How much are saxophones? If you’re thinking of starting on sax or upgrading your horn, it’s a question you’re probably asking.
The truth is when you start asking how much are saxophones, the answers vary wildly. And it’s always a hot topic with our students in Sax School.
How much are saxophones?
From student models to pro level horns, the range in price can be staggering. If you’re considering buying a saxophone, it’s a good idea to do a bit of homework. What affects the price of a saxophone?
It isn’t just a case of slapping down your credit card. It involves appreciating the craftsmanship, materials, and brand reputation, which contribute to a saxophone’s unique sound and price tag.
In this post, we’ll help you understand:
- The cost difference of saxophone models
- Factors influencing the price of a saxophone
- How to take proper care of your sax
The Cost Difference of Saxophone Models
If you’ve started looking around at the cost of saxophones, you will already have noticed that there’s a wide range of models and prices out there. The cost can range from $250 to $35,000, depending on brand reputation, material quality, and size.
Student and mini saxophones
If you’re new to sax playing or purchasing for a child just starting their musical journey, student horns like mini saxophones are an affordable option. An example of this is the plastic Nuvo JSax or the brass AlphaSax from British sax maker Trevor James. These instruments often have a simpler key layout and typically fall within the $100- $1,000 price range.
Alto saxophones
The first “full-sized” saxophone for beginner players to consider is the Alto sax. Like all full-sized instruments from the saxophone family, a student model alto saxophone features a full key system. This means you can play all notes from the range on this sax. You could expect to pay anywhere between $500 to over $22,000, depending on the make and model.
Tenor saxophones
A tenor sax might fit the bill if you are a beginner or intermediate player seeking something slightly larger than alto yet smaller than baritone. Expect prices ranging from $800 to over £27,000.
Baritone saxophones
A step above tenors come baritones, large beasts that provide deep tones perfect for jazz music, and hefty price tags. On the lower end, you might find some beginner or student-level baritone saxophones priced around $1,500 to $3,000. On the higher end, professional-level baritone saxophones from well-known brands can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.
Soprano and contrabass saxophones
The average price of a soprano saxophone ranges from around $800 to $10,000, depending on the brand, materials, and level of craftsmanship. High-end professional models could be even more expensive.
On the other hand, contrabass saxophones, which are much larger and rarer instruments, tend to be considerably more expensive. Prices for a contrabass saxophone can start at around $5,000 and go up to over $35,000, depending on the brand and quality.
To give you a rough idea of how much a saxophone might cost, let’s explore the average price ranges based on the type and level:
Student-Level Saxophone
Type | Price Range |
Soprano | $400 – $1,200 |
Alto | $600 – $2,500 |
Tenor | $800 – $3,500 |
Baritone | $2,500 – $6,000 |
Intermediate- Level Saxophone
Type | Price Range |
Soprano | $1,200 – $ 2,500 |
Alto | $1,500 – $ 4,000 |
Tenor | $2,000 – $ 5,000 |
Baritone | $4,000 – $8,000 |
Pro- Level Saxophone
Type | Price Range |
Soprano | $ 2,500 – $ 15,000 |
Alto | $ 4,000 – $23,500 |
Tenor | $5,000 – $25,000 |
Baritone | $8,000 – $ 21,000 |
It’s important to remember that these are just rough estimates, and the prices vary depending on the factors we’ve discussed earlier.
Factors Influencing the Price of a Saxophone
The cost of saxophones is not just about the instrument itself. It’s also influenced by several factors, such as brand reputation, materials used in construction, accessories like cases and mouthpieces, condition (new or used), and manufacturer warranty services.
Material quality
The type of material used to make something greatly affects how much it costs overall. For example, professional-grade tenor saxophones made of brass with gold or silver plating, improve sound quality. These models will cost much more than student horns made of nickel-silver alloys which cost much less but generally have a lower sound quality.
Role of accessories
Most new saxophones come with a carrying case, a cleaning kit, tools for keeping it in good shape, and a mouthpiece. All of this changes the total cost of the buy. For example, a better quality mouthpiece from a recognised brand will cost more than a cheaper unbranded mouthpiece – but this can make a big difference to how the saxophone plays.
Where Can You Buy Saxophones?
When it comes to purchasing a saxophone, several options are available, each with its advantages and considerations:
1. Local music stores
Visiting a local music store allows you to physically test and try out various saxophones, providing a hands-on experience that online shopping can’t replicate. The knowledgeable staff can also guide you in finding the best instrument for your needs.
2. Online retailers
There are loads of options for buying a saxophone online, and there’s no doubt this is convenient, especially if you don’t have a saxophone store locally. Do your research first, and buy from a recognised, reputable site.
3. Second-hand market
Exploring the second-hand market could be a great option if you’re on a budget or seeking a vintage saxophone. Ensure you thoroughly examine the instrument for any defects or damages before purchasing. And be prepared to pay for your sax to be serviced at a specialist repairer.
4. Direct from manufacturers
In some cases, purchasing directly from saxophone manufacturers can be advantageous, especially for custom-made or high-end models. This allows you to have more personalized options and potentially save on the retail markup.
Caring for Your Saxophone
Once you’ve bought your dream saxophone, keeping it in good shape is important to ensure it lasts and plays well. Here are some important tips for taking care of a saxophone:
Regular cleaning
Regular cleaning is the cornerstone of saxophone maintenance. After every playing session, clean your instrument thoroughly to remove moisture and debris. Begin by disassembling your saxophone carefully, paying close attention to the keys and pads.
Wipe the body and keys with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove fingerprints or dust. Use a swab pull-through to clean inside the body of your horn, and the a smaller pull-through for the neck. Cleaning the pads can be tricky, but a gentle swab or pad saver specifically designed for saxophone will do the trick.
Storage – keeping your sax safe
Your saxophone deserves a haven when not in use. A sturdy and well-fitting case is essential to protect it from accidental damage and fluctuations in temperature and humidity. If you’re planning on taking your saxophone to rehearsals or gigs, you’ll want a case that will protect it while you are travelling.
A saxophone stand is a handy addition for your practice space. After all, if you can see your sax, you are more likely to pick it up and play it!
Before storing your saxophone, ensure it is clean and dry. Avoid putting it in direct sunlight or temperatures too high or too low, as this can damage the soft pads and metal parts.
Professional maintenance
Just like a car needs periodic servicing from a mechanic, your saxophone can benefit from professional maintenance. Schedule regular check-ups with a skilled repair technician who specializes in saxophones.
They can identify and address potential issues, adjust key alignment, and optimize your saxophone’s playability. Regular maintenance will keep your saxophone in prime condition and avoid frustrations such as broken springs and bent keys from getting in the way of your progress.
Final Thoughts
So how much are saxophones? It’s a more complex question than you might think, and it’s a great idea to do your research before buying a saxophone.
If you’re looking for more information on which type of saxophone will suit you, explore our blog. You’ll find reviews of different saxophones from beginner models to high end pro horns.
You can download our free Beginner Saxophone Buying Guide here.
Whether you’re just starting out on sax, or you’re a more experienced player looking to level up your skills, you’ll find all the resources, live sessions, feedback and tutor support you need at Sax School Online. Get started today.