The saxophone is a beautiful, brass-made woodwind instrument usually used in band performances. Initially, it was invented in 1840 and since then it has been used and enjoyed by people. These are widely used in military bands, orchestras, chamber music, concert bands, marching bands, in jazz and popular music. People love its tone and performance and the number of people who are taking interest in learning this instrument is also increasing.
Their extensive use in the music industry has raised their demand and consequently, numerous brands have come up with top quality saxophones to meet the standards of the professional saxophonists. For those who have passed the initial phases of learning and have gained much experience to play it skillfully, there are numerous verities available in the market.
Related: Alto Saxophone Cases, Tenor Saxophone Cases, Alto Saxophone Mouthpieces, Saxophone Stands
What are the Best Professional Saxophones?
2) Selmer AS42 Professional Alto Saxophone
- Reputable
- Adjusting Screws
- Top Quality
- Hand Engraved Pattern
1) Yamaha YAS-62 Professional Alto Saxophone
- High Quality
- Great Performance
- Beautiful Design
- Free blowing
3) Yamaha YAS-82ZII Custom Z Alto Saxophone
- Beautiful Design
- Stunning Performance
- Fast Action
- Outclass Sound
Almost all the famous names brands that serve music industry are manufacturing saxophones to meet the needs of players. Every brand has its own distinctive features and that well exhibited in their instruments.
How to choose the right Saxophone?
Selection of the right saxophone is not easy. Particularly, if you are looking for a professional saxophone, it is even more difficult. The needs of experts are different from that of the beginners. The starters require the basic instrument that is easier to play. Likewise, the intermediate level players get satisfied with the instrument that features easy playability and good results.
However, nothing can satisfy an expert other than the perfect instrument. He needs the one that is equipped with advanced features and designed using state of the art technology to give incredible results. For them, the output sound is far more important than the easy play as they know well how to handle the instrument.
In order to choose the appropriate that suits you best, the first thing that you should do is identify your need. Yes, different musicians have different requirements. Everyone doesn’t want the same thing. For some, the tonal range in more important while some look for well-built structure. Some want a better sounding instrument while some look for great responsive one.
Moreover, the structure and body material is also an important factor. Usually, the saxophones come in lacquered brass, numerous finish and metal options are also available that not only affect the looks but the tonal quality as well. For instance, for well-rounded and fuller tone, those that come in a matte finish or black lacquer are more suitable. Likewise, if you want a purer and more centered tone with enhanced volume, silver plating saxophone is more appropriate.
There are different options available out there. All you need is the conscious and well-informed decision. For that, you must do some research. That sounds time taking task, right? Well, you don’t need to worry about that. We have got your back.
Usually, we review different instruments that cater to the needs of all the musicians belonging to various skill levels. This time, we have come up with something different. In this article, we are going to have a brief overview of some of the top choices of the professionals.
5 Best Professional Saxophone Reviews and the Best Professional Saxophone Brands
We have selected the best sellers and the top recommended models of some popular brands to show you their strengths and functional capabilities. Have a look so that you can decide properly which one suits best your needs.
1) Yamaha YAS-62 Professional Alto Saxophone Lacquered
This model of Yamaha is truly stunning in terms of playability and structural design. It possesses all the features for which the Yamaha is famous for.
The first thing that you would love about this marvellous instrument is its striking appearance. The beautiful gold color makes it more appealing and players just love the look of it. This is the best choice for those who want to get impressive quality, improved durability, and flawless functionality at an economical rate. The structure is engineered in a way that it generates professional quality sound.
Both the neck and bore are made narrow to deliver greater control and a quicker response. A more easy flow of air through this neck style helps the saxophonists to get the incredibly commendable tonal core. An enhanced and clearer tonal response for the low range is delivered by this appealing Saxophone.
YAS-62 features Eb key, adjustable bumper felts and thumb hook, and a hand engraved bell. The auxiliary keys (front F and F#) are also added. Moreover, the polyester key buttons offer more durability.
Its handy design and free blowing make it an easy to play the saxophone that gives a phenomenal performance. This one also comes in a carrying case that adds to its protection and makes it easy for transport.
2) Selmer AS42 Professional Alto Saxophone Lacquer
Selmer is a very popular name that specializes in manufacturing and supplying top quality orchestral and band instruments. Having great experience of years, it has established credibility and is particularly famous for high standard combined with affordable price. All its product lines are amazing but particularly the professional saxophones presented by this brand are truly amazing.
This masterpiece exhibits the first-ever collaboration of Selmer USA and Henri Selmer Paris and has a very beautiful design. The shiny gold color makes it more attractive. The hand engraved pattern adds more style and elegance to its appearance. It is made with extensive detail to action and delivers very responsive and enhanced tune that is the perfect choice to be played in jazz and classical situation.
