Top Tenor Saxophone Brands for Exceptional Sound Quality

Choosing the right tenor saxophone can greatly influence a musician's journey, as the brand determines the tonal quality and playability. Among the top choices, Selmer Paris is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and rich sound, making it a favorite for professional saxophonists. Yamaha offers a wide range of models catering to both beginners and advanced players, providing a balance of quality and affordability. Meanwhile, Yanagisawa is celebrated for its innovative designs and superior ergonomics, ensuring comfort and ease of play. For a comprehensive list of the best tenor saxophone brands, consult the detailed guide below.

Illustration of tenor saxophone

Best brands of tenor saxophone in 2025

Selmer Paris

Selmer Paris is widely regarded as one of the best producers of tenor saxophones, with a rich history dating back to 1885 and the first saxophone production in 1922. Over 80% of each Selmer Paris saxophone is still hand-produced in their Mantes-la-Ville factory, including all the engraving, ensuring exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Their iconic models, such as the Mark VI, have become benchmarks in the saxophone world. Selmer Paris saxophones are favored by professionals for their superior sound quality and durability. Despite the higher price point, they offer unparalleled value and performance. For more information on top saxophone brands, visit Jazzfuel's detailed guide.

Yamaha

Yamaha is renowned as one of the leading producers of tenor saxophones, known for their high-quality instruments that cater to a wide range of musicians. In the tenor saxophone market, Yamaha, along with other key players like Conn Selmer and Yanagisawa, dominates the sector, with the market expected to grow from US$ 40 million in 2023 to US$ 58 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.4%. Yamaha's wind instruments segment, which includes tenor saxophones, held a significant global market share of 31% as of fiscal 2021. Their saxophones, such as the YTS-875EX and YTS-62III, are praised for their impeccable intonation and rich, resonant sound quality. Yamaha's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position as a top choice among professional and intermediate musicians.

Yanagisawa

Yanagisawa is renowned as one of the best producers of tenor saxophones, praised for their exceptional build quality, ergonomic design, and consistent tone quality. As a repair technician and player, Yanagisawa saxophones are noted for their precision and excellence, with the WO series standing out for its professional and elite models. The brand's consistency is evident in its instruments built over the last 30-plus years, with newer models incrementally improving. Yanagisawa saxophones are favored for their solid feel, fluid key action, and minimized acoustical compromises, ensuring a pleasurable playing experience. The global tenor saxophone market, which includes Yanagisawa, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2024 to 2030. For more insights into their meticulous craftsmanship, visit their manufacturing process page.

Keilwerth

Keilwerth is renowned as one of the best producers of tenor saxophones, boasting over 100 years of experience in saxophone research and development. Their saxophones, such as the SX90R series, are crafted from high-quality materials like German nickel silver and brass, ensuring durability and exceptional sound quality. The SX90R models, including the Shadow and standard versions, are praised for their rich, solid tone and ergonomic design, making them suitable for various musical styles from classical to jazz. These instruments are built to last, with features like rolled tone holes and adjustable palm keys, and are often compared to the finest vintage saxophones. With a legacy supported by influential musicians like Dave Liebman and James Moody, Keilwerth continues to set standards in the saxophone industry. For a detailed review of the SX90R Shadow tenor, visit the Keilwerth SX90R Shadow tenor review.

P. Mauriat

P. Mauriat has established itself as a premier brand in the saxophone industry, particularly notable for its high-quality tenor saxophones. Since its emergence in the mid 2000s, P. Mauriat has gained recognition for its professional and intermediate level horns, including the System 76 and PMXT 66R models, which feature rolled tone holes and are hand-hammered from French brass. The brand's use of a 95% copper alloy in its Professional Class 600 series enhances the rich tone of the instruments. P. Mauriat saxophones are praised for their excellent intonation, free-blowing nature, and distinctive vintage-style unlacquered finishes. Endorsed by renowned jazz musicians such as James Carter and Marcus Strickland, P. Mauriat continues to innovate and improve its instruments based on professional feedback.

Cannonball

Cannonball is renowned for producing high-quality tenor saxophones, characterized by their attention to detail and extensive customization. The brand's horns, such as the Vintage Reborn tenor and the Pete Christlieb alto, are praised for their precise keywork, well-balanced springs, and aesthetically impressive design features. Despite some variability in quality, many users appreciate the unique sound and robust build of Cannonball saxophones. The brand is part of a growing market, with the global tenor saxophone market expected to reach $58 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2024 to 2030. For detailed reviews on Cannonball saxophones, visit SH Woodwind's website.

Buffet Crampon

Buffet Crampon, a renowned wind instrument manufacturer since 1825, holds a significant position in the tenor saxophone market, having re-entered the saxophone sector in 2008 after a period of hiatus. The company, headquartered in Mantes-la-Ville, France, is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and operates multiple production sites worldwide, including in China and Germany. Buffet Crampon is part of a market projected to reach US$ 58 million by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2024 to 2030. The company's products are distributed globally, with key regions including North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Buffet Crampon's commitment to quality and innovation makes it a preferred choice among musicians.

Jupiter

Jupiter is a renowned brand in the saxophone market, particularly noted for its high-quality tenor saxophones. Their instruments, such as the Jupiter JTS500, are designed with enhanced quality, featuring gold-lacquered brass bodies and ergonomically designed keys, making them ideal for beginners and intermediate players. Jupiter saxophones are manufactured in fully automated factories using high-quality parts, including raw brass and silver plates from Japan, Italian pads, and German keys, ensuring superior intonation and durability. Despite not reaching the same tonal quality as professional instruments like Yamaha, Jupiter saxophones offer excellent value for money and are suitable for various performance settings. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality checks has earned it a loyal customer base. For more information on their history and reasons to purchase, visit the Jupiter Saxophones overview.

Conn-Selmer

Conn-Selmer is a leading manufacturer in the global acoustic saxophone market, renowned for its high-quality instruments, particularly the tenor saxophone. The company, a part of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc., boasts a rich history of innovation and excellence, with its portfolio including legendary brands like Bach, Conn, and Selmer. Conn-Selmer's tenor saxophones, such as the 380V model, are praised for their solid build quality, competitive pricing, and rich, versatile tone, making them a favorite among musicians. The global acoustic saxophone market, where Conn-Selmer is a key player, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2022 to 2028, reaching a market size of USD 291.7 million by 2028.

Borgani

Borgani, a family-run company founded in 1872, is renowned for producing high-end tenor saxophones, including the esteemed OBT 'Vintage' and Joe Lovano signature models. These instruments are crafted from premium materials such as 24K gold-based alloy and silver-plated brass, offering distinct tonal qualities. Borgani's tenor saxophones are hand-hammered from French brass and feature unique construction elements like single pillar designs and rolled tone holes for superior resonance. Despite some minor engineering quirks, Borgani saxophones are praised for their warm, brilliant sound and dynamic range. Joe Lovano, a tenor sax great, endorses Borgani and has helped design his own signature model. For more information, explore their tenor saxophones online.