We at Windy Sounds have had the pleasure of playing several wind instruments through the years, but none compare to the sultry sound of the saxophone. The versatility and cool, robust tones that come from this instrument are the perfect compliment to any song.
Differing from the standard alto sax, a tenor sax is a little larger with a longer neck and a deeper tone. Widely used in jazz and pop music, the tenor saxophone has become a sought after instrument for those individuals who are enticed by its smooth and rich sound.
When deciding on what tenor saxophone will work best for you, a few factors to consider would include how the instrument is made, what key the sax is tuned to, are there any special designs or functionalities to take note of and what accessories are included in your purchase.
We have done a ton of research and have come up with what we consider to be the 8 best tenor saxophones of 2020. This list of instruments will suit both beginner and professional players, so that everyone will be able to find the best sounding tenor saxophone to suit their specific wants and needs.
Our Top Recommended Tenor Saxophones
- JEAN PAUL USA INTERMEDIATE TENOR SAXOPHONE TS-400
- Weight 11.8 lbs
- Carrying Case - Standard case included
- Price: See Here!
- OPUS USA BY KTONE PPROFESSIONAL GOLD TENOR SAXOPHONE
- Item Weight - 17.1 pounds
- Bb Key with High F# key
- Price: See Here!
- MENDINI BY CECILIO MTS-L 92D
- Gold lacquered body and keys Bb with high F# key tenor sax
- 1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects
- Price: See Here!
List of 8 Best Tenor Saxophones of 2020 on the Market Today:
1. JEAN PAUL USA INTERMEDIATE TENOR SAXOPHONE TS-400
FEATURES
- Tuned to the key of Bb (B flat)
- Power forged and tapered pivot keys allow for easy playing
- Robust contoured carrying case is included to provide safe transportation and
protection against damage when not in use - Yellow brass body with a Lacquer finish for a classic look
- Strong bell brace is durable and provides a fuller and richer sound
The Jean Paul USA Intermediate Tenor Saxophone is an ideal instrument for intermediate players or those who are just starting their saxophone journey. It has power forged keys and tapered pivot keys are exceedingly durable, allowing for consistent play without compromising sound or comfort. Designed and constructed with durability and ease of play in mind, this tenor saxophone will produce a robust tone sure to please any player no matter what their skill level is.
ACCESSORIES
- 1 Rico Reed
- Cleaning Cloth
- Mouthpiece
- Cork grease
- Swabs
- Consumers have mentioned that this saxophone is very easy to play, making it
ideal for a beginner player - It has been constructed of high quality brass materials for increased
durability and longevity - Purchase includes the case and many accessories, providing great overall
value for your money - Has an effortless response allowing for a fluid tone throughout the entire
register of the instrument
- With a price of around $700, it can be a bit expensive for some beginner
players - Some players have reports minor issues with design, should be easily
rectified
OVERALL WINDY SOUNDS REVIEW
Overall, we at Windy Sounds consider the Jean Paul TS-400 to be the best student tenor saxophone on the market. With its high quality construction and design for easy playing, we would highly recommend this as an excellent value for a tenor sax under $1000.
Its easy to play design makes this instrument easy for a new player to pick up, but also allows for an intermediate or professional player to fine to his or her craft. It has been designed to maintain its usability and even tone for extended play and long-term use. This will be an instrument that you will be able to enjoy for years to come.
2. OPUS USA BY KTONE PPROFESSIONAL GOLD TENOR SAXOPHONE
FEATURES
- Tuned to Key of Bb (B flat)
- Includes High F# key adding versatility to your play
- Keys and body are made to stand up to usual wear and tear
- Hard shell case provides protection against damage while transporting from
one location to another
The OPUS USA saxophone is a high quality instrument that produces an awesomely rich sound. Constructed in a French Super Style, this instrument is manufactured with a durable body and tough key construction that will hold up for a considerable length of time. The simplicity of the design is highly appealing to beginners as well as professionals. This affordable sax exudes luxury and high-end standards. With a long list of accessories included with your purchase, the OPUS USA is a tremendous value for your money.
ACCESSORIES
- Cleaning Cloth
- White Gloves
- Neck Strap
- Hard shell Case
- Reeds
- Amazing value for the money, costs around $420.00
- Professional quality and simple design makes it easy to play at any skill
level - 1 Year Factory Warranty ( Against Manufacture Defects )
- Excellent warm and full tone right out of the box
- Octave key has a tendency to bend easily
- Some players recommend upgrading the mouthpiece for a better overall sound
OVERALL WINDY SOUNDS REVIEW
This Opus USA tenor saxophone is the best professional tenor saxophone you can purchase. It is a top quality item for a fraction of the cost. The simple, sleek design allows for a full and rich sound without compromising playability. The Opus USA tenor saxophone is made of high quality construction will enable this instrument to last through even the toughest circumstances. The Opus USA sax will provide you with a higher grade instrument without having to spend a small fortune.
