First Saxophones
Most students begin playing the saxophone on an alto saxophone or tenor saxophone. Band directors will usually recommend that students with smaller hands try the alto sax first, while students with larger hands and better breath production may be encouraged to try the tenor sax. First saxophones should have nickel plated keys and a clear lacquer finish for durability. Beginner saxophones should have an adjustable thumb rest for comfort. Make sure to get the correct strength reeds and a padded neckstrap for the beginning saxophone student – it will make the sax playing experience easier, and therefore more rewarding.
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A few BMC recommended Student Alto Saxophones
Yamaha Alto Saxophone YAS-23
Selmer Saxophone AS500 (call-in orders only)
A few BMC recommended Student Tenor Saxophones:
Prelude Tenor Saxophone TS711
Selmer Tenor Saxophone TS500 (call-in orders only)
Step-Up Saxophones
Alto Saxophones and tenor saxophones are still the most common intermediate saxophones, but this is the time a player is likely to try soprano saxophones and baritone saxophones as well. The difficulty in playing a soprano sax, and the sheer size of the bari sax make them unlikely candidates for a starter saxophone. Any type of step-up saxophone should have a clear or black lacquer finish, and refined tone holes for better intonation. Upper level saxophones usually have a high F# key for ease in reaching altissimo notes. Most intermediate saxes have hand engraving, gold lacquer keys, and include a superior quality mouthpiece.
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A few BMC recommended Intermediate Alto Saxophones:
Yamaha Alto Saxophone YAS-475
Selmer Alto Saxophone SAS280R
A few BMC recommended Intermediate Tenor Saxophones:
Yamaha Tenor Saxophone YTS-475
Selmer Tenor Saxophone STS280R
A few BMC recommended Intermediate Soprano Saxophones:
Yamaha Soprano Saxophone YSS-475II
Selmer Soprano Saxophone SS600
A few BMC recommended Intermediate Baritone Saxophones:
Yamaha Baritone Saxophone YBS-52
Selmer Baritone Saxophone SBS280R
Selmer Baritone Saxophone BS500
Professional Saxohpones
Professional saxophones, when properly crafted, are a work of art. Pro saxes included gold or black lacquer, as well as silver plate or brushed matte finishes. Upper level saxophones include a high F# key (look for a low A key on a professional bari saxophone), and have improved tone quality owing to the annealed bell, body, and bow. Hand engraving and mother-of-pearl key buttons lend an elegant touch to pro saxophones. Look for contoured independent palm keys, for ease of playing.
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A few BMC recommended Professional Alto Saxophones:
Yamaha Alto Saxophone YAS-82Z
YamahaAlto Saxophone YAS-875EX
Selmer Alto Saxophone 52JU
Selmer Alto Saxophone 62J
Yanagisawa Alto Saxophone A901
A few BMC recommended Professional Tenor Saxophones:
Yamaha Tenor Saxophone YTS-82Z
Yamaha Alto Saxophone YTS-875EX
Selmer Tenor Saxophone 54JU
Selmer Tenor Saxophone 64J
Yanagisawa Tenor Saxophone T901
A few BMC recommended Professional Soprano Saxophones:
Yamaha Soprano Saxophone YSS-875EX
Selmer Soprano Saxophone 53J
Yanagisawa Soprano Saxophone SS901
A few BMC recommended Professional Baritone Saxophones:
Yamaha Baritone Saxophone YBS-62
Selmer Baritone Saxophone 66AFJ
Yanagisawa Baritone Saxophone B991
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