Best
Overall Professional Alto Sax
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Overall: Underslung Octave Key Offers A Faster Response
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Best Feature: Luxurious Metals Offer A Direct And Pure Sound
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TedScore: 8/10
Best
Budget Pick Professional Alto Sax
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Overall: Gorgeous Appearance With Mother-Of-Pearl Key Buttons And Bell Engraving
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Best Feature: Stunning performance with Yamaha's renowned mechanisms
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TedScore: 8.5/10
Best
Professional Alto Sax for Jazz
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Overall: Bright Sound And Effortless Playability
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Best Feature: Vintage Unlacquered Finish With Engraving
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TedScore: 8.5/10
If you’re looking for the best alto saxophone to take your playing to the next level, we’ve got you covered! With Professional Alto Saxophones, you’ll never be held back by your musical instrument when it comes to mastering this amazing instrument.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best professional alto saxophones to help you make a perfect choice. Plus, some care tips and accessory suggestions to help you become the professional saxophonist you’re aspiring to be!
What Makes A Professional Sax Better?
Professional alto saxophones provide a higher level of performance, sound, and responsiveness compared to intermediate models. These horns often have post-to-body construction which results in less wear and tear and more stability for your musical instruments. Which leads to a fuller, richer sound and better intonation.
Plus, the vintage designs of these musical instruments emphasise the midrange tonally, giving you that ‘fat’ sound that professional R ‘n B players tend to favour.
When to Upgrade to a Professional Alto Sax?
If you find yourself at a point where your current alto saxophone is holding you back, it might be time to consider upgrading to a professional model.
A good time to upgrade is usually around ABRSM grades 5 or 6 when your teacher might suggest it. Before you choose a professional alto saxophone, decide exactly what performance level you need. You can still have fun and sound great on a student-level sax for years – even decades – as long as it’s well-maintained. If you want better control over your tone and projection, though, or are looking for expert craftsmanship, then it could be time to upgrade.
How to Choose a Professional Alto Saxophone
Picking the best sax that’s perfect for you can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be! From researching the different types of saxophones to understanding the features of each, there’s a lot to consider when selecting the right instrument for you.
Here are some of the most important things you need to keep in mind before buying your next professional alto saxophone!
High-Quality Materials
Many saxophones are made from brass which gives them a beautifully bright sound. While brass is the most common, some higher-end models are crafted from different metals. These metals provide superior tone, perfect intonation and response than brass.
So if you’re looking for the best sound possible, it might be worth investing in a saxophone made from one of these higher-quality materials. It’s an invaluable investment that will keep your saxophone in good working order for years to come.
Comes from a Reputable Brand
The “Big Four” which consists of Selmer, Yamaha, Yanagisawa and Keilwerth has been making quality instruments for many years and are the trusted choice of professionals around the world. Their instruments have been tried and tested over time and have proven to be reliable and of high quality.
The cost may be more than what you’d find from a smaller independent manufacturer, but it’ll be worth it in the long run. So when shopping for a pro-level alto saxophone, make sure to stick with the big names! If in doubt, look at our Saxophone Reviews page.
S-bow and Body
The S-bow and body of a saxophone affect the sound, response, and playability of the instrument. A good quality S-bow and body will provide you with a better sound and improved intonation.
It’s also important to ensure that the S-bow is comfortable to hold because this will affect your playing technique. A good quality body will also help keep your instrument in top shape over time.
Included Accessories for the Sax
When you buy a professional alto saxophone, it’s important to consider the included accessories that come with your purchase.
A mouthpiece is essential for a saxophone, and some brands offer their own mouthpiece as part of the package. These mouthpieces are often of good quality and can help you get the best sound out of your instrument.
Cases and straps are also often included in this package, which can help you protect your instrument and make it easier to transport. Also, some brands offer additional lessons and services with their instrument purchase, which can benefit those just starting out.
Warranty & After-Sales Service
Warranty and after-sales service give you peace of mind that repairs will be covered if anything goes wrong with your saxophone. It ensures that you have access to professional advice and support throughout your time as a saxophone player.
Many instrument retailers offer warranties on their instruments, so make sure to ask about this when you’re making your purchase. Make sure that the retailer you choose offers technical advice and repair services if needed, as well as regular maintenance checks to keep your saxophone in top condition.
The 5 Best Professional Alto Saxophones
When you think of the best professional alto saxophones on the market, some popular names immediately come to mind like the Selmer Saxophones and Yamaha.
Let’s get to know better some of these reputable saxophone brands and their outstanding alto saxes!
Yanagisawa
Yanagisawa saxophones are exceptional instruments built with craftsmanship and reliability. Their saxophones provide a consistent tone and response over the entire range, no matter the dynamic level. The ergonomic design is superb, making them fast and nimble to play.
Plus, their factory setup is quite good, although you can make small tweaks here and there to improve it even further. Sonically, this brand is as good as other best professional alto saxophones on the market today, boasting impressive intonation and a clear, rich sound.
DESIGNED FOR: Professional saxophone players
FEATURES: Luxurious metals offer a direct and pure sound
OTHER INFO: Underslung octave key offers a faster response
Yanagisawa TWO20PG
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Double-arm bell keys prevent distortion
- Unparalleled Japanese build quality
- Comes with a wood shell case and mouthpiece
- Slightly heavier than average professional alto saxophones
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore.
