enjoyed hearing me play whatever instruments I managed to get in my hands. I'm grateful to have been able to get a new sax and I'm absolutely in love with its playability and ergonomics. So, thank you!
Matthew M.
BetterSax Tenor owner
I purchased the Alto from SAX UK... It plays a lot better than my other Alto, Nice and responsive. All in all she's a beauty. I hope to get your Tener when I'm flush again... thanks for the Sax.
Marty
BetterSax Alto owner
Yo! I bought one and I love it, play it everyday, feels and sounds amazing, thank you jay
Matthew M.
BetterSax Tenor owner
I have always wanted a great sax, and you have come through for me. Both with quality and price. I got my tenor on April 27 for my birthday and I am joying it! From my homeland Jamaica, thank you very much, and I hope we meet one day soon.
May God bless you and your team.
Venice J.
BetterSax Tenor owner
I bought your alto 5 years ago when it came out the first week, and did so many gigs with your gear, so THANK YOU for helping me. Without you I wouldn't have been able to become so successful because times with money were hard but your prices were perfect for the performance I got. And now im doing tour soon for the Japan music festive, so congratulations and most definitely thank you!
Jonathan B.
BetterSax Alto owner
I love my Classic tenor. It plays so nice and smooth.
Michael S.
BetterSax Tenor owner
As the initial rush of the new school year starts winding down, and students start bringing instruments as they prepare to make their first sounds, I have to share how excited I am to start seeing these come through the program! If your students are looking for the best bang for your buck, nothing beats this! Go check out BetterSax and all of the great things Jay is doing!
Hector R.
Musical Artist
Just got the Classic. Very balanced and absolutely intermediate sax that will work for all level of play. Blows the Yamaha YAS sax out of the water and maybe some pro instruments too depending on the musician. In any event, for the amount of money this costs you can't beat it.. Nice going Jay..
Naesman
BetterSax Classic Tenor owner
I played on Yamaha alto saxophone 62 and felt that I miss something. I listened to your performance of my favorite song -My one and only love. It was amazing performance ( l listen it many many times). I liked it so much so I decided to buy exact setup BetterSax Burnin' mouthpiece, Jazz Cut reed 2.5 and Classic saxophone tenor. One month ago I was in Sax store in London and bought sax and accessories. I started to play on new tenor. I was really surprised how easy to play on it. In the past I had a very unpleasant experience with Conn tenor when my fingers were not long enough The process of migration with Better sax was so smooth so l have ever not opened my Yamaha alto saxophone during the whole month! After one month of playing
I cannot express my feelings about
sound of my sax -it is getting better and better. I like it so much! I play on it every day. Sound is terrific ! just hope to learn music for many many years. Thank you a lot, you gave my new energy to learn and play music.
Dmitry B.
BetterSax Classic Tenor owner
Reading reviews of this saxophone, I kept hearing Jay and others refer to it as “free blowing” and I wasn’t sure what that really meant until I played it. The difference between the BetterSax and my Sakkusu was incredibly stark, the BetterSax response was almost effortless and immediate. I was honestly shocked how easy it was to get a good sound out of it. My wife even commented how much better the tone was than my Sakkusu. Ergonomically the sax feels comfortable to me, and I have pretty small hands. The only complaint I had with Yamahas was that the palm keys stuck out just a little too far, but the BetterSax feels right in my hands. The action feels perfect to me, whereas my Sakkusu was just slightly more stiff.
Tom
BetterSax Classsic Tenor owner
I purchased one, and I love it way more than my Yamaha Bari! Especially with your burnin mouthpiece! I play Bass and Bari but can't seem to find an affordable Bass that is actually amazing for its price like your Bari. Any possibility of a BetterSax Bass saxophone coming in the future? That would be my dream come true.
Because your saxes are so amazing for what they're worth. And I would definitely prefer buying a Bass that you made as an upgrade to my knock-off Chinese brand, than spending a kidney on a Selmer bass.
Because I know you spend a lot of time on making the best possible saxophones that you can, while keeping the price super affordable.
Ben
BetterSax Classic Bari owner
I bought a Better Sax Tenor from Sax UK. A colleague (Alto) at the jazz workshop bought a Tenor and loved it. Excellent back up to my 1956 MkVI.
Dex
BetterSax Classsic Tenor owner
I've owned the Bettersax Classic Baritone for almost two months and as my first bari it's been fabulous. At the Sax London shop I made the decision to buy within minutes of playing it. Using the Burnin' mouthpiece it felt like I could have blown the demo room door off when pushing out a low A
The classic mouthpiece by comparison is a more docile beast but excellent quality and supplied with the horn as standard.
A few days earlier l'd tried a couple of instruments that were twice as expensive but didn't find them as free blowing. As an older player with a few post covid respiratory issues I need all the help I can get, so that was another winning feature for the Bettersax.
With a compact and light key action, beautiful cosmetic finish, quality case and accessories I think it's great value at the price.
Bob M.
BetterSax Classic Bari owner
Video Gallery
Key Features
- Similar bore design to top professional instruments allowing for proper intonation, comfortable ergonomics, a lively response and beautiful tone.
- Underslung octave key design borrowed from the great, vintage King brand saxophones as well as elite Yanagisawa instruments.
- Cognac tinted lacquer with a simple engraving pattern for a classic, vintage themed design.
- Premium case for reliable protection and convenient transport.
- Comes with complete accessory pack including: Classic mouthpiece, ligature, cap, reed, neck strap, cork grease and polishing cloth.
- Post to body construction for a lighter horn with less resistance.
- High F# key
- Auxiliary front F key
- Blue steel springs
- Pisoni metal resonator pads
- Adjustable thumb rest
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 are available for international shipping through Thomann Music, Sax.co.uk… and Twigg Musique in Canada
Yes! We are currently working on development of a BetterSax Soprano. Stay tuned for more updates.
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.
No, the name “Classic” is just the model name and does not denote the type of music that it is intended for. BetterSax Classic saxophones are great for all popular music styles.
Yes, BetterSax Classic saxophones come with a 2 year manufacturers warranty.