Best Baritone Saxophones to Buy in 2022 – Complete Guide!

Best Baritone Saxophones to Buy in 2022 – Complete Guide!

baritone saxophone is a perfect choice for lovers of deep music with bright low notes. If you want to play in the long run, you need to choose a portable and durable musical instrument. In this article, we will consider the best models of saxophones that have exactly such features. 

3rd Choice

Selmer BS500 Baritone Saxophone​

Baritone saxophone

Great For begginers

Top Choice

Yamaha YBS-52 Baritone Saxophone

Popular in many music schools

2nd Choice

Mendini MBS-30L+92D Baritone Saxophone

for Both beginners and professionals.

About the company

Selmer is a French company, that creates high-quality wooden and copper wind instruments. It was founded by Henri Selmer in Paris in 1885. During its existence, the company has gained worldwide popularity.

Where is the saxophone made?

The first factory was located in Gaillon. Now the main production is concentrated in the city of Mantes-la-Ville, where also the company headquarters is. Mouthpieces, clarinets, and, of course, baritone saxophones are made there.

Saxophone build quality / durability

Selmer BS500 bari saxophone is ideal for daily learning because it is durable. The lacquered coating of this musical instrument protects it from damage and daily wear and tear, saving the shade of the surface. A hard-shell case provides additional protection for the sax. 

Sound quality

The sax has one good sound feature. This is an extended range. That is, the instrument produces different sounds, from low to high. Such an effect is the result of using the three keys: high F#, low A, and low C double key arm. 

Price

Baritone saxophone price can not be called low. You can check it out here!

Advantages:

  • Sax is easy to carry every day thanks to a case with wheels
  • The inside of the case is made of soft suede, that provides reliable storage for the saxophone
  • An adjustable right-hand thumb rest prevents hand fatigue and makes play comfortable
  • The shiny golden color of the case adds elegance 

Disadvantages:

  • Sax does not produce an ideal baritone
  • Over time, the shining of the musical instrument disappears

What comes in the box

  • High F# and low A keys
  • Low B and C keys 
  • Reinforced table key arch
  • A hard case with wheels

Overall assessment

Selmer BS500 baritone sax is find for beginners. You can carry it without a load on the back and shoulders and play different melodies, including advanced compositions.

Baritone saxophone

About the company

Mendini is a saxophone brand, which fits both beginners and professionals. It is a part of the popular American company, Cecilio, that has been producing a wide range of musical instruments since 2004. 

Where is the saxophone made?

The saxophones are made in factories abroad. Ready musical instruments are tested and then sent to America. They are re-checked at the Los Angeles distribution center. The company headquarters itself is in California.

Saxophone build quality / durability

All musical instruments are of high quality. Every barry saxophone is made out of more than 300 handmade parts, that allows you to play at a high professional level. Its body is of lacquered yellow brass, which provides good durability. 

Sound quality

The sax reproduces a nice deep sound thanks to a brass body and ribbed design. Also, this musical instrument has high F# and low A keys. They allow the playing of different music: jazz, march music, or academic compositions. 

Price

Mendini MBS-30L+92D is a cheap bari sax for beginners. It costs on average from $1500-2000 on the market.

Advantages:

  • A deep nice sound 
  • Availability of high F# and low A keys, that give a wide range of implementations
  • Low Bb spatula keys, which make finger work easy 
  • Sturdy and lightweight case 
  • String tuner with a metronome for the instrument tune-up
  • Nice elegant design thanks to a yellow brass

Disadvantages:

  • If you are not a beginner, you need to buy a new mouthpiece
  • The sax needs a full professional tune-up

What comes in the box

  • Mouthpiece with ligature and cap
  • Neck strap
  • Hard-shell case
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Pair of gloves
  • Chromatic/string tuner with a metronome as a bonus
  • 1 – Year Warranty

Overall assessment

Deep baritone saxophone sound, comfortable use, high quality, and wide possibilities of performance make the musical instrument ideal for both beginners and professionals. You only need to tune it up before starting to play. 

About the company

Yamaha is a Japanese company that was founded by Torakusu Yamaha in 1887. It has grown from the developer of reed organs to the largest manufacturer of musical instruments, audio equipment, and acoustic systems. 

Where is the saxophone made?

The company headquarters is in Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka Prefecture. The main production also takes place in Japan. Yamaha creates saxophones with the use of a combination of traditional and know-how methods. 

Saxophone build quality / durability

Japanese products have high quality. And Yamaha YBS-52 big saxophone is not an exclusion. This musical instrument combines durable construction, stainless steel springs, and leather pads. The use of these materials provides reliable protection against damage and rapid wear.

Sound quality

The saxophone has a great sound, with solid intonation and the depth inherent in the baritone. One more feature is the possibility to eliminate unclear tones during plays G, G#, and A. A three-vent octave mechanism helps with this. 

Price

Yamaha YBS-52 is not a cheap model. Its cost fluctuates around in the high 5k+ so not everyone can afford this instrument.

Advantages:

  • Reproduces the full, deep, and nice sound thanks to the drawn tone holes
  • Has an adjustable thumb rest, which makes the position of the hand and fingers correct
  • The keys are ergonomic with a smooth stroke, so you naturally feel them without discomfort
  • Looks elegant thanks to the refined key shape, gold color, and lacquer coating

Disadvantages:

  • Saxophones from Yamaha are more expensive than other models for beginners 
  • Over time, scratches may appear on the surface

What comes in the box

  • Plastic mouthpiece 5 C
  • Neck strap
  • Lacquer ligature
  • Cork grease
  • Hard shell baritone saxophone case
  • 5-year warranty

Overall assessment

Yamaha YBS-52 intermediate Baritone Saxophone as if created for students. Combine of bold intonation, easy play, comfortable keystrokes, and durability makes it a popular instrument in many music schools around the world. 

We have reviewed the best models of baritone saxophones that are perfect for the play in the long run. But which instrument to choose? It all depends on your play level: beginner, intermediate, or professional.