Is there a special sax player in your life? Looking for gift ideas for saxophone players? If there’s one musician in your life who is hard to buy for, it’s probably the saxophone player. They already have all the necessary equipment and most likely don’t need any more sheet music or tutorials.
The best way to show a saxophone player how much you appreciate them is by getting them a gift that celebrates their love of music. In this post, I’ve made a list of great gift ideas for saxophone players that range in price. These gifts will make any sax player very happy and will help anyone shopping for a saxophone player find the right gift.
So what do you get them? Here are 14 ideas that will hopefully inspire you. From unique gifts they’re sure to love to accessories that will make playing easier, there’s something for every saxophonist on your list.
Great Gifts for Saxophone Players: Under $25
1. Vandoren Saxophone Mouthpiece Pouch
Every saxophone player knows that the mouthpiece needs all the protection it can get. Even a minor deformity can affect the sound of the instrument.
As such, it’s a good idea to get your musician this black Vandoren pouch.
Made with sturdy neoprene, it can protect the mouthpiece, ligature, and cap from any damage. That way, it won’t roll around the player’s bag during transport.
As it’s available at a low price of $17, it’s best to shop for at least two of these stocking stuffers. That way, the sax player gets a pouch for both their alto and tenor mouthpieces.
Does your saxophone player need help to choose a mouthpiece? Take a look at our blog article on hard rubber vs. metal sax mouthpieces.
2. Rico Reed Storage Case with Humidity Control
As with the rest of the sax, taking care of the reeds is very important. If one gets damaged, the instrument won’t be playing as well as it should. Because of this, saxophonists will love getting a storage case as a gift.
Unlike most cases, this gift can hold up to eight saxophone or clarinet reeds. It’s also designed with a grooved surface, thus securing the reed and protecting it from warping.
Best of all, this $24 case can maintain 72% humidity inside. As a result, your reeds won’t break down in the right kind of moisture.
3. D’ Addario Woodwinds Saxophone Reeds
Speaking of reeds, you can make your beloved saxophone player happy by giving them a bunch of reeds. A good choice is that of D’Addario, a stocking stuffer that’s available in sets of five.
It’s essential to get the strength right; unless you are playing the instrument yourself, heed this advice. Before you buy your gift, take a peek at their sax case first! Different brands of reeds play differently, and experienced sax players will have their favourites. You don’t want to get it wrong, even if the website covers the return cost.
If your sax player is a beginner, and unsure which reed they need, try this advice from our blog: Best Beginner Saxophone Reed.
Synthetic reeds are a great alternative to traditional cane reeds. They last longer and are much less temperamental. Why not buy one for your saxophone player to try? We love Légère synthetic saxophone reeds. You can read our review here.
4. BG France Saxophone Body Swabs
Cleanliness is next to godliness. And for musicians, cleanliness is what keeps their saxophones in excellent working condition.
This is why body swabs are great gifts for saxophone players.
While it’s tempting to get a cheap one, it’ll likely break down after just a few uses. For best results, purchase one that could last for at least five years.
Durability-wise, nothing beats BG France’s swabs.
Made with microfiber, this stocking stuffer allows for easy, fuss-free cleaning. Yes, it can get rid of moisture with just one pull.
It also comes with a protected weight, so you don’t have to worry about ruining your instrument.
It’s important to note the instrument the musicians play, though, as there’s a different size for alto and tenor saxophones and a separate swab for the neck.
Does your beginner saxophone player need advice on cleaning their sax? This article has all the tips they need.
Great Gifts for Saxophone Players: Under $50
5. Vandoren Hygro Case
While the Rico reed case is great, you may consider buying the Vandoren case as an alternative. Although it’s more expensive at $35.10, it’s something that many saxophone players prefer.
It can store six reeds, with each slot numbered for easy identification. Since they’re grooved appropriately, the reeds will get the air circulation they need.
That said, it can help control humidity like in the Rico case. It will keep the saxophone reeds moist, thanks to its colour verifier.
Another great thing about the case is that it won’t dry your reeds enough to warp them. All in all, they can keep the player’s accessories in perfect working condition for the years to come.
6. Hercules Saxophone Stand
Saxophones can cost thousands, and since they’re pretty expensive, it’s essential to protect them from any form of damage.
One of the best gifts for sax players is a stand, such as this one from Hercules. For only $37, it can keep the fragile horn off the ground. That way, it won’t get knocked over by any other person.
This Hercules stand remains stable because of its Auto Grip System, which locks the sax in place. The frame has secured pins too, which keeps the accessory from toppling.
This stand is also easily adjustable, which means it can hold either an alto or tenor sax. With its two peg holes, saxophone players can easily store other items underneath.
You can read our review of saxophone stands here.
7. Jazzlab Saxophone Harness (Sax Holder)
Musicians often practise their lessons for hours on end. Since saxophones weigh anywhere from four to eight pounds, they can end up straining the neck.
This is why a saxophone harness is one of the best gift ideas out there.
As with most accessories, you shouldn’t buy any cheap brand. Your choice is critical—you want to reduce strain, after all.
That said, the best and pretty affordable option so far is the Jazzlab sax holder. It works to transfer the weight to the stomach and shoulders evenly. That way, the saxophone player doesn’t have to complain about aches and pains every so often.
