10 Best Tenor Saxophones 2025 in the United States

The Eastar Tenor Saxophone TS-II is designed for beginners and advanced players, making it a versatile choice. Its copper material and gold lacquer finish make it visually appealing and durable. The key mechanism includes a full bounding stick gasket and blue copper needle spring, providing a quick response and easy playability. The ergonomic design with faux mother pearl inlaid keys ensures comfort during extended practice sessions and performances.

The saxophone's wider range tone allows smooth transitions across different music genres like jazz, blues, and rock, delivering rich and expressive sound quality. The advanced copper construction and lead-free welding add to the instrument's longevity and safety. High-quality leather pads ensure air tightness, and all keystroke links are lubricated to prevent rusting and sticking.

The package includes a full kit with a carrying case, neck strap, reeds, and cleaning accessories, offering everything needed to start playing right away. Weighing 19.11 pounds, it may be on the heavier side, impacting portability. Potential users should consider the weight when looking for ease of transport and comfort during long sessions.

The Selmer STS711 Professional Tenor Saxophone is designed for serious musicians seeking quality and performance. One of its standout features is the ribbed body construction, which enhances durability and sound projection, making it suitable for both solo and ensemble performances. The use of Pisoni Pro Leather Pads with metal resonators contributes to excellent tonal quality and responsiveness, allowing players to express their style with ease. The saxophone comes with a Henri Selmer Paris neck mouthpiece, known for its comfortable playability, which is crucial for extended practice sessions and performances.

The black nickel finish adds a stylish touch, appealing to those who want their instrument to look as good as it sounds. It's also ergonomic, though it weighs about 21.8 pounds, which could be a consideration for players who prefer lighter instruments or need to carry it for long periods.

The Selmer brand is highly regarded, but it comes at a higher price point, which may not fit everyone's budget, especially beginners or casual players. This saxophone is an excellent choice for advanced players or professionals looking for a reliable, high-quality instrument that can handle various musical styles, particularly in jazz and classical genres. Beginners might find it more complex to manage due to its professional features. The STS711 offers outstanding craftsmanship and performance, although its weight and cost may be potential drawbacks for some users.

The Jean Paul Student Tenor Saxophone TS-400 is a great option for beginners and advancing players, thanks to its professional setup and play-testing by certified technicians, ensuring it’s ready to play right out of the box. Made from brass with a golden lacquer finish, it has a classic and attractive appearance. The inclusion of a High F# key adds to its versatility, making it easier to reach higher notes. This saxophone is engineered for precise intonation, which helps maintain perfect pitch and enhances performance.

It comes with all necessary accessories, including a durable carrying case that provides excellent protection during transport. The saxophone weighs 6.3 pounds, which is relatively manageable in terms of ergonomics and playability. While Jean Paul USA is known for producing reliable instruments for students, it's important to note that the instrument is manufactured in China, which might be a consideration for some buyers.

Some advanced players might prefer a saxophone with more professional features. In summary, the Jean Paul TS-400 is well-suited for students and intermediate players looking for a dependable and well-crafted instrument.