Best Tenor Saxophone & Best Tenor Saxophone Brands
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You may be in the market to get a new saxophone for many reasons. Maybe you are searching for the ideal beginner’s model for a family member, or yourself, or for a music student.
Have you been playing the sax professionally for some time and you are considering an upgrade?
Are you an alto saxophone player looking to widen your range by acquiring a second musical instrument?
Perhaps the tenor saxophone is on your radar?
The tenor saxophone has been closely associated with jazz artists and remains a mainstay in the genre. It has a familiar curvy shape and is tuned to Bb. Since this instrument isn’t as heavy or as large as the bass or baritone sax, it may be easier for beginners to play.
On the other hand, due to its relatively curved, large, shape, the tenor sax is prone to damage like any other instrument (which is why it is essential to ensure that its body is created from the most durable materials available).
Accessory: Tenor Sax Case & Bag, Tenor Sax Mouthpiece, Saxophone Mutes
What are the Best Tenor Saxophone to Buy?
It is important to indicate that the tenor sax is the second largest saxophone (out there) of the four most crucial members of the sax family. The tenor saxophone is often seen as the second favorite of all horns for beginners. They choose to learn how to play the tenor after the alto sax. This is primarily due to the fact that it is a little larger and therefore a bit less comfortable to hold initially for students. However, it remains a practical option for beginners, as it is a natural instrument to blow.
This is basically a guide to help both first-time tenor saxophone buyers and experienced sax players who intend to purchase the instrument. This guide gives an analysis of the key features and performance of some of the tenor saxophones available on the market to enable buyers to make the best purchase. Of course, buyers can shop for tenor saxophones from a range of places including musical instrument stores, big-box electronics retailers, second-hand retailers, and multiple online sources.
7 Best Tenor Saxophone Reviews and the Best Tenor Saxophone Brands
See our highlight below if you want to reduce the stress involved in getting a tenor saxophone.
1) Jean Paul TS-400 Tenor Saxophone
Jean Paul TS-400 Tenor Saxophone is an excellent musical instrument for any sax player (whether you are just beginning, or you are an intermediate player). This instrument offers superior tone, with the even placement and key action required to help developing musicians reach their peak.
The Jean Paul Tenor Saxophone comes with an astonishing yellow brass body construction, tapered pivot keys for easy use, power forged keys and a strong bell brace which offers durability. All of these outstanding properties combined with a strong carrying case (that allows for easy conveyance) makes the Jean Paul Tenor Sax the ideal choice for beginners to play.
This instrument also includes a set of professional Rico reeds, a mouthpiece, cap, and ligature. It has a neck strap for comfort, a swab cleaner and polishing cloth for maintenance as well as a cork grease. The Jean Paul Tenor Saxophone TS-400 is an easy to blow Saxophone due to its excellent range and great intonation.
With its robust dual-user case, it can easily be transported either by hand or even back-pack style. This makes moving the instrument very easy for music students. This device is also user-friendly because its padded straps offer comfort and balance its weight. The TS-400 saxophone also offers built-in multiple pockets for extra storage.
Features
- The TS-400 Saxophone is set in the key of Bb.
- The Jean Paul Tenor Saxophone includes a robust carrying case for transportation and easy use.
- Astonishing yellow brass body construction.
2) Mendini MTS-L+92D Gold Lacquer B Flat Saxophone
The Mendini MTS-L+92D Gold Lacquer B Flat Saxophone is the perfect tool for longtime players and beginners alike. Its large bore allows it to offer less hassle for beginners thus making it easy for players to achieve an excellent, full-bodied sound production.
The fast action keys of the MTS-L+92D Gold Lacquer B Flat Saxophone allow for easy use for all players. It produces a deep and rich tone with even intonation throughout its full range.
Its packaging includes a neck strap, mouthpiece with a reed and cap, as a box of 10 reeds with a size of 2.5″. This tool also comes with a plush lined nylon covered hard casing with a zippered pocket and a backpack strap. It has a cleaning rod, polishing cloth, pair of white gloves (meant to keep your instrument spot free whenever it is played).