The Selmer AS42 features metal resonators and has a fully ribbed structural design that ensures a more diverse dynamic range. The addition of blue steel springs delivers a quicker and improved response.
The product specifications include a Henri Selmer Paris neck and mouthpiece, high F# key, lacquer brass, treated leather pads with the metal resonators. Made with the latest technology, it includes rocking table mechanism. Additionally, multiple screws are available that are made adjustable to allow the players to customize the setting for generating desirable output. It comes complete with a very handy BAM case.
3) Yamaha YAS-82ZII Custom Z Alto Saxophone Silver Plated
Who doesn’t know amount appreciable contribution of Yamaha Brand to the music industry? It has a long history of manufacturing flawless musical instruments that feature impressive designs and stunning performance.
Among its entire range of Saxophones, the one under discussion is specifically made for the professionals. It is designed by keeping in mind their requirements and thus successfully generates outclass sound.
The first thing that you will like about this incredible instrument is its appealing outlook. This silver is silver plated and ads more aesthetic appeal to the instrument. It is engineered carefully to deliver a perfect combination of responsiveness, great expression, and enhanced control over the functionality.
The YAS 82ZII is matchless in terms of craftsmanship and technology and is often recommended for working professionals. To provide a diverse tonal color range and to improve the low-end response, it features a one-piece bell. The design including new engraving makes it a more attractive instrument.
The product specifications include High F# and front F auxiliary keys, an easily adjustable thumb hook, and the key of Eb. The mouthpiece and a hard case are also provided. The case offers more protection and you can easily carry your favorite Yamaha Saxophone.
4) Allora Paris Series Professional Alto Saxophone AAAS-805 – Black Nickel Body – Silver Plated Keys
Allora is a well-reputed name of the industry that has the credibility for supplying exceptional quality brass and woodwind instruments. Professionals mostly prefer this model of Allora for its seamless construction, exquisite design, and effortless performance.
The black Nickle keys and silver plated body makes it more adorable. This is also available in some other finishing options. It has solid construction, very precise intonation, efficient response, impressive ribbed construction, solid sound, and easy playability.
The key adjustment features are truly amazing and such features are usually found in more expensive models. The specific features include range of High F#, Pro pads, and improved engraving.
When it comes to functional capabilities, there is no match for it. Try your hands on this one and you won’t regret your decision. Moreover, it includes several complimentary products including mouthpiece, cap, ligature, care products and a case.
5) P. Mauriat PMXT-66R Series Professional Tenor Saxophone
P Mauriat is specifically famous for exclusively designed, handmade saxophones. The whole manufacturing process including the shaping, lacquering and engraving, all is done by the hands of highly skilled professionals and top experts to make a remarkable final product.
The finest quality material is used to ensure greater durability so that players can have the long lasting instrument. Among its vast variety of Saxophones, the one under consideration here is fantastic in terms of design, appearance, feel and performance.
The PMXT-66R integrates a distinctive P Mauriat’s process of rolling that does not require any soldering. Its unique design makes it more expressive with increased resonance and superb response.
This one comes with multiple finishing options and presents a gorgeous look. It features an enlarged bell that successfully delivers a very warm and flat sound through its splendid horn.
The special features include an excellent super VI neck, rolled tone holes, genuine abalone touch, and high F# range. This is one of the top choices of the professionals.The finishing options include raw bass, cognac, gold and vintage dark lacquer. The finishing choice you choose also affects the performance.
Choosing the Best Professional Saxophone
Choosing any of these is a win-win situation. After reviewing their characteristic features, functional capabilities and efficiency of performance, you will realize that all these are best in their own way. Each of these brands has a good reputation regarding the quality and performance of their instruments.
2) Selmer AS42 Professional Alto Saxophone
- Reputable
- Adjusting Screws
- Top Quality
- Hand Engraved Pattern
1) Yamaha YAS-62 Professional Alto Saxophone
- High Quality
- Great Performance
- Beautiful Design
- Free blowing
3) Yamaha YAS-82ZII Custom Z Alto Saxophone
- Beautiful Design
- Stunning Performance
- Fast Action
- Outclass Sound
The professional players are capable of handling well the advanced tools and they can deliver smooth performance with any good instrument. But in order to deliver the perfect results, the one most suitable for different players would be different.
Some give more importance to the tonal quality while some want a more responsive instrument, so you should keep in mind your major concern and then choose one. Those who are looking for an instrument with mesmerizing feel, the Selmer AS42 is a very smart choice. Players usually enjoy its pleasing feel and have a delightful experience.
An important and obvious thing that you should keep in mind is your budget. It is often considered that good quality comes at a good price. That is not always right. There are many models offered by numerous known brands that give a professional level performance and comes at affordable price. For instance, the YAS-62 professional Alto Saxophone from Yamaha is one such excellent choice that comes in an easily affordable range and offers unparalleled performance.