3. MENDINI BY CECILIO MTS-L 92D
FEATURES
- Ribbed construction with a gold lacquered body for an elegant look
- Tuned to key of Bb (B flat)
- Features F# key to provide a broader range of notes to play
- Large bore and quality leather pads with stainless steel tone boosters
- Contoured keys with faux mother of pearl inlays for added comfort
The Mendini by Cecilio saxophone an excellent value for the money, with a purchase cost at just under $400. It plays a warm and inviting sound that is sure to sore right into any musician’s heart. With a ribbed construction and large bore, this instrument will surely stand the test of time and rigorous play. An extremely well-crafted and durable instrument. An excellent purchase for a professional or beginner player, the Mendini saxophone is sure to compliments anyone’s playing style.
ACCESSORIES
- Hard-shell case for durability and protection
- Mouthpiece
- Neck strap
- Cleaning cloth and rod
- Electric tuner
- A pair of gloves
- A box of 10 reeds
- Comes with a 1 Year Warranty ( Against Manufacturer’s Defects )
- Extensive list of accessories included with purchase
- High quality and attractive design will add a bit of style to your
performance
- Consumers have complained that there were some minor quality control
issues with this instrument - Some players expressed a lack of satisfaction regarding the sound and level
of play when playing the lower registry keys
OVERALL WINDY SOUNDS REVIEW
We consider the Mendini by Cecilio saxophone to be the best cheap tenor saxophone on the market. While this instrument is an excellent purchase for a beginner saxophone player, the intermediate player will definitely appreciate the quality craftmanship and overall look of this sax. With every portion of this saxophone made to last, quality and beauty come together with this instrument.
4. EASTROCK TENOR SAXOPHONE
FEATURES
- Tuned to key of Bb (B flat)
- Brass material with gold lacquer finish providing a gorgeous instrument
- Hand-carved flowers on surface to add a touch of style
- Keys are ergonomically designed for a comfort while playing
- Good key action for better play
The Eastrock tenor saxophone has an outstanding design and construction. This instrument is constructed with high grade brass and includes a hard case for travel. Enabling an extremely comfortable play, this instrument provides an amazing overall sound quality with a rich and smooth tone. Quality and versatility are the mark of this instrument, making the Eastrock sax a great fit for any level of player.
ACCESSORIES
- Hard Carrying Case
- One Reed
- Plastic Mouthpiece
- Cleaning Cloth and Rod
- White Gloves
- Alcohol Pads
- Strap
- Very visually appealing instrument with a beautiful gold finish
- High quality construction for extreme durability during play and transport
- Keys have an ergonomic design witch will provide extreme comfort throughout
play
- Ideally used by beginner players, so may be to basic for more advanced or
professional musicians
OVERALL WINDY SOUNDS REVIEW
The Eastrock tenor saxophone is an excellent budget tenor saxophone. Built to produce a quality tone within a highly durable body allows this instrument to provide value with a great visual appeal. An excellent saxophone for those who are starting to learn how to play, this instrument provides easy key action for faster learning. This sax will look and sound great for many years to come. The Eastrock tenor saxophone costs around $380, an amazing bang for your buck.
5. SELMER PRELUDE TS711 TENOR SAXOPHONE
FEATURES
- Tuned to the key of High F# (F sharp)
- Left-hand table key rocker mechanism
- Articulated C# adjusting screw
- Molded mouthpiece with cap and ligature
- Engraved bell
- Made of brass with dark lacquered finish
- Unique bore design allows for amazing projection while playing
- Detachable reinforced body-to-bow connection for added strength and
durability
Manufactured by one of the most popular saxophone brands, the Selmer Prelude tenor saxophone produces an incredible sound that is built to last. The action on this instrument is easy and smooth producing a warm and powerful tone. Created with the avid sax player in mind
ACCESSORIES
- Trek Carrying Case
- Selmer mouthpiece
- Ligature and cap
- Cork
- 1 reed
- Neck strap
- A ribbed construction provides extreme durability
- Detachable reinforced body-to-bow connection adds to the stable design
- Comes with 1 year limited warranty
- A bit expensive with a purchase price of around $1,150
- Some consumers have complained that the case is much larger than it needs to
be for this instrument
OVERALL WINDY SOUNDS REVIEW
A good tenor saxophone brand, the Selmer Prelude Tenor saxophone is ideal for beginners and professional players. It is lightweight and comfortable to use. It has great key action and has a unique design for exceptional projections. This instrument produces a warm and smooth sound with the help if its molded mouthpiece with cap and ligature. Produced by an trusted name in musical instrument design, this saxophone will enable you to play incredible sounds for years.
6. YAMAHA YTS-62III TENOR SAXOPHONE
FEATURES
- Contoured keys for quick response action
- Adjustable thumb rest for added comfort
- Narrow bore provides easy control
- 62-style neck provides better airflow for pitch perfect sounds
- Fully adjustable screw cap stoppers on each separate key guard
- Hand engraved patterns along the bell for added style
- Tuned to key of Bb (B flat)
- Auxiliary Keys: High F# allow for a larger scale of notes to be played
The Yamaha Tenor Saxophone has all that any professional sax player could ask for. Made from a high quality and trusted brand, this instrument is offered in two finishes and has easy action with adjustable features. Producing a rich and superior sound, the Yamaha YTS-62III is designed with a narrow bore allowing for quicker response time and optimal control while playing. A modern style neck allows for better airflow through the instrument.