The MTS-L+92D Gold Lacquer B Flat Saxophone comes with a large bore, ribbed construction, metal tone boosters, quality leather pads, and contoured keys as well as a faux of pearl inlays. Also included in the instrument are a pro-deluxe hard-shell case (for durability), a mouthpiece, neck strap, cleaning cloth and rod, a box of 10 reeds and a pair of gloves.
Features
- Easy handling and usability for players of all levels.
- The Medini MTS B Flat Saxophone is built in a gold lacquered body.
- The instrument comes with keys Bb along with been a high F# key tenor saxophone.
3) Glory Black B Flat Tenor Saxophone
The Glory Black B Flat Tenor Saxophone is one of the fantastic options of saxophones for players of any level. This item comes with a Hand Engraved Bell Decoration, along with very high-quality leather pads. It includes metal resonators, a set of adjustable key height screws, accurate sound hole positions and a metal thumb rest.
Its sound hole positions offer player fingers the option to rest comfortably thus making the instrument an easy to use one. Due to the reasonable key layout design of the Glory Black B Flat Tenor Saxophone and its compact design, it can be easily used by adult and children.
The instrument also includes 10pc reeds, a pro-deluxe hard-shell case for easy transportation and durability, a mouthpiece, and neck strap, with grease, a screwdriver. It is also has a cleaning cloth and rod, with a pair of gloves.
The Glory Black B Flat Tenor Saxophone is an excellent choice for people who want to buy something more professional. No matter your reason for getting this saxophone whether it is for you or for your family or friends you can hope to take advantage of its high-quality durable casing and easy to use feature.
Features
- The Glory Black B Flat Tenor Saxophone is a highly durable and easy to use saxophone for all players.
- The Glory Black B Flat Tenor Saxophone is set in the key of Bb and is a high F# key tenor saxophone.
- Includes a pro-deluxe durable hard-shell casing for easy conveyance.
4) Yanagisawa Professional T-991 Tenor Saxophone
The Yanagisawa T-991 professional Saxophone is an easy to play modern horn that produces a modern sound. It is a state-of-the-art designed saxophone with playing characteristics that allows the player present a unique tone among a host of saxophonists.
This instrument features the Yanagisawa sway-free mechanism, as well as regular contoured palm keys, a completely redesigned coat and key guards with a three-point bell brace. It is tuned to the Key of Bb and also includes the high F# key, and double-action low C and B keys, with a unique black lacquer, and gold brass handle engraving on its bell.
The sway-free mechanism built in this tenor saxophone allows it present a refined sound along with an even intonation throughout its entire range as well as at all dynamic levels. The amazing features included in this sax makes it an easy to play instrument.
It is well built with a sturdy and highly durable construction when compared to other tenor saxophones with an excellent tone. This musical instrument is the ideal choice for you if what you are looking is something flashy and across the range. It is a great tool to express your music and has the potential to serve you for many years.
Features
- The Yanagisawa Professional T-991 Tenor Saxophone is set in the high F# key, and Key of Bb.
- This instrument has built-in Double-action C keys and low B.
- It also includes Lacquered Brass or Black Lacquer handle engraving.
5) Selmer Paris Reference 54 Tenor Saxophone
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The Selmer Paris Reference 54 Tenor Saxophone is a gorgeously crafted musical instrument that incorporates some of the most beautiful acoustic and ergonomic features (in terms of construction) from the earlier Selmer Paris saxophone models.
These vintage features are combined with a touch of the modern designs and several manufacturing enhancements. The primary feature that makes the Selmer Paris Reference 54 Saxophone more popular is its tone which is based on the 1954 legendary Mark VI. The key set up is superb and positioned near the body for better playability and comfort.
With the aid of the hammering process, the Selmer Paris Reference 54’s neck, bow, body, and bell are built from a unique brass alloy with high copper content, which makes the metal softer for an enticing, warmer sound. The use of plastic tone boosters and kid leather pads for this tool adds flexibility and projects better sound.
