Top Saxophone Brands: Elevate Your Melodies

The world of saxophones offers a diverse range of brands that cater to both beginners and seasoned professionals. Some companies have established themselves with decades of quality craftsmanship and innovation, resulting in instruments that produce melodic tones and durable finishes. From the smooth sounds of jazz to the energetic notes of classical pieces, choosing the right saxophone brand can make all the difference in your musical journey. Interested in exploring some of the top saxophone brands that stand out in today’s market? Read on to discover more about these exceptional musical providers.

Illustration of sax

Best brands of sax in 2025

Selmer

Selmer saxophones are renowned as the gold standard in the industry, with a history dating back to the late 19th century and a significant impact since the launch of the Selmer Modele 22 in 1922. The brand's reputation was further solidified with the acquisition of Adolphe Sax & Co in 1929 and the introduction of iconic models like the Selmer Super Balanced Action and the legendary Mark VI, which was produced from 1954 and is highly sought after, with prices ranging from $8,000 to $40,000 for unused models. Selmer saxophones are favored by professionals and students alike, with models suitable for a wide range of experience and budgets. The Mark VI, in particular, is estimated to have had between 150,000 to 200,000 units produced, many of which are still in use today. Selmer's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a benchmark for other saxophone manufacturers. For more information, visit Selmer saxophones - the jazz standard.

Yamaha

Yamaha is a leading producer of saxophones, renowned for its high-quality instruments that cater to both professional and amateur musicians. In the global acoustic saxophone market, Yamaha is one of the top companies, alongside other notable brands like Conn Selmer and Yanagisawa. The global acoustic saxophone market, valued at USD 0.2 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to USD 0.33 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.4%. Yamaha's market share in musical instruments is significant, with the company holding a 25% market share as of 2016. Their products are known for their durability and sound quality, making them a preferred choice among saxophonists.

Yanagisawa

Yanagisawa Wind Instruments Co., Ltd. is a renowned Japanese manufacturer of high-quality saxophones, standing alongside Yamaha as a leading producer in Japan. Since its inception in 1954 with the T-3 tenor saxophone, Yanagisawa has innovated significantly, introducing the world's first detachable neck soprano in 1985 and producing saxophones from diverse materials like phosphor bronze and solid silver. The company's soprano saxophone designs have been particularly influential, and they produce around 8,000 saxophones annually. Yanagisawa's products are distributed in the U.S. by Conn-Selmer, a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments. Their top-of-the-line models feature robust features such as double arms for the bell keys and unique material combinations.

Keilwerth

Keilwerth, a German saxophone manufacturer established in 1925, has emerged as a prominent brand in the global saxophone market, especially influenced by American jazz musicians in the latter part of the 20th century. Known for its bold and distinctive sound, durability, and consistent performance, Keilwerth saxophones are favored by musicians across various genres. The brand's involvement with renowned artists like Dave Liebman, James Moody, and Kirk Whalum has enhanced its reputation. Keilwerth offers a full range of saxophone models, from soprano to bass, and has introduced innovative models such as the MKX professional alto and tenor saxophones. The company's products are part of a market expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2024 to 2030.

Conn-Selmer

Conn-Selmer is a renowned brand in the saxophone market, known for its high-quality instruments that cater to musicians of all levels. As a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc., Conn-Selmer boasts a rich history of innovation and excellence, dating back to its formation through strategic acquisitions and mergers, including the integration of legendary brands like Bach, Conn, King, and Selmer. The company is also the North American distributor for Henri Selmer Paris woodwinds and the U.S. distributor for Yanagisawa saxophones, further solidifying its position in the market. Conn-Selmer's commitment to musical excellence is evident in its vision to provide the world's best musical products and services, with a focus on integrity, excellence, innovation, and teamwork. The brand is expected to continue its growth in the saxophone market, which is projected to reach $53 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 6.0% from 2024 to 2030. For more information about Conn-Selmer's heritage and offerings, visit their about page.

P. Mauriat

P. Mauriat is a renowned brand in the saxophone industry, having transformed from a little-known entity in 2005 to a leading manufacturer of Taiwanese-made saxophones by 2019. Known for their handmade instruments, each P. Mauriat saxophone may be hammered up to 400 times and has tone holes drawn one by one for precision and consistency. The brand is celebrated for its innovative designs, such as the 66RX Influence Tenor Saxophone, which features flute keys instead of pearls for enhanced resonance and a dark, beautiful sound. P. Mauriat's commitment to quality and innovation has positioned them as a strong competitor to brands like Yamaha and Selmer Paris. Their saxophones are highly regarded for their aesthetic beauty and technical precision. Discover more about their handcrafted masterpieces on their official website.

Buffet Crampon

Buffet Crampon, established in 1825, is a renowned leader in the production of high-quality wind instruments, including saxophones. Although the company temporarily exited the saxophone market in the mid-1980s due to competition, it re-entered in 2008 with the introduction of the *400* model, sourced from China. Buffet Crampon is part of a global market projected to grow from USD 0.21 billion in 2024 to USD 0.33 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.4%. The company's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and innovation has made it a preferred choice among musicians. With a rich history and continuous expansion, Buffet Crampon remains a significant player in the acoustic saxophone market.

Cannonball

Cannonball Musical Instruments, founded in 1996 by musicians Tevis and Sheryl Laukat, is renowned for producing high-quality, uniquely "acoustically hand customized" saxophones. Based in Sandy, Utah, Cannonball specializes in a range of models, including the professional Big Bell Stone Series, which features saxophones adorned with semi-precious natural stones and patented silver-plated FAT Necks. Their instruments are built in factories in Taiwan and then customized and tested in the USA, ensuring a blend of quality and innovation. Cannonball's commitment to craftsmanship and unique design elements, such as the use of natural stones, sets them apart as one of the best producers in the saxophone market. With a range of finishes like The Brute, Raven, and Hotspur, Cannonball caters to various preferences and needs of saxophonists. Discover more about their unique designs and innovations by visiting their Wikipedia page.

Trevor James

Trevor James is renowned as one of the best saxophone brands, particularly known for its high-quality yet affordable instruments. Founded in the early 1990s, the company has gained accolades, including three UK Music Industry Association awards for its Classic II model. Trevor James saxophones are manufactured in Taiwan but designed and finished in Lenham, England, ensuring a blend of durability and affordability. Their professional line, such as the Signature Custom Raw, features a bare-brass finish and is praised for its vintage sound and smooth keywork. The brand has also collaborated with notable artists like Andy Shepherd to produce limited edition models.

Jupiter

Jupiter is a reputable brand in the saxophone market, particularly known for producing high-quality beginner and intermediate saxophones. Established in 1980 by its Taiwanese parent company KHS, Jupiter has improved significantly over the years, incorporating advanced manufacturing techniques and high-quality materials such as brass and silver plates imported from Japan. Their XO Series, introduced in 2002, has been well-received for its solid construction and innovative design, although it has not yet gained widespread acceptance among professional players. Jupiter saxophones are praised for their sturdiness, easy maintenance, and good intonation, earning them several awards, including the "Best Instrument" at the 2004 UK MIA Awards and "Supplier Excellence Award" by Music Inc. Magazine in 2007 and 2008.