Which saxophone is right for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend the alto saxophone. It is smaller and lighter than the tenor saxophone, requires less air pressure, and is easier to intonate. The fingering is intuitive, and there is a wide selection of sheet music and learning materials. Those who prefer a deeper, richer sound and are a bit taller can also start with the tenor saxophone. At Costa Instruments in Berlin, we let you try out all instruments – so you can find out which one feels right for you.
How much does a saxophone cost?
Prices depend on type, brand, and condition. General guide:
Student alto saxophone (new): 600 – 1,200 Euros
Used alto saxophone (checked, with warranty): 800 – 2,000 Euros
Tenor saxophone (used, professional brand): 1,500 – 4,500 Euros
Vintage saxophone (Buescher, Martin, Conn): 1,500 – 5,000 Euros
Steer clear of unknown old, used saxophones under 500 Euros – these instruments make learning more difficult because pads are dried out, mechanisms are not adjusted, or there are serious problems with the octave key. Learning like this is no fun.
What is the difference between alto, tenor, soprano, and baritone saxophones?
There are four common types of saxophones:
Alto Saxophone (Eb): The most popular beginner instrument. Compact, light, versatile. Ideal for jazz, pop, and classical music.
Tenor Saxophone (Bb): Larger, heavier, deeper sound. Typical for jazz and rock. Second choice for beginners.
Soprano Saxophone (Bb): Small, straight or curved. Bright sound, more demanding in intonation. More for advanced players.
Baritone Saxophone (Eb): The largest of the four types. Very deep sound, mainly used in big bands and orchestras.
For most beginners, the alto saxophone is the right choice.
Can I rent a saxophone instead of buying one?
Yes. Costa Instruments offers a saxophone rental service – ideal for students and beginners who want to find out if the saxophone is the right instrument for them. The minimum rental period is 6 months. Contact us via WhatsApp or our contact form for current conditions and availability.
What are the best saxophone brands?
The most renowned manufacturers worldwide:
Selmer (France): The benchmark brand for professional saxophones, especially the Mark VI, considered a legend.
Yamaha (Japan): Reliable, consistent quality, good for beginners and professionals.
Buescher, Martin, Conn (USA, Vintage): American vintage saxophones with a distinctive sound – a specialty at Costa Instruments. Yanagisawa (Japan): High-quality craftsmanship, warm sound, popular with professionals.
Keilwerth (Germany): Solid European quality.
What is a vintage saxophone and is it worth buying?
Vintage saxophones are instruments built before 1970 – mostly in the USA (Buescher, Martin, Conn, King) or France (Selmer). Many professional musicians prefer vintage instruments because of their characteristic, warm sound, which differs significantly from modern instruments.
Is it worth buying? Yes – if the instrument has been checked and fully overhauled by a specialist. An unchecked vintage saxophone can lead to high repair costs. At Costa Instruments, all vintage saxophones are fully inspected and made ready to play in our Berlin workshop before sale.
How do I recognize a good used saxophone?
You should pay attention to these points when buying:
All keys close tightly – no air leakage when playing.
The neck fits securely and is not bent.
All notes speak clearly, no intonation outliers.
The lacquer is cosmetic, but no dents or bends on the body.
The instrument has been checked by a specialist and comes with a warranty.
When in doubt: come to our showroom in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg – we'll show you what to look for on-site.
What is the difference between lacquered and silver saxophones?
Most saxophones have a golden brass lacquer (gold lacquer). Silver saxophones are silver-plated – meaning they are coated with a thin layer of silver.
Gold lacquer: Warm, round sound, classic appearance, easier to maintain.
Silver-plated: Slightly brighter, more brilliant sound, more elegant appearance, a bit more sensitive.
The sound difference is subtle and hardly noticeable by beginners. The choice is ultimately a matter of personal taste.
How heavy is a saxophone?
The weight varies by type:
Alto saxophone: approx. 2.5 – 3 kg
Tenor saxophone: approx. 3.5 – 4.5 kg
Soprano saxophone: approx. 1 – 1.5 kg
Baritone saxophone: approx. 6 – 9 kg
When playing, the saxophone is worn on a neck strap, so the weight is well distributed. For children, we generally recommend the alto saxophone.
How do I properly care for my saxophone?
With these simple steps, your saxophone will remain in good condition for a long time:
After each playing, remove saliva from the body and neck with a swab.
Clean and dry mouthpiece and reed separately.
Always store the instrument in its case.
Do not unduly strain or bend the keys.
Regularly lubricate the cork on the neck with cork grease.
Have it serviced by a specialist workshop every 1-2 years.
Can an adult still learn to play the saxophone?
Yes, without question. The saxophone is considered one of the most accessible wind instruments for adults. With a well-adjusted instrument and regular practice – even 20 to 30 minutes daily – first melodies are possible within a few weeks. Many of our customers begin in adulthood and are delighted with their progress after a few months. The crucial thing is to start with a playable instrument that doesn't work against you.
Which saxophone is suitable for which music style?
Jazz: Tenor saxophone or alto saxophone – vintage instruments particularly popular.
Pop / Rock: Alto saxophone or tenor saxophone.
Classical / Chamber music: Alto saxophone, less commonly soprano saxophone.
Big Band / Orchestra: All four types, depending on the part.
Ska / Reggae: Alto saxophone or tenor saxophone.
Folklore / Folk music: Tenor saxophone.
At Costa Instruments, we carry saxophones for all styles – we help you find the right instrument for your music.
What does a saxophone repair cost?
Costs depend on the scope of work. Typical repairs at Costa Instruments in Berlin:
Adjusting a single key / replacing a pad: from 20 Euros.
Replacing neck cork: from 15 Euros.
Removing a small dent: from 40 Euros.
General overhaul (all pads, all springs, tuning): from 250 Euros.
Complete vintage overhaul: from 350 Euros.
Assessment at our workshop in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg is free. Just drop by or make an appointment via WhatsApp.
Can I also buy my saxophone online at Costa Instruments?
Yes. All saxophones in our online shop at costa-instruments.com are fully checked, cleaned, and set up ready to play in our Berlin workshop. We ship securely packaged to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and many other countries worldwide. If you have any questions before purchasing, you can reach us anytime via WhatsApp – we are happy to send you additional photos or videos of the desired instrument.
Where can I buy and try out a saxophone in Berlin?
At Costa Instruments, Buchholzer Str. 9, 10437 Berlin Prenzlauer Berg. In our showroom, you can pick up and try out all saxophones from our range – without sales pressure and with personal expert advice. Our workshop is directly on site. You can reach us via WhatsApp, phone, or the contact form on our website. We also accept repairs and maintenance directly.
