Saxophone Price Guide: Current Values & Sales

The saxophone family is priced by size and by level. Alto saxophones are the usual first instrument, and tenors are larger, heavier, and generally more expensive. Brass body, lacquer, and keywork quality separate student horns from professional ones.

The figures here are retailer list prices for Yamaha and Selmer Paris models, which are common reference points. Dealers set their own prices and run sales.

Sweetwater's guide gives ranges for the main levels. Intermediate altos run $2,600 – $3,000 and intermediate tenors $3,000 – $3,600. For professional soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone horns, the guide gives $3,000 – $13,000.

The wide professional band reflects the range of instruments sold: a baritone costs more to build than a soprano, and a hand-finished model costs more than a standard one.

The Yamaha YAS-280 student alto lists at $3,266 at Sweetwater, and Chuck Levin's lists the same model at $3,266. The matching YTS-280 student tenor is listed at $4,100 at Sweetwater and $4,100 at Chuck Levin's.

Moving up, the YTS-480 intermediate tenor is listed at $3,821.99, and the YAS-62III professional alto at $4,431.99. A Selmer Paris 92 Supreme professional alto in dark gold lacquer lists at $10,049.

Chuck Levin's page shows the student prices as the maker's suggested retail price, so a different dealer may discount them.

For the same maker and level, tenor saxophones cost more than altos, because they use more metal and a larger bell. The Yamaha student models in the table show it clearly: the tenor lists above the alto. Altos are lighter and easier for smaller students to hold, which is one reason they are the usual start.

Student saxophones are built to be sturdy and in tune, with a standard set of keys. Intermediate horns often add finer key work and a more responsive neck, and professional instruments usually have more precise tuning, hand finishing, and a wider choice of finishes such as lacquers, plating, and unlacquered brass. The finish affects looks and may change feel, but players disagree about how much it changes tone.

You do not need a professional horn to play well. A teacher can tell you when the instrument is limiting you, and many players stay on a good intermediate instrument for a long time.

The same horn is often sold in several finishes. Gold lacquer is the standard, and silver plating, amber lacquer, and unlacquered options usually cost more at the professional level. The listing for each finish carries its own price, so check the exact variant before comparing.

Renting suits a student who is still deciding. If you buy, a used horn from a reputable shop can lower the cost, and a technician should check the pads, springs, and neck before you pay. Avoid unbranded instruments sold at very low prices, since they often need repair work that outweighs the savings.

Ask which mouthpiece comes with the horn and whether the case is included in the price. Ask whether a technician has checked the setup, how long the warranty runs, and whether the shop credits a trade-in toward a better saxophone later. These answers change the real cost more than a small difference in list price.

The mouthpiece, ligature, and reeds matter as much as the horn itself. Student horns usually include a basic mouthpiece and case. You will also want a neck strap, a swab, cork grease, and spare reeds. Pads and springs wear, so plan for periodic servicing.