It’s also very flexible since this sax holder can be worn sitting or standing. It won’t slip, unlike other cheaper straps.
It’s easy to wear, too. All this $50 strap needs is a one-hand approach.
Better yet, this product is a definite space-saver. When folded, it’s smaller than a piece of paper.
With these features, it’s a good companion, whether it’s for practice or performance.
Read our full review of the Sax Lab Sax Holder here.
8. Manhasset Sheet Music Stand
Saxophone players know how hard it is to read sheet music on the table. It can strain the neck, so they can’t play the instrument properly.
If you want them to excel in their practice lessons, shop for the Manhasset stand. It’s durable since it’s made with a chrome inner shaft and solid brass bearings.
With these features, the Manhasset stand can hold a thick sheet of saxophone music. Even so, you don’t have to worry that it’s going to tip. It’s constructed with a sturdy welded steel base.
Unlike other stands, you can adjust it easily to any height. It also comes with a ‘Magic Finger Clutch,’ allowing users to enjoy a one-hand friction grip.
As with the other gift ideas on this list, the Manhasset stand is very affordable. You can get this one for as low as $49.
Great Gifts for Saxophone Players: Under $100
9. SaxHolder Sax Deflector
Sax players often find it hard to hear the music, especially when performing in big gigs. If you want to do them a favour, you should shop for a saxophone deflector.
As the name suggests, this product works by deflecting the sound towards the user. Given its small hole, it lets the music pass through adequately.
Another impressive thing about this gift is that it’s easy to use. It comes with an attachment, so you can clip it while playing the saxophone.
At only $62.99, you can save a lot on this helpful stocking stuffer.
10. ReedGeek Universal G4 Saxophone Reed Tool
Saxophonists often adjust their reeds with a reed knife. But they’re very dangerous, especially for the younger ones.
If you don’t want your sax player to suffer from cuts and scrapes, then you can show your love with this tool.
Manufactured by ReedGeek, it comes with four planing edges and a rounded back scraper. The latter comes with a blade that can help modify rails effectively.
That’s not the end of the tool’s features, though. It also comes with two rail bevels that help re-contour single and double reeds.
Best of all, this tool looks as good as it functions. It boasts of a sophisticated diamond-wear finish, as well as a self-locking neoprene bag.
With these attributes, this accessory is a good investment for only $82.25. It’s so sturdy that it’ll last for years to come.
Check out our full review of the ReedGeek here.
Great Gifts for Saxophone Players: Under $150
11. Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds
A saxophone player requires a good pair of earphones. This will help them listen for metronomes and drum loops, among many other things. It also allows them to listen, transcribe, and play music as well.
So if you’re on the hunt for great gift ideas, then you should try these Bose SoundSport wireless earbuds. With its active EQ feature, users can revel in a high-quality, balanced audio experience.
Since they’re wireless, they’re not a problem for most musicians. They don’t slip out, too, even if the saxophone player is breaking a sweat.
As a bonus, this gift can run seamlessly for six hours on just one charge. So if you know someone who’s taking sax lessons for hours on end, then this is perfect for them.
12. Rode NT-USB Microphone
Do you know a saxophone player who likes recording music? Then the Rode NT-USB is perfect for them.
The Rode is a classic studio mic and perfect for saxophone players who want to record music at home. This model is especially handy because it can be plugged directly into a computer without the need for an interface.
Recording yourself playing saxophone is a great way to make faster progress, so this will be a welcome gift for budding saxophonists.
If your sax player wants to get into recording, read our blog on the ideal studio set-up for saxophone.
Great Gifts for Saxophone Players: Under $350
13. Zoom H5 Four-Track Portable Recorder
Every practising sax player needs to record their music often. This is a way for them to check on what they need to improve.
So if you’re feeling generous enough, then you might as well gift this person with the Zoom H5 recorder. While it costs some money ($299.99), it’s an excellent investment for any musician.
For one, it has a built-in 400mw 8 Ω mono speaker that can cater to a max input of 140 dB SPL. It also comes with a detachable x/Y capsule and shock-mounted mics that reduce handling sounds.
The Zoom H5 is easy to use, too. All you need to do is swap the capsules like you would with a camera.
The Zoom H5 runs on 2 AA batteries, and it can also handle 32GB SD cards, so you don’t have to be near an outlet. With these, the saxophone player can record every practice lesson with ease.
14. Akai Brand Professional EWI USB
Practice makes perfect, especially for dedicated sax players. So if you want a gift that helps a lot, you should shop for the Akai Professional EWI USB.
This electronic wind instrument is a cool way to hone their music-making skills. After all, it offers an authentic layout and feels for saxophonists.
The EWI USB comes with multiple fingering modes, which is great for playing reeds. It also has touch-sensitive keys and an octave roller for a rapid yet natural response.
Unlike the others, EWI USB has ultra-responsive sensors that quickly detect breath intensity. As for its mouthpiece, it can help improve tone, volume, and pitch control.
There you have it—14 great gifts for the saxophone player in your life. Whatever budget you have, you’re sure to make them smile with these fabulous saxophone gifts.