Buying a new saxophone, especially if you’re a beginner and you haven’t bought one before, can be a daunting process. Knowing which type to get, what accessories you need, and how much to spend can be confusing and overwhelming. To help you know what to look for, we’ve put together a buying guide to walk you through each decision.
We’ve also put together reviews of what we think are the best cheap saxophones on the market in 2024 to help you find the best one. Let’s get started.
Quick Answer: The Best Inexpensive Saxophones
The Best Budget Saxophone Reviews
Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in your cheap saxophone, it’s time to read our favorite cheap saxophone reviews.
1. Jean Paul USA AS-400 Cheap Alto Saxophone
- Ergonomic Keywork helps you play more comfortably
- Robust Contoured Carrying Case For Easy Transportation
- Beautiful Yellow Brass Body Construction With Lacquer Finish
Beginner and intermediate saxophone players and students will rejoice for this affordable alto, the Jean Paul AS-400 Alto Saxophone. It’s ideal for music students and an excellent instrument for blending well with any band because of the fluid keys, vibrant sound, and rich intonation.
The Jean Paul AS-400 Alto Saxophone is in the key Eb, with auxiliary keys in high F#. Jean Paul designs their instruments with the needs of students, beginners, and intermediate musicians in mind. In addition to factory bench testing, each saxophone goes through another round of quality assurance testing by a highly skilled professional.
Like all of their musical instruments, the Jean Paul AS-400 Alto Saxophone is well-made, user-friendly, and has an attractive design. The elegant lacquered brass body features power-forged keys, a resilient bell brace, and tapered pivot keys.
It comes with a durable carrying case and essential sax accessories: a nickel-plated mouthpiece cap, resonators, a Rico reed, swabs, gloves, and a cleaning cloth.
2. Mendini by Cecilio Cheap Alto Sax
- All Levels Welcome: You don't have to be a pro to jam on this sax for adults that also works great as a kids musical instrument. For beginners and...
- Sleek Design: The lacquered body and high F# key will ensure that these brass instruments will have you looking great and sounding better
- Craftsmanship: These saxophones come with a large bore, ribbed construction, quality leather pads and metal tone boosters. The contoured keys with...
Mendini saxophones by Cecilio are favored by teachers, band students, and professional musicians alike. They are easy to handle, produce a well-rounded sound, and are fun to play, thanks to the large bore and fast action keys.
Beginners will find the Eb alto saxophone (high F# auxiliary keys) forgiving of their novice mistakes while providing a warm, solid tone. Advanced players and multi-instrumentalists will appreciate the ribbed construction and big bore for free-blowing to create a deep, resonant sound with even intonation.
Cecilio’s exclusive sleek design has more than 300 hand-crafted pieces with nothing off the shelf. Each alto sax is played and re-tested to ensure the Mendini saxophones pass the highest quality tests. It has a gold-lacquered body with leather pads and metal tone boosters. The keys are contoured with sleek faux mother-of-pearl inlays.
The Mendini Eb alto saxophone by Cecilio comes with a protective case, a box of 2.5” reeds, cleaning equipment, a musician’s pocketbook, and a Cecilio 92-D chromatic/string tuner, plus a metronome.
3. Kaizer Affordable Tenor Saxophone
- Includes molded case, complete mouthpiece and ligature set, polishing cloth, cleaning rod, gloves, lubricant for mouthpiece.
- Professional leatherette pads offer maximum intonation control and comfort;
- Kaizer 1000 Series Tenor Saxophone in the key of B flat (Bb) is designed for beginners, school band and orchestra players.
This Bb tenor saxophone by Kaizer is a supreme confidence booster for a beginning player. Kaizer’s 1000 Series Saxophones are easy and fun to play and offer superior practicality, versatility, and highly functional design.
Because the saxophone utilizes the same elements as a soprano, tenor, and alto sax, the instrument takes away the need for an intermediate piece. When the student is ready to move up to the next level, they will be ready and comfortable to pick up a professional player’s sax.
That confidence is extended to the quality, durability, and longevity of the instrument. Kaizer’s saxophones are affordable, and offer continued peace of mind because of their incredible lifetime no-hassle product warranty to replace faulty parts and 45-day free trial.
The B flat tenor saxophone has cushioned leatherette pads for optimal comfort, quick response, and intonation control. It comes with a molded case cleaning kit, mouthpiece, and ligature set.
