Beginner Saxophone Equipment
By Julian Brezon and Luke Norris
Buying your first saxophone
One of the best affordable options for new saxophone players is to look for a used Yamaha YAS-23 or YAS-26 for alto, or YTS-23 or YTS-26 for tenor. These are rock solid instruments that generations of sax players started on. It’s best not to buy sight unseen online unless it’s from a reputable retailer or repair shop.
For brand new instruments, check out the YAS-280 Alto or YTS-280 Tenor. For more affordable options (if you can’t find a quality used instrument) consider the Jean Paul AS-400 alto or TS-400 tenor.
Mouthpieces for Beginners
A great mouthpiece can make a huge difference even on an inexpensive saxophone! The cheap plastic one that comes with many inexpensive saxophones is often a huge impediment to students’ progress. Mouthpieces can cost anywhere from $30 to over $1000. (seriously!)
Reeds for Beginners
Like mouthpieces, reeds can make a big difference in how easy it is to play the instrument. The reed is the part that vibrates when we blow and actually creates sound. Alto saxophone reeds are all the same size. Tenor saxophone reeds are slightly larger but also the same size. Where they differ is “strength” which refers to hardness and is measured on a scale of 1-5. No one really uses 1 or 1.5 reeds. Most pros use something between a 2.5-4. We recommend students start on a 2.5 strength reed from a reputable company like Rico or Vandoren.
Rico Royal Alto 2.5 - https://amzn.to/3LNmrWs
Rico Royal Tenor 2.5 - https://amzn.to/3SrQA1u
Vandoren Blue Box Alto 2.5 - https://amzn.to/3A5GLQp
Vandoren Blue Box Tenor 2.5 - https://amzn.to/46vD02D
Other Accessories
A ligature is what keeps the reed on the mouthpiece. If your mouthpiece didn’t come with one, an inexpensive one is fine for beginners.
Rico Ligature - https://amzn.to/3Yyd0lc
A neck strap holds the instrument around our neck while we play.
Leather Neck Strap - https://amzn.to/4c3mCHP
If that didn’t answer your question please contact us for assistance!