ACCESSORIES
- Yamaha 4C mouthpiece
- Backpack style carrying case for added protection while in transit
- Yamaha grade reeds
- Excellent quality from a trusted and reliable brand
- Improved mechanisms provide an upgraded feel without compromising sound
quality or overall durability - Newly designed neck with narrower bore for swifter response and better
control - Comes with Yamaha’s standard 5-Year Factory Warranty
- Consumers have complained that the reeds that come with this instrument are
not the best quality - Extremely expensive purchase price set at just under $3,500
OVERALL WINDY SOUNDS REVIEW
The Yamaha brand has over a century of reliability that supports all of the instruments they produce. The Yamaha YTS-62III tenor saxophone exhibits a superior sound that will add an elegance to any piece of music it is played with. This saxophone is as beautiful to look at as it is easy and fun to play. Its long list of features enable its versatility. The Yamaha YTS-62III is exceptionally durable and reliable. These are traits that every musician has come to expect from what is considered to be the best tenor saxophone brand in the market. Despite its cost, we consider this instrument to be well worth the purchase price.
7. HAWK WD-S411C-BK TENOR SAXOPHONE
FEATURES
- Easy action springs for excellent playing
- Brass construction with a black lacquer finish
- Leather pads with metal resonators
- White mother of pearl key inlays for added comfort
- Tuned to the key of Bb (B Flat)
The Hawk WD-S411C-BK Tenor Saxophone is a great-looking instrument with a pleasant tone. Leather pads with metal resonators combined with easy action springs propel your playing to the next level. Whether you are a beginner or professional saxophone player, the Hawk tenor sax will provide easy use and an amazing sound.
ACCESSORIES
- Plush lined hard shell carrying case
- Neck Strap
- Ebonite Mouthpiece
- 1 Reed
- Cap and ligature
- Better action keys than competitive instruments for a quicker response
- Mother of pearl inlays provide amazing comfort while playing for long sets
- Excellent package for beginner player
- Some buyers have complained that the black paint comes off after a while
- Replacement parts may be difficult to find
OVERALL WINDY SOUNDS REVIEW
This sleek black Hawk tenor saxophone is stylish and provides a great tone when it is played. This instrument is one of the best affordable tenor saxophones on our list. You receive a great value for the purchase price of under $450. With its mother of pearl key inlays, easy action springs, and sleek black finish, the Hawk WD-S411C-BK tenor saxophone provides a level excitement as well as comfort that will enable any musician to play for long stretches of time.
8. YAMAHA YTS-26 STANDARD TENOR SAXOPHONE
FEATURES
- Contoured keys make for quick action
- Adjustable thumb rest and keys
- Tuned to the key of Bb (B flat)
- Nickel keys for added quality
- High quality horn for longevity and superior sound
- Made of yellow brass with a clear lacquer
The Yamaha YTS-26 Standard Tenor Saxophone is an excellent instrument from a dependable brand that has been servicing the music industry for over a century. This affordable model provides high-end features that produces a smooth tone with enjoyable action. Expertly designed and construction, this instrument provides an excellent response time. Features that include stainless steel springs and nickel silver keys provide durability and versatility.
ACCESSORIES
- Professional hard case
- 10 reeds
- Mouthpiece
- Neck strap
- Cleaning supplies
- The mechanism to move from B to C# has been improved for proper key closing
and an enhanced low range response - Comes with a 62-style neck, but can be removed if you wish to change for
another neck - Extremely durable construction from a highly trusted brand
- Comes with Yamaha’s standard 5-Year Factory Warranty
- Instrument may have some minor quality issues that can be easily rectified
- Standard design may not be suitable for higher level players
OVERALL WINDY SOUNDS REVIEW
This Yamaha YTS-26 saxophone has the response and tone that will enable beginner musicians achieve better results. Scoring extremely high on the tenor saxophone ratings, this instrument was built by a long-time trusted brand for musical instruments. Adding the improved Low B-C# connection provides better quality sounds in the sax’s lower register and enabling a broader range of play. Although it costs just over $2,700, it is definitely worth every penny.
CONCLUSION
The decision to play an instrument is something inside that speaks to each person individually. The tenor saxophone is an instrument with a ton of soul and versatility that allows it to compliment many different genres of music.
We at Windy Sounds believe the Jean Paul USA TS-400 is the best tenor saxophone on the market. It is perfect for beginners, as it is easy to play and very durable.
However, if your are a more advanced player and looking for something to take your skill level a bit further, we recommend investing in the Yamaha YTS-62III tenor saxophone. We believe the top quality construction that comes from the Yamaha brand is well worth the money if you have it.