4. Glory Professional Cheap Alto Sax
- Whether you want to buy a saxophone for yourself or for your friends or others, this saxophone is a product of choice as a result of its high quality...
- Eb E-Flat Alto Saxophone has High F# .
- Including: 11pc reeds, 8pc mouthpiece cushion hard-shell case, mouthpiece, neck strap, Grease,Screwdriver, cleaning cloth & rod, and a pair of gloves
The Glory Professional Alto Saxophone makes jamming look simple and chic. There is no need to tune this sax. You can pick it up and play it directly, which is why it’s such a hit among students, beginners, and intermediate players. Even kids can handle this instrument.
Just because you want ease of play and affordability doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or rich, resonant sound. Players adore the sweet sounds that come from this lovely alto sax with hand-engraved bell decoration.
The Glory Professional Alto Saxophone is an all-in-one sax that features adjustable key heights, leather pads, metal resonators, and thumb rest for fingers’ comfort.
The care kit comes with eleven reeds, a durable carrying case, and all of the cleaning supplies to ensure your sax looks as good as it sounds. It’s a perfect first saxophone for any new player.
5. Mendini by Cecilio Cheap Tenor Sax
- All Levels, All Ages: Thinking of picking up a tenor sax? Or maybe you're a professional in need of a replacement? Either way, our saxophones are the...
- Quality Sound: Whether you're a pro, a student, or just a hobbyist, you won't be disappointed with the top tier quality of this horn's sound! Plus,...
- Multiple Colors: Looking to stand out musically AND visually? We've got several color options to choose from! Gold, nickel, black - take your pick and...
The Mendini MTS-L+92D Bb saxophone by Cecilio has all of the wonderful qualities of the Mendini alto but is made for tenor sax players. The fluid keys offer excellent control and a range of musical expression for absolute beginners and more experienced sax players. The even sound has a full-bodied, warm, and resonant tonal quality.
Music teachers hold these tenor saxophones in high regard for the rigorous quality-control testing that each instrument must go through. Parents buying the first saxophone for their budding musician will feel confident that they’ve made a smart yet budget-friendly choice.
The Mendini MTS-L+92D Bb saxophone by Cecilio has more than 300 hand-crafted parts. The manufacturer plays and tests each instrument to ensure the saxophone passes high-quality standards.
The Mendini Bb tenor saxophone by Cecilio comes with a mouthpiece and cap, a hard case with cushioned interior and backpack strap, a box of ten 2.5” reeds, white gloves, a cleaning kit (with polishing cloth and cleaning rod), and a comfortable neck strap.
6. Eastar AS-Ⅱ Low Cost Alto Saxophone
- ❤️Unlock Your Musical Potential: The Eastar E flat alto saxophone is a great choice for beginners and hobbyists alike. With its full bounding...
- 🎵Experience Exceptional Sound Quality: Featuring a wide range and richer tone, Eastar saxophone provides a smooth transition in low-medium-high...
- ✨Crafted with Excellence: Made with advanced copper, this classic U-shape design saxophone boasts handcrafted engraving with shiny and colorfast...
The Eastar AS-II Alto Saxophone is an ideal instrument for joining the school band or taking private lessons from a music teacher. It’s a perfect all-in-one saxophone player’s complete starter set that has everything you need to begin.
The alto sax gets a professional tone adjustment before shipment, so it plays beautifully as soon as you try it out for the first time. It offers smooth transitions with no squeaks or sharp noises.
The Eastar AS-II features leather pads, midrange elasticity, high air tightness, and responsive feedback when pressing. It’s practical, attractive, and long-lasting with a transparent lacquered gold body construct, hand-crafted bell moth, and a key stick gasket that’s fully bounded to prevent sticking and rusting.
7. LyxJam Budget Alto Saxophone
- COMPREHENSIVE ACCESSORY KIT FOR ENHANCED PLAYING EXPERIENCE: Along with the saxophone, this kit includes a range of bonus accessories to enhance your...
- PROFESSIONAL SOUND QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE: Immerse yourself in rich, smooth tonality, achieve consistent E flat pitch, and enjoy impressive sound...
- EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP THAT COMMANDS ATTENTION: Make a statement with the stunning gold lacquer finish, beautifully designed faux mother of pearl key...
