A saxophone often evokes associations with jazz. The musical instrument reproduces rich, strong, rounded, mellow, and emotional sounds, that harmoniously fit into this musical style.
But in fact, the sax is universal: you can play classic, pop, rock, and many other genres on it.
If you are just starting to play and dream of becoming a great musician, you need the proper musical instrument.
But how to choose the most suitable product among the 15 types of saxophones?
The Alto saxophone is the best choice for beginners. It is of medium size, and also has the shape “j” and a small mouthpiece.
You are comfortable holding it in your hands, and blowing does not cause any problems.
In addition, the Alto saxophone has a good mid-range sound.
In this article, we have collected reviews of the best saxophones for beginners, which help you to decide on the choice.
Jean Paul USA AS-400SP
About the company
Jean-Paul USA is a family-run American company that has been creating different wind instruments for beginners: flutes, clarinets, trombones, and others since 2012. And the AS-400 student saxophone is one of them.
Where is the saxophone made?
The company headquarters is in Miami, Florida. But the musical instruments are made in China. To avoid the high costs of selling at usual stores and to keep loyal prices, the company sells saxophones online.
Saxophone build quality / durability
Every beginner saxophone is very qualitative. This wind instrument is made of yellow brass that is light, durable, and resistant to corrosion. And masters use blue stainless steel for the manufacturing of the springs. The key layout is ergonomic.
Sound quality
Playing the AS-400 sax is a pleasure for beginners. This instrument plays back a warm resonant tone, stable intonation, and rounded sequential sound. And this is combined with a soft keystroke. Consequently, you feel relaxed when you play in a group.
Price
Student saxophone price is average. you can find the updated price listings on the official website of the brand.
Advantages:
It is easy to learn to play thanks to free blowing and smooth key work
Has a wide range of sounds: you can play everything from jazz to pop
The instrument is tested and tuned by an experienced technician
Lacquer coating protects the surface from moisture and mechanical damage
Looks nice: sax is presented in gold and silver shades and has beautiful hand engraving
Disadvantages:
The silver model is not as shiny as the golden
This instrument may seem a bit expensive for some beginners
What comes in the box
Playing the AS-400 sax is a pleasure for beginners. This instrument plays back a warm resonant tone, stable intonation, and rounded sequential sound. And this is combined with a soft keystroke. Consequently, you feel relaxed when you play in a group.
Overall assessment
Overall, the Jean Paul saxophone is the best investment for beginners as well as top-level specialists. It combines good sound, high quality, and a beautiful appearance.
Jupiter JAS710GN
About the company
Jupiter is a member of the KHS group – a Chinese company that has been producing educational products since 1930.
It achieved its success and began to position itself as a manufacturer of musical instruments in 1950.
Where is the saxophone made?
The main production is concentrated in Taiwan. The KNS group creates guitars, flutes, drums, ukuleles, and saxophones there.
She often uses European components and raw materials from Japan for assembling instrument parts.
Saxophone build quality / durability
Jupiter JAS710GN is a high-quality instrument that will serve you forever. After all, its body is made from lacquered brass, and the keys are from the highest quality tempered brass and nickel.
These materials are durable and are not afraid of moisture, corrosion, and mechanical damage.
Sound quality
JAS710GN is more than just a saxophone for beginners. This musical instrument has advanced features, such as a specially designed Sona-Pure neck, which gives a pleasant tone. The sound itself is high-quality and rich thanks to the use of know-how technologies.
Price
Jupiter JAS710GN saxophone belongs to the segment of expensive musical instruments. It and you can check the price here.
Advantages:
High-quality of every detail
Pleasant tone and rich sound
Allows to play the most different melodies
You are comfortable working with your fingers thanks to the contours left keys
Beautiful design: all keys are decorated with gold lacquer, and the bell has engraved.
Disadvantages:
The saxophone has no significant drawbacks.
It is a perfect musical instrument, which helps to rise to the highest level of musical skill.
But not all beginners can afford this product due to the high price.
What comes in the box
The saxophone is completed with useful accessories. A mouthpiece, ligature, and wood frame case are in one box with it.
Overall assessment
Jupiter JAS710GN saxophone combines high-quality, ample opportunities to diversify the sound, convenience, and nice design. So this instrument also fits saxophonists of the middle level.
Mendini By Cecilio Eb Alto
About the company
Cecilio is a famous American company that has been creating different musical instruments for beginners since 2004. And the saxophones of the Mendini brand are one of its most popular products among students.
Where is the saxophone made?
Most musical instruments are made in China. Manufacturers of the company send ready-made saxophones to America, where the headquarters of the company is. They are carefully checked and then sold.
Saxophone build quality / durability
The musical instrument is made with quality materials that allow you to use the saxophone for many years. Its tone boosters are from stainless steel, the overlays are from leather, and the body is from yellow brass coated with gold lacquer.
Sound quality
Playing the Mendini By Cecilio Eb Alto saxophone is a pleasure. This musical instrument reproduces a nice rich sound and deep even tone throughout the range. All these thanks to a large bore. So, it is ideal for learning simple and average melodies.
Price
Mendini By Cecilio Eb Alto is a cheap student saxophone. And therefore it is available for beginners who are just making their first steps in the music.
Advantages:
The large bore and the fast action keys make play easy and comfortable
Availability of the high key F#, which provides better sound
The sax is lightweight: it weighs only 10 pounds
Has an elegant design with an engraved bell
Presented in different colors: blue, violet, red, green, and gold
Disadvantages:
A low-quality plastic neck strap clasp
Pads coming not sealing well or off easily
What comes in the box
- Chromatic tuner
- Metronome
- Ligature
- Ebonite mouthpiece
- Box of 10 reeds
- Neck strap
- Polishing cloth
- Cleaning swab
- Pair of gloves
- Pro-deluxe durable hard-shell case with zipper pocket
Overall assessment
The saxophone harmoniously combines nice sounds, comfortable use, availability of the necessary accessories, elegant design, and different colors. Therefore, this instrument will delight both adult beginners and children.
We have considered with you the popular beginner saxophone brands and hope the guide will help you open the world of jazz or other music with its different moods!