The Most Popular Saxophone, Ranked

Choose the saxophone you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:49
Choosing the right saxophone can be a crucial decision for both new and experienced musicians. The sound, the feel, and the build can vary significantly between models, impacting performance and satisfaction. A reliable way to gauge the quality and popularity of a saxophone is through community-driven rankings, which reflect the experiences and preferences of a wide audience. That's why this live ranking exists. Here, users like you can vote on their preferred saxophones, influencing the dynamic list that you see. This continuous input from a community of saxophonists helps ensure that the rankings stay relevant and beneficial for everyone making a decision. By participating, you contribute to a trusted resource that helps everyone in the community make informed choices.

What Is the Most Popular Saxophone?

  1. 1
    98
    votes

    Yamaha YAS-62

    Yamaha
    This professional-level saxophone is known for its rich tone and excellent intonation. It has been a favorite among saxophonists for decades.
    The Yamaha YAS-62 is a highly regarded and popular saxophone that is widely used by professional saxophonists worldwide. It is known for its excellent craftsmanship, versatility, and rich sound quality.
    • Key: Eb
    • Body Material: Brass
    • Finish: Clear Lacquer
    • Neck: M 1-Piece
    • Bell: Hand-Hammered
  2. 2
    38
    votes
    Selmer Mark VI
    Jmm1713 at English Wikipedia · Public domain
    This vintage saxophone is highly sought after for its legendary sound and craftsmanship. It was produced from 1954 to 1975 and is still considered one of the best saxophones ever made.
  3. 3
    29
    votes

    Yamaha YAS-23

    Yamaha
    This student-level saxophone is a popular choice for beginners due to its affordability and reliability. It is durable and easy to play, making it a great instrument for young musicians.
    The Yamaha YAS-23 is a widely recognized and beloved saxophone that has stood the test of time. It is a versatile instrument suitable for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals. With its exceptional build quality and performance, the YAS-23 has earned a reputation as one of the most popular saxophones available.
    • Type: Alto Saxophone
    • Key: Eb
    • Body Material: Brass
    • Finish: Gold Lacquer
    • Key Material: Yellow Brass
  4. 4
    19
    votes

    Yanagisawa A-991

    Yanagisawa
    This high-end saxophone is known for its precision and clarity. It is a favorite among professional saxophonists and is often used in classical and jazz settings.
    The Yanagisawa A-991 is a highly regarded professional saxophone known for its exceptional tone and playability. Crafted with precision by the esteemed Japanese manufacturer Yanagisawa, this saxophone is favored by professional musicians worldwide.
    • Key: : Eb
    • Body Material: : Brass
    • Finish: : Gold Lacquer
    • Bell Size: : 6 inches
    • Key Buttons: : Mother of Pearl
  5. 5
    17
    votes

    Keilwerth SX90R

    Keilwerth
    This saxophone has a unique sound and is popular among jazz musicians. It is known for its solid construction and excellent playability.
    The Keilwerth SX90R is a popular professional-level saxophone known for its excellent sound quality and craftsmanship. It is a versatile instrument suitable for various genres including jazz, classical, and contemporary music. The saxophone offers a rich, warm tone combined with great projection and responsiveness.
    • Material: Brass
    • Key Mechanism: Rolled Tone Holes
    • Finish: Vintage Lacquer or Silver Plating
    • Body Design: Ribbed Construction
    • Bell Size: Large
  6. 6
    21
    votes
    This saxophone is known for its bright and powerful sound. It is often used in funk and rock music and is popular among younger musicians.
  7. 7
    15
    votes

    P. Mauriat PMXT-66R

    P. Mauriat
    This saxophone has a warm and rich sound and is popular among professional saxophonists. It is known for its high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
    The P. Mauriat PMXT-66R is a professional-grade tenor saxophone known for its rich, warm tone and exceptional craftsmanship. It is highly regarded by saxophonists worldwide.
    • Type: Tenor
    • Key: Bb
    • Material: Brass
    • Finish: Vintage Dark Lacquer
    • Body: Hand-engraved
  8. 8
    14
    votes

    Buffet Crampon 400 Series

    Buffet Crampon
    This saxophone is known for its clear and responsive tone. It is often used in classical and orchestral settings and is popular among intermediate and advanced players.
    The Buffet Crampon 400 Series is a popular saxophone known for its high-quality craftsmanship and excellent sound. It is designed and manufactured by Buffet Crampon, a renowned musical instrument company that specializes in woodwind instruments.
    • Body Material: Yellow brass
    • Bell: Hand-hammered with wire reinforcement
    • Key Material: Yellow brass
    • Key Finish: Silver plated
    • Pads: Leather with metal resonators
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    This intermediate-level saxophone is a popular choice for students and hobbyists. It is known for its balanced tone and easy playability.
    The Yamaha YTS-475 is a professional-grade tenor saxophone renowned for its excellent sound quality and playability. It is highly regarded among saxophonists of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
    • Key: Bb
    • Finish: Gold lacquer
    • Body Material: Brass
    • Bell Size: 5
    • Key Buttons: Polyester
  10. 10
    3
    votes

    Eastman 52nd Street

    Eastman Music Company
    This saxophone has a classic sound and is popular among jazz musicians. It is known for its vintage-inspired design and high level of craftsmanship.
    The Eastman 52nd Street is a highly popular saxophone known for its exceptional craftsmanship and vintage-inspired design. With a rich and resonant sound, it offers professional-level performance and versatility for both jazz and classical musicians.
    • Material: Brass
    • Finish: Vintage Dark Lacquer
    • Key: Bb
    • Keywork: French-style
    • Bell Diameter: 6.08 inches

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Ranking factors for popular saxophone

  1. Sound quality
    The tone, resonance, and projection of the saxophone are important factors in its popularity. A saxophone with a rich, warm, and vibrant sound is more likely to be favored by musicians.
  2. Brand reputation
    Well-known and respected brands usually produce high-quality instruments that are more popular among players.
  3. Construction and durability
    A saxophone made from high-quality materials with precision craftsmanship will be more reliable, durable, and easier to maintain.
  4. Playability and ease of use
    A saxophone that is comfortable to hold, easy to control, and responsive to the player's needs will be more popular among musicians.
  5. Versatility
    A saxophone that can be used across various styles of music and is suitable for both beginners and advanced players is more likely to be popular.
  6. Price
    Affordability can impact the popularity of saxophones, especially for beginners and intermediate players. A good balance between price and quality is important.
  7. Reviews and recommendations
    Positive feedback from professional musicians, educators, and fellow players can significantly influence the popularity of a saxophone.
  8. Accessories included
    The inclusion of a high-quality mouthpiece, ligature, reeds, and case with the saxophone can contribute to its popularity.
  9. Availability
    Having various models and finishes available for customers to choose from can impact the overall popularity of a saxophone.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular saxophone. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Saxophone is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1678 views
  • 256 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Saxophone once every 24 hours. The rank of each Saxophone is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular saxophone

The saxophone, invented by Adolphe Sax in 1846, has since become a staple instrument in jazz, classical, and pop music. With its smooth and sultry sound, it's no wonder that the saxophone has captured the hearts of many musicians and music lovers alike. There are various types of saxophones, including the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, each with their own unique sound and playing style. So, what is the most popular saxophone? Let's take a closer look at the different types and their popularity among musicians and fans.

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