Top Saxophone Brands: Elevate Your Musical Journey

In the world of music, the saxophone stands out as a versatile and expressive instrument cherished across many genres, from jazz to classical. Choosing the right saxophone can significantly impact a musician's performance, with the brand playing a crucial role in sound quality, durability, and playability. Some of the finest saxophone brands are renowned for their innovative designs, superior craftsmanship, and consistent sound production, making them favored by both budding musicians and seasoned professionals alike. To help you in your search for the perfect saxophone, explore the list of top brands below.

Illustration of saxophone

Best brands of saxophone in 2025

Selmer

Selmer saxophones are renowned as the industry standard, celebrated for their exceptional quality and musical tone. Established in the late 19th century, Henri Selmer Paris made a significant impact with the launch of the Selmer Modele 22 in 1922, which introduced innovative manufacturing techniques. The legendary Selmer Mark VI, produced between 150,000 to 200,000 units, is highly sought after and can sell for substantial amounts, such as up to $40,000 for an unused model. Selmer saxophones are favored by professionals and students alike, with models suitable for a wide range of experience and budgets. Their reputation is endorsed by saxophone giants like Joshua Redman and Mark Turner. For more insights into Selmer saxophones, visit this informative link.

Yamaha

Yamaha is renowned as one of the leading producers of saxophones, boasting a significant market presence and high-quality products. In the global musical instrument market, Yamaha holds a 25% market share, with a strong presence in various regions including Japan, North America, Europe, and Asia. The company's wind instruments segment, which includes saxophones, accounts for a substantial portion of its musical instruments business. For instance, in fiscal 2022, Yamaha's musical instruments business generated Y=276.2 billion in revenue, with wind instruments contributing significantly to this figure. Yamaha's commitment to quality and innovation ensures that its saxophones are favored by both professional musicians and students. For more details on their saxophone range, visit their official Yamaha saxophones page.

Yanagisawa

Yanagisawa Wind Instruments Co., Ltd. is a renowned Japanese manufacturer of high-quality, professional-grade saxophones, standing alongside Yamaha as a leading producer in Japan. Since its inception in 1954 with the T-3 tenor saxophone, Yanagisawa has continuously innovated, introducing the world's first detachable neck soprano in 1985 and producing around 8,000 saxophones annually. Their instruments are crafted from various materials, including phosphor bronze, solid silver, and combinations thereof, ensuring unique tonal shadings. The company's WO series, launched in 2012 for alto and 2014 for tenor, is particularly acclaimed for its build quality, ergonomics, and consistent tone. Yanagisawa's products are distributed in the U.S. by Conn-Selmer, a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments. For more details, visit the Yanagisawa Wind Instruments Wikipedia page.

Keilwerth

Keilwerth is a renowned brand in the saxophone industry, known for its high-quality and distinctive sound. Founded by Julius Keilwerth in 1925 in Graslitz, Czechoslovakia, the company quickly became one of the largest saxophone manufacturers in Europe by the start of WWII, employing around 150 workers. Keilwerth saxophones gained global recognition in the latter part of the 20th century, particularly among American jazz musicians who appreciated the brand's bold and consistent performance. The brand continues to innovate, involving jazz musicians in its research and development, and offers a full range of saxophone models from soprano to bass. Keilwerth's influence is evident through the endorsement of notable artists such as Dave Liebman, James Moody, and Kirk Whalum. For more detailed information on their legacy and dedication to craftsmanship, visit Keilwerth's official website.

P. Mauriat

P. Mauriat, established in 2003, has risen to become a leading producer of saxophones, particularly known for their high-quality, handmade instruments. By 2019, the brand had become the industry leader for Taiwanese-made saxophones, competing closely with renowned brands like Yamaha and Selmer. P. Mauriat's commitment to research and development, as well as stringent quality control, has set them apart. Their saxophones, such as the 66RX Influence and the Professional Class 600 series featuring a 95% copper alloy, are praised for their rich, dark, and resonant sound. The brand's passion for music and innovation is reflected in their extensive range of models, catering to various player needs. For more about their exceptional saxophones, visit the P. Mauriat official website.

Cannonball

Cannonball Musical Instruments is renowned as one of the best producers of saxophones, founded in 1996 by musicians Tevis and Sheryl Laukat in Sandy, Utah. The company specializes in professional, handmade, and uniquely "acoustically hand customized" instruments, with models like the Big Bell Stone Series and Vintage Reborn Series standing out for their quality and innovative features, such as the patented FAT Neck design. Each saxophone in the Big Bell Stone Series comes adorned with 15-17 semi-precious stones and includes two necks, enhancing playability and sound. Cannonball's commitment to hand customization and innovation has made their instruments a favorite among professional musicians. The company's products are distributed through local music stores and are known for their distinctive finishes, including The Brute aged brass and Raven iced black. For more details, check their official website.

Buffet Crampon

Buffet Crampon is a renowned leader in the production of high-quality saxophones, having re-entered the saxophone market in 2008 with the *400* model after a brief hiatus. The company, founded in 1825, is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, such as the Senzo alto saxophone, which combines French musical instrument making know-how with state-of-the-art technology. Buffet Crampon's saxophones are part of a broader portfolio that includes clarinets, for which the company is the world market leader, particularly in the Boehm system. With a global presence and subsidiaries like Buffet Crampon Deutschland GmbH, the company employs around 1000 people worldwide. Buffet Crampon's commitment to excellence has made it a top player in the acoustic saxophone market, expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% by 2032. You can find more information about their exceptional range of saxophones on their official website.

Julius Keilwerth

Julius Keilwerth is a renowned German saxophone manufacturer, established in 1925, and has become one of the largest saxophone producers in Europe. By the start of WWII, the company had approximately 150 workers. Keilwerth saxophones, particularly the SX90R series introduced in the late 1980s, have gained endorsements from prominent jazz musicians like Branford Marsalis and David Liebman. The brand is known for its high-quality professional instruments, including the SX90 and SX90R models, which feature soldered-on tonehole rings. After being acquired by Buffet Crampon in 2010, Keilwerth continues to produce saxophones in Markneukirchen, Germany. For more insights, you can read The Truth About Keilwerth Saxophones on the Saxophone Forum.

Conn

Conn Selmer is renowned as one of the best producers of saxophones, with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The company's serial number tables reveal a consistent production quality, with notable milestones such as the transition from high-pitched to low-pitched models in 1914 and the introduction of the M series in 1934. Conn Selmer's instruments are highly regarded for their craftsmanship and sound quality, making them a favorite among professional musicians. The brand is part of a competitive market that includes other major players like Yamaha and Yanagisawa, but its legacy and quality have maintained its market share. For instance, the global soprano saxophone market, which includes Conn Selmer, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2024 to 2030.

Jupiter

Jupiter is a reputable brand in the saxophone market, known for producing high-quality instruments, particularly for beginner and intermediate players. Established in 1980 by its Taiwanese parent company KHS, Jupiter has improved significantly over the years, investing in an R&D centre in Taiwan since 2000 to achieve world-class quality. Their saxophones are built with high-quality parts, including brass and silver plates from Japan, Italian pads, and German mouthpieces. Jupiter's XO series, introduced in 2002, has been well-received for its solid construction and innovative design, earning awards such as the "Best Instrument" at the 2004 UK MIA Awards. Although they may not match the popularity of brands like Yamaha, Jupiter saxophones are praised for their sturdiness, easy maintenance, and good intonation.