The LyxJam Alto Saxophone is a complete sax kit for beginners and student players. It has the sound and looks of a professional instrument worthy of a jazz club for a fraction of the cost.
The excellent materials and functional design ensure immaculate sound quality for all players’ levels with a consistent, even Eb pitch and vibrant sound projection. The LyxJam Alto Saxophone looks as pretty as it sounds with luminous gold lacquer and faux mother-of-pearl inlays. Its non-slip key risers and stable ligature keep things in control.
It’s also got all of the necessary items required for school band practice or music lessons, performance, and recording: a cleaning kit, gloves, a protective case, ten additional reeds, and a shoulder strap.
8. EASTROCK Budget Alto Saxophone
- 【Top Material】Our beautiful instrument used selected h68 copper material and multi-layer painted transparent lacquered Antique Brass,durable and...
- 【Excellent Sound】The EASTROCK saxophone have been professionally adjusted before leaving the factory to ensure that have good sound without noise,...
- 【Advanced Design】EASTROCK saxophone used upgraded quality leather so that make the saxaphone have higher air tightness,used the upgraded quality...
The first thing you notice about the EASTROCK Alto saxophone is its alluring and glamorous, vintage styling. The instrument is crafted from high-standard h68 copper material, is painted with multi-layers of transparent lacquer to give the appearance of antique brass. Its stand-out design will make any student look like the coolest kid in the band!
But its striking appearance is only part of the EASTROCK Alto saxophone’s appeal. It’s professionally adjusted to promise superb sound without the noise from your first play. The exquisitely hand-carved shell buttons have great feedback, a copper needle spring for smoothness, and upgraded leather that offers higher airtightness.
The EASTROCK Alto Saxophone in Eb with an antique brass finish is a complete sax set with all the essential accessories and a truly unique, vintage design. It makes an excellent student or beginner’s saxophone and is a fantastic gift for a player who wants to add a bit of flair to their look and sound.
9. Glarry Inexpensive Student Alto Saxophone
- 【BEST GIFT】-- Perfect for beginners. If yous kids want to study saxophone, it is a best choice. High value for money, your kids will love it very...
- 【EXCELLENT MATERIAL】-- Our glarry saxophone is made of paint gold, it can be used for a long time.Durable materials keep your saxophone glossy....
- 【WONDERFUL SOUND】-- Easy to play and it has a pleasing vibrant feel with a well-centered sound. A well-rounded intonation and warm sound will make...
The Glarry Alto in Eb is a quality, well-rounded instrument for beginners on a budget. Its compact key layout makes it perform equally well for school-age children and adult students who’ve always wanted to learn to play the saxophone.
It’s easy to transport and play in classes or concerts thanks to a sturdy carrying case. The adjustable straps are wearable in four different ways for comfort and protection. The shiny gold lacquer matches Glarry Alto’s rich, warm sounds and well-rounded intonation.
The set includes a mouthpiece, reed, gloves, and a cleaning kit with a cloth and a rod. While the Glarry Student Alto might not be the fanciest sax in the room for the price, it’s a great instrument.
10. Ammoon Cheap Eb Alto Saxophone
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The Ammoon alto saxophone is bronze with a vintage-style antique finish that gives the impression it could have been played in jazz clubs decades ago or played by the instrument’s creator, Antoine-Joseph Sax in Europe circa the 1800s.
Fortunately, though it looks like an antique heirloom with its carved design, the Eb alto sax is a modern machine that is simple enough for beginners and professionals alike. Its abalone shell key inlays offer comfort and control, plus the leather pads are water and sweat-resistant, and blued steel needle springs round out the instrument.
The Ammoon alto sax can blow a high F# with ease and is ideal for solo playing or accompaniment in classical or jazz music settings. It’s easy enough for a beginner or student to play, but the chic, sophisticated look and sound quality make this saxophone a hit among professionals.
How to Choose a Cheap Saxophone: A Buyer’s Guide
There are quite a few cheap saxophones on the market.
Some are fine entry-level saxophones while others may not be worth the hassle.
There are some factors you’ll have to consider when picking out a cheap saxophone.
Some of these factors you may have already made a decision on and others may be things that you didn’t realize that you even had to consider.
Types of Saxophones
There are 14 types of saxophones altogether however, only 6 of them are typically seen.
The alto sax is by far the most common, followed by the tenor and soprano saxophone.
