10 Best Beginner-friendly Saxophones in Singapore | Best of Lifestyle 2023

Saxophones were originally intended for orchestras and military bands. Years later though, musicians have broadened their perspective and became more adventurous. This led the way for the instrument to creep into a wide range of musical genres, with jazz being the most popular. These days, in fact, we usually associate the saxophone’s elegant, romantic sound to a relaxing café music or a sophisticated five-star resto ambience on a beautiful date night. If you’re deeply interested in music and are thinking of exploring a new instrument, you may be up to the challenge of learning how to play a saxophone. It’s a huge bonus if you’re romantic at heart. Your personality and its unique sound will no doubt jive. With so many options to choose from however, which then is the best saxophone in Singapore? This useful list provides quality recommendations for every lifestyle, budget, and needs.

This article was last updated on 6 January 2023.

1. Yamaha YAS-62

When it comes to well-favoured musical instruments by passionate musicians around the globe, Yamaha is top of mind. This giant also produces exceptional saxophone models, and one of the favourite options among its collection is the YAS-62. A highly reliable and beginner-friendly saxophone, its unique design and construction facilitates fast response, great control, and comfortable airflow whilst delivering solid, richer tones. In other words, if you’re still learning the ropes, no need to tax yourself just to produce those clean, crisp notes.

Why buy this:

• Well-loved by sax players for its reliability and outstanding quality
• Provides fast, clear response, great control, and comfortable airflow
• Delivers richer tones with minimal effort
• Beginner-friendly

2. Yanagisawa E-Flat Alto

Speaking of world-famous saxophones, Yanagisawa will surely ring a bell. This industry leader started designing and making saxophones in the 1950s and is now globally recognised as one of the top three saxophone manufacturers. What’s unique about this brand is that even though they only produce professional-level instruments rather than creating an exclusive entry-level line, their saxophones are still relatively on the more affordable range as compared to other professional-level options in the market. Think of it as a long-term investment if you plan on perfecting your skill level. That being said, try the E-flat alto model, which boasts of an excellent reaction speed even when playing complex passages.

Why buy this:

• One of the top three saxophone brands in the world
• Professional quality
• Affordable as compared to other outstanding professional level options
• Offers fast response even when playing demanding passages

3. Selmer Tenor Saxophone

Jazz enthusiasts, our next sax on the list is right up your alley. As a tenor saxophone, this Selmer model delivers the sound quality and tone that you usually associate with the genre. That being said, it’ll definitely be a great option for beginner band members. But what makes it a standout model is its solid, durable design, and construction. Thanks to its excellent yellow brass body with ribbed construction and a detachable reinforced body-to-bow connection, it eliminates the common issue that comes with most tenor models, which is the increased vulnerability to damage. It’s also light, easy to play, and affordable which is good news to all beginners.

Why buy this:

• Perfect for jazz
• Solid, durable design and construction
• Beginner-friendly in terms of playability, ergonomics, and affordability

4. Yamaha YAS-875

If a thoughtfully made saxophone is what you’re looking for, then here’s the Yamaha YAS-875EX, a product that resulted from the collaboration between the brand and some world-renowned saxophonists. What has been enhanced in this model is not just its overall playability. The designers also focused on more specific details, that is, improving its low note playability. This makes this sax incredibly comfortable for players of all levels.

Its key layout has undergone complete overhaul to come up with a more ergonomic design in this model, which contributed to its ability to facilitate an unparalleled playing experience.

Why buy this:

• Meticulously conceived design that was a product of collaboration between Yamaha and world-renowned saxophonists
• Enhanced low-note playability
• Ergonomically designed key layout
• Fantastic intonation and great projection
• Soft, beautiful tonality

5. Yamaha 82Z

Featuring a one-piece bell, V1 neck, and metal resonators, the Yamaha 82Z delivers increased resonance, clearer pronunciation, wider palette of tonal colour, and a smooth, seamless free-blowing capability. What makes this model a popular option among players is its ability to play fast passages with minimal effort. So, if you’re challenging yourself to master upbeat compositions, then this model will be your best buddy towards reaching that goal.

Why buy this:

• Enhanced low-end response
• Effortless playability even with fast passages
• Free-blowing feel
• Delivers clear pronunciation and wider palette of tonal colour

6. Jean Paul AS-400

Designed for both beginners and intermediate players, the Jean Paul AS-400 is built with remarkable ergonomics in mind. Its comfortable design allows for longer hours of practice which is why it’s well-loved by a lot of music students. It is easy to play and it produces warm sound, superior tone, and great intonation. On top of that, it’s durable enough to withstand heavy usage for years.

Why buy this:

• Highly playable for both beginners and intermediate players
• Delivers warm sound, superior tone, and great intonation
• Designed to last long hours of practice for years

7. Mendini by Cecilio Eb Alto Saxophone

Cecilio’s quality control process is unmatched. Every saxophone undergoes several stages of play-testing before it finds its way in the market. This ensures that all the instruments they produce pass the criteria for what a superb quality should be. And so, if you’re a pretty meticulous musician, you should definitely check out their sax collection. One of the favourite options from there is the Mendini by Cecilio Eb Alto. Delivering a deep, rich tone with even intonation throughout the full range, a full-bodied sound and the fast-action keys, this model is a delight to play.

Why buy this:

• Superb craftmanship
• Excellent sound and tone
• Nice playability
• Suitable for players of all levels
• Comes as a complete set

8. Jupiter Alto Saxophone JAS 500Q

The Jupiter Alto saxophone (JAS 500Q) proves that instruments specifically created for advanced musicians aren’t the only ones that deserve an award-winning status. This beginner-friendly model is characterised by top-quality craftmanship, superb sound and tone, and remarkable keywork which all contributed to its success as a globally best-selling sax. Students absolutely love its outstanding ability in producing clean notes with minimal airflow.

Why buy this:

• Award-winning, best-selling sax
• Superb craftmanship, sound, tone, and keywork
• Features high F# key, tone boosters, and stainless steel springs for high playability

9. Conn-Selmer Prelude Student Model AS711

Although it’s on the budget-friendly range, the Conn-Selmer Prelude Student Model AS711 boasts hard to pass up features. Meticulously crafted for students, it has an ergonomic design that facilitates a comfortable practice experience even for extended periods. What’s more, it’s equipped with ribbed construction and a detachable, reinforced body-to-bow connection for enhanced strength and durability.

Why buy this:

• Affordable model great for students
• Comfortable playing experience
• Robust and durable
• Enhanced projection

10. Muslady AS200 Eb Alto Saxophone

This sophisticated-looking saxophone is more than just its elaborate carvings. What’s to love about it is its accurate tone, mellow timbre, pure quality sound, and precise interval. On top of that, it’s suitable for newbie musicians with zero experience—thanks to its highly playable nature and resilience for long-term practicing.

Why buy this:

• Beginner-friendly
• Features accurate tone and remarkable sound quality
• Strong and durable

We hope that our guide on the best saxophones in Singapore has helped you to find the best saxophone for your brand-new music journey. Please share this with fellow sax enthusiasts out there!