The Reference 54 Tenor Saxophone includes the regular pearl key representing front F. With a dull lacquer and a well-brushed finish on both its body and keys, the Reference 54 sax offers a vintage appeal. This instrument is a major favorite among saxophonists and offers a rich, throaty, centered sound that “barks” fine in the lower register.
Features
- The Selmer Reference 54 Tenor Saxophone is set in the Bb key.
- Comes with an adjustable metal thumb rest.
- Comes with a tapered pivot screw, shaped case, mouthpiece, cap, ligature, and care products.
6) Kaizer Tenor Saxophone TSAX-1000LQ
The Kaizer Tenor Saxophone TSAX-1000 introduces versatility, high functionality, and excellent playability. It is the ideal musical instrument for beginners or music students. This Saxophone is built with the same construction elements and functionality which is applied to the other saxophone platforms including the alto saxophone, and soprano saxophone beside the tenor.
The Kaizer Tenor 1000 Series is designed to eliminate the need for an additional step-up or intermediate musical tool. When a sax player is ready to shift through levels, he or she can move on to a more professional level instrument.
The Kaizer Tenor Saxophone TSAX-1000 is built to be tough. The instrument requires only little maintenance and is made with premium quality solid brass for the best tonality and durability when compared to others. Its professionally padded leatherette impedes corrosion wear, giving players the perfect seal all the time.
Combined with top-notch steel springs the Kaizer 1000 Series offers player confidence, full control, and fast response. The instrument is available in multiple finishes including the classic gold lacquer finish or silver, black plated finish. The instrument also includes a sax maintenance kit that consists of a polishing cloth, cleaning rod, lubricant and a pair of gloves.
Features
- The fully loaded package for the Kaizer 1000 includes a molded case (for maximum protection), ligature set and a complete mouthpiece.
- Offers a sensitive response, with premium steel springs, and professional leatherette pads for fast action and maximum intonation control.
- Set in the standard tenor key of B flat (Bb) and ideal for beginners, orchestra players, and school band.
7) Conductor Tenor Saxophone – Series II TS200-II
The Conductor Tenor Saxophone – Series II TS200-II is a well built musical instrument that offers easy playability. It offers a satisfying performance with undisputed durability and versatility. This Saxophone model is an ideal tool for music students.
It is set in the traditional tenor key of Bb (B Flat) with lacquered all brass body construction. The Conductor Tenor Saxophone – Series II TS200-II includes premium leather pads. Its versatility and easy playability make it one of the most popular brands of saxophones used in orchestra programs and bands throughout the country.
With a standard custom design or an easy to play bore shape, the Series-II offers players an ideal design option. It comes with a deluxe style carrying case and is teacher recommended. The instrument is made in a fantastic way and adequate standards which gives you an excellent tenor saxophone (and a student level tenor instrument).
The Conductor Tenor Saxophone TS200 Series II is one of the newest models that step up in terms of standard and versatility when it comes to student musical instruments. It is designed to offer you a fine tone and intonation, as well as allowing you to be rugged enough when handling it.
Features
- The Conductor Tenor Saxophone – Series II is an ideal student Tenor Sax set in the key of Bb (B Flat).
- Includes a host of accessories including a complete sturdy case for transportation and a ligature with the mouthpiece.
- This instrument has quality construction for durability and offers great playability for beginners and longtime players.
Choosing the Best Tenor Saxophone from the Best Tenor Saxophone Brands
It is true that buying a musical instrument (especially a tenor saxophone) will present a daunting task for buyers (particularly first-time purchasers), but they can take full advantage of the information provided in this guide.
As seen above the performance and key features, as well as the advantages of each of seven tenor saxophone brands, are covered. Even the optional and essential accessories that complement a sax purchase are also touched. Additionally, readers of the above guide are offered suggestions for purchasing a tenor saxophone based on the features of each instrument.
You can get fantastic options at various shopping locations. After looking through this review and buying guide, intending buyers should have the ability to make a well-informed tenor saxophone purchase.
Once you have familiarized yourself with the basics of buying a tenor saxophone if you are a first-time instrument buyer, you can gain solid understanding regarding the market and what you need, allowing you to buy a tenor sax that will offer you many years of enjoyment.