The BetterSax Alto Saxophone

 

This Sax is Better

Today I’m very excited to officially announce to you the release of the BetterSax alto saxophone.

After reviewing many low cost alto saxophone options available I realized that the saxophone world really needed an affordable instrument that was also reliable, and desirable.

It’s not enough to just be able to purchase an instrument that works. We want an instrument that also sounds great, feels like a professional horn, and doesn’t look like it’s low cost. We want an instrument developed and designed by saxophone players and educators that’s also built and backed by a brand we trust.

The Price of the BetterSax Alto Saxophone

We set out to create a great instrument with an accessible price tag. The BetterSax alto saxophone can be found in the US at Amazon or Sweetwater.com, and is available internationally with Thomann Music or Sax.co.uk.

Please check the price at one of those great dealers depending on where you live.

This is an instrument that I could count on to play on any gig or recording session. And you’re going to see and hear me playing on it right now, and in lots of my YouTube videos going forward.

Just because you see me playing on fancy expensive saxophones all the time, don’t get the wrong idea. You don’t actually need an instrument that costs several thousand dollars to sound good.

The Design

Let’s have a good close look at this horn.

As performers our instrument is part of our visual presentation. I wanted to make a saxophone that not only sounded like a pro horn, but looked like one as well. We went with a darker colored gold lacquer to evoke a more vintage vibe. The underslung octave key is inspired by the great legendary King saxophones as well as modern, elite Yanagisawa saxophones.

On the bell and bow of the Better Sax, there is subtle hand engraving in the classic style.

Where it’s Made

This saxophone is made in China. While some companies would prefer to try and hide that fact, there is absolutely no reason for me to do so.

China produces a lot of things. Some of those things are marvels of what is possible today, like my iPhone. The reality today is that in China you can get a quality product manufactured to your exact specifications. The Better Sax is being built at a manufacturing facility with supervision from hand picked quality control agents.

Each and every instrument is carefully checked throughout the manufacturing process and then receives a final inspection before being shipped.

Tech Specs

Now let’s go over in detail some of the technical specifications of the Better Sax.

The bore is based on a top professional saxophone design which is a favorite of mine so it has a rich, focused sound with fantastic intonation.

The original model of the Better Sax alto (EAS111) did not have the high F# key. We have since added this key to the design and now the EAS112 model Better Sax has the high F# key.

This combined with the post to body construction results in a lighter horn with a lively and less resistant response.

I think this is especially appropriate for anyone starting out or developing their sound on the saxophone where you‘re going to want a horn that is very free blowing and easy to play like this one.

We have blue steel springs the same as you get on professional model horns and Pisoni metal resonator pads.

If you’ve seen any of my videos on saxophone maintenance you know that a good quality case is very important to me, so the Better Sax comes with a great lightweight case that offers outstanding protection and is easy to get around.

The Better Sax of course comes with a standard kit of accessories so you can get started playing right away. There’s a basic student mouthpiece, a ligature and cap, neck strap, cork grease and a polishing cloth.

Everyone who purchases the Better Sax will also get access to some exclusive video content from me to help you get the most out of your new instrument starting the moment you open the case.

How the BetterSax Alto Saxophone Plays

Now for how the Better Sax plays. You’ve heard me playing the instrument throughout this video and if you’ve been watching my channel over the years you’ve heard me play on a lot of different gear setups.

You also know I’m a saxophone technician and teacher and I want every saxophone player to have a great instrument to work with. One that is easy to play, has a beautiful tone, good intonation, comfortable ergonomics and a reliable and tight mechanism.

I would never recommend anything less to anyone. My reputation is very important to me as is the trust of my audience.

So keep all that in mind when I tell you this horn plays great. It’s fun to play, it’s easy to play, it feels good in my hands.

At the time I’m filming this video we are just beginning to take orders. So if you buy one, please come back and comment here to tell everyone your experience with it.

Final Thoughts

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.

I’m going to be using this horn a lot here on my YouTube channel so there will be plenty of opportunities to see and hear it going forward.

I’m so thrilled to finally be able to share the culmination of this long project with you, and I’m wishing all the best music and enjoyment to everyone who plays on it.

Once you order and receive your saxophone, please let us know what you think in the comments below!

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.