When looking for a cheap saxophone, you may get a choice between alto, soprano, and tenor, but the alto will typically be the cheapest option due to its popularity.
If you’re looking for a cheap saxophone you’re probably also a beginner so we’d also recommend opting for an alto as this is the easiest to learn on and most sax players will start out on it before moving on to the tenor, soprano or baritone.
Materials
The saxophone is the only woodwind instrument that is typically made of brass, but that doesn’t mean that brass is the only choice.
You can also find saxophones made out of plastic of all things!
Brass Saxophones
Brass is considered the ideal material for a saxophone to be made from.
Despite being a woodwind instrument, saxophones have always been made out of brass, and as such the sound quality will be much better on a brass instrument.
This remains the ideal material for all levels of saxophone and there is minimal deviation.
Plastic Saxophones
There are plastic saxophones as well which are less common in general, but not uncommon when looking at cheap saxophones.
A plastic saxophone may get the job done, but it won’t be acceptable in the eyes of your band director for long.
It may be okay for the first year or so, but plastic saxophones won’t stand up next to the brass ones.
You’ll want to upgrade soon so although you might save some money initially, in the long run, you’ll have to buy another instrument so we’d recommend skipping plastic ones and going straight to brass.
Playability
A lot of band directors will stand by the idea that you should always try a saxophone before committing to purchasing it.
The reason behind this is that it needs to be playable for you.
Regardless of how good or how cheap a saxophone is, it quickly feels worthless if you can’t play it.
Many of the saxophone brands will be easy to find and local music shops will let to playtest a few instruments so you can choose the right instrument for you.
Even if you later buy it online to save some money it will pay off to try them out first.
Best Brands
When it comes to the best cheap brands of saxophones Mendini by Cecilio is often mentioned.
It’s super affordable for beginners and offers a playable beginner saxophone. The other brand that comes up is usually Jean Paul USA.
They’re one of the only major manufacturers of band instruments in the USA which is a big plus to a lot of people.
That being said, these saxophones won’t last terribly long before your band director will want to see a higher quality instrument.
If it feels more budget-friendly to get a higher quality saxophone upfront to avoid having to buy instruments, there are definitely better options.
Yamaha and Selmer are considered the top brands of most band instruments including saxophones.
However, if you’re looking for the real top-of-the-line instrument, P. Mauriat is considered the cream of the crop.
Any of these options are sure to last you for as long as you want to play the instrument.
The only reason to upgrade them would be to switch to an intermediate or professional saxophone.
Price
The type of saxophone that you choose to play will be a big factor in the price.
Alto saxophones are almost always the most budget-friendly saxophone due to their size and popularity.
The more obscure and large the saxophone, the more it will cost.
The cheapest alto saxophones cost around $200-$500.
A quality student alto sax will usually cost $1,000-$1,500.
The tenor saxophone is the second most common saxophone.
The top-quality student tenor saxes can easily cost $3,000-$5,000.
However, a cheaper instrument may cost as little as $350-$700.
The soprano saxophone is the smallest but least played of the common saxophone varieties.
Due to it being less common, it can drive up the price a little even though it’s small. It also results in a larger range of prices even in similar quality instruments.
The cheap soprano saxophones can run between $250-$650.
If you’re looking for a long-lasting soprano sax, the price may be closer to $1,500 to $3,000.
Making Your Decision
Budget is a big thing to consider when purchasing a saxophone of any variety. Even the cheapest instrument is a decent-sized investment.
Make sure that you do research and read some reviews before purchasing the affordable saxophone so the instrument doesn’t become a hindrance to learning.
The best choice for you and someone else may not always be the same.
Consider all factors when choosing the best inexpensive saxophone for your needs.
Conclusion: Which one Should you Buy?
When it’s time for a student to start school band practice or music lessons, or an adult beginner is ready to pick up the saxophone for the first time and doesn’t want to break the bank, any of these alto or tenor saxes would be a solid choice.
However, when it comes to the best features, sound, and superiority, the Jean Paul USA AS-400 wins for best alto saxophone.
The Kaizer TSAX-1000LQ takes home the prize for best tenor sax for its durability and performance.
- Ergonomic Keywork helps you play more comfortably
- Robust Contoured Carrying Case For Easy Transportation
- Beautiful Yellow Brass Body Construction With Lacquer Finish
