Tenor saxophone

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What should I look for when buying a tenor saxophone?

For beginners and advanced players alike, precise intonation, ergonomics – particularly smooth mechanics and easily accessible keys – are paramount. Easy response across all registers is also important. For more expensive models, sound versatility, ergonomics, material quality of craftsmanship, and the manufacturer's reputation also play a crucial role.

Which tenor saxophone is right for me?

The choice depends primarily on your own playing level. For vintage models, we recommend saxophone playing experience.

For beginners, we recommend Yamaha, Buffet Crampon, Jupiter, or newer models from the brand Conn, which can be purchased used starting at around €799.

For advanced players, we recommend our Selmer, Buescher, and Martin models. These models have excellent sound quality, are easy to play, and are a real eye-catcher.

Tenor Saxophone & Music Styles (Classical, Jazz, etc.)

For Jazz, Pop, and Fusion, there are numerous manufacturers to choose from. Keilwerth from Germany is particularly highly regarded in Smooth Jazz. Yamaha offers one of the most extensive product ranges—from beginner instruments to master class. Japanese manufacturers Yanagisawa and Forestone complement the offering in the high-end segment with high-quality all-round instruments. From Italy come the handmade saxophones from Rampone & Cazzani, which combine sound and craftsmanship at the highest level.

Classical Music: Basically, classical music can be played on any tenor saxophone—provided the mouthpiece is selected accordingly. For classical playing, mouthpieces with a narrow tip opening are recommended, for example from Selmer, Vandoren, or Yamaha. Selmer is considered the classic reference brand par excellence: The model range starts at around 4,100 Euros and extends to well over 8,500 Euros for top instruments in the Signature series

Which mouthpiece do I need?

The mouthpiece significantly influences the sound — beginners are well advised to use a standard model such as the Yamaha 4C or 5C or RICO.

Classical Music: For classical playing, mouthpieces with a narrow tip opening are recommended, for example from Selmer (S80C, Selmer Concept), Yamaha (5C, 6C), and Vandoren (Optimum TL3, V5 T20) are considered the classic reference brands par excellence.

Jazz, Balkan, World & Fusion: For Jazz, Balkan, World, or Fusion music, mouthpieces with a wider tip opening are recommended, for example from Selmer (S80C, Selmer Concept, Selmer Soloist C*), Yamaha (6C, 7C), and Vandoren (V16 T6, V16 T7, Java T75) are considered the classic reference brands par excellence.

Costa Instruments offers an extensive selection for this. Please refer to our catalog.

What accessories do I need?

Every tenor saxophone comes with a padded case. This protects the instrument during daily transport – however, if you travel frequently or want to store your saxophone particularly securely, a gig bag is a better choice. With a backpack function, you are significantly more mobile. At Costa Instruments, you will find a selection of suitable models.

For playing itself, a carrying strap is indispensable – it is attached to the instrument via a hook and bears the weight of the saxophone. For children, a shoulder strap is recommended: It distributes the weight over both shoulders and ensures maximum freedom of movement in the neck area.

Tenor Saxophone Brands

  • Selmer (FR)
  • Buescher (USA)
  • Martin (USA)
  • Conn (USA)
  • King (USA)
  • Jupiter
  • Keilwerth
  • Rampone & Cazzani
  • Yamaha (JP)
  • Yanagisawa
  • and many more…

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