As fun as the thought of upgrading your alto saxophone can be, it can also be quite daunting and confusing. Most alto players usually start with beginner models, proceed to intermediate, and finally get a professional model when they are ready. The alto saxophone is one of the most fun woodwind instruments to play. It can fit into very many playing scenarios and musical styles. Alto saxophones are used in jazz, blues, funk, soul, rock, classical, pop, and in every other genre and style. As fun as the alto saxophone playing experience can be, it can also be quite discouraging if you choose the wrong one – making it worse is the money spent.
This guide will help you choose the best professional alto saxophones for whatever playing scenario or musical style. The saxophones mentioned here are saxophones I have had direct and indirect personal experience as a sax player. Below are the 5 best professional alto saxophones recommended by me.
 | 1. Best Yamaha alto saxophone: Yamaha YAS-62 A mix of ‘affordable’ and top-quality design, this lightweight Yamaha alto saxophone is perfectly crafted for not just a rich, rounded, and flexible tone but also for ease of play and comfort regardless of proficiency level. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 2. Best professional alto saxophone for intermediate players: Selmer SAS280 La Voix II with a reputation for designing some of the best saxophones in the world, the Selmer SAS280 LA is another masterpiece by Selmer when it comes to versatility, playability, and tone. | Buy on Amazon |
| 3. Best professional alto saxophone for concerto and solo performances: Allora AAAS-805 With a big and penetrating sound that can ‘cut through’ any brass ensemble, orchestra, or band, Allora designed this alto saxophone with the soloist and concerto player in mind. | ||
 | 4. Best premium professional alto saxophone: Selmer Paris Series II Model 52 Jubilee Edition With a highly dynamic/expressive sound, tonal variation, perfect response across all registers, and top-notch aesthetic design, this Selma does not only befit its price tag, but it is also an artistic and saxophone engineering masterpiece. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 5. Best professional alto saxophone for jazz and blues players: Jupiter JAS1100 With a golden lacquer that gives a warmer sound befitting for genres like blues and jazz, the Jupiter JAS1100 has outstanding intonation and it provides comfort and playability to any player regardless of proficiency level. | Buy on Amazon |
5 Best Professional Alto Saxophone Reviewed
Best Yamaha alto saxophone: Yamaha YAS-62
When it comes to quality musical instruments regardless of the type, Yamaha remains one of the leading brands. Yamaha alto saxophones, regardless of the level, play not only well, they always stand the test of time too. The Yamaha YAS-62 alto saxophone is designed for professionals who want a mix of ‘pro-level and ‘affordable’ in an alto sax. Whenever I try to explain to some musicians that you don’t have to spend your life’s worth to get a decent instrument, I always use the YAS-62 as one paradigm.
Yamaha redesigned this model from the YAS-61 saxophone of the ’70s. The YAS-62 has been going through constant improvement and evolution in the overall make and particularly, intonation. As time passes by, this model becomes more playable, more comfortable, and just keeps getting better. It has a very rich, rounded, and flexible tone that will fit in many playing scenarios and styles. Yamaha has created more room inside the neck of the YAS-62 and this allows for a free flow of air, thus producing a richer and fuller tone.
To strike a balance and enhance playability, the bore is made narrower to allow for faster response and a much better tonal control. The lightweight construction makes the YAS-62 easier to play, especially for longer jam sessions, recordings, and performances. Also, this makes it perfect for players who are just transitioning from the student or intermediate models, as these models are always generally lighter than pro-models. Because it features a lighter weight design and narrow bore for easier playability, the sound may not come out quite heavy as compared to that of heavier models.
The YAS-62 also features an adjustable thumb rest for some more comfort, polyester key buttons, golden lacquer finish, AS4C mouthpiece, and a two-piece bell with hand engravings for that final aesthetic touch. The YAS-62 also comes with a carry case for ease of carriage. It is more like Yamaha designed the YAS-62 with the average professional sax player in mind. It is easy to play, sounds amazing, and also easy to carry.
Pros:
- Features a light-weight design which makes it easier to carry and play
- Ergonomically designed bore
- The neck is designed for a fuller tone
Cons:
- It May does not sound as heavy as other heavier alto saxophones
Best professional alto saxophone for intermediate players: Selmer SAS280 La Voix II
In the saxophone world, Selmer is not just a popular brand but also a brand with a reputation for manufacturing some of the best saxophones in the world. The SAS280 La Voix II is a professional alto sax built to provide the best sound possible and ergonomics at a very reasonable price. It has a yellow brass body and features a traditional bell shape that produces a penetrating and rounded sax tone. The SAS280 is a very versatile kind of alto saxophone but will work well in genres like jazz and blues.
One of the most noticeable professional features of the SAS280 is the key styling. The keys are styled in a very convenient manner to ensure not only longer-lasting playing sessions but also longer leather pad life. It is very rare to find this kind of feature on alto saxes of the same price range as the SAS280. You will most likely find these kinds of keys on costlier sax models. The key placements on the SAS280 allow for a more comfortable fingering and easier playing experience. As a result of this, the SAS280 has a smooth and more fluid tone. It plays not only nice, but it also looks super nice. Being a saxophone from a top brand like Selmer, you can’t expect anything less than expert craftsmanship and top-notch aesthetics. To confirm that Selmer cares as much about how their saxes look as they care about how it sounds, the SAS280 comes in a variety of lacquer finishes.
It also comes with treated leather pads with metal resonators, several adjustment screws, a mini rib construction, and a neck designed to minimize resistance when you are playing. It comes with a carrying case, a quality mouthpiece with a ligature, and a caring/repair kit for maintaining your instrument. Although a very good quality and well-made alto saxophone, to some, the sound seems a bit too bright, especially when compared to sounds from other Selmer series like the more costly Paris series.
- Produces a very even tone and response across all three registers
- Designed to feel very comfortable
- A very versatile alto sax that works well on many genres and styles
- Players who have played any sax from the Paris series will find this somewhat thin and not very rich in tone
Best professional alto saxophone for concerto and solo performances: Allora AAAS-805
If you are a concerto player or you just need an alto saxophone that will give you that big and ‘cut-through’ sound as a soloist, then the AAAS-805 might be just the right pro-level alto sax for you. The AAAS-805 Saxophone is a very striking pro-level alto sax made with quality and excellent craftsmanship often typical of costlier alto saxophone brands. The Allora Paris Series features ribbed construction and red brass. Sonically, it gives a much warmer sound than other Allora models and many other competing brands. It is available in three different finishes which are: gold lacquer, black nickel with silver-plated keys. It is not just about the sound but also the looks.
To score more points in the area of aesthetics and design, every version of this model is beautifully decorated with unique hand-engraved patterns. Any saxophone buyer will know that features like this are usually only available on much costlier saxophone models and brands. The AAAS-805 also has a high F# key. The intonation is precise and you will have little to no issue getting it to play in tune with the rest of the band. They ergonomically placed the keys for quicker and more comfortable playing. It also features top-quality Pisoni pro pads with metal resonators. It comes with a quality carrying case, mouthpiece, cap, ligature, and sax care products.
It has adjustable finger rests and keys for greater playing comfort and flexibility. However, a few players have reported some minor issues involving adjusting. The tone is just perfect for concertos and solo playing in all genres.
Pros:
- The ribbed construction and red brass gives it a warmer and richer sound compared to other alto saxes on this list
- Available in different finishes to suit different aesthetic needs
- Hand-engraved
- The keys are ergonomically placed
- Perfect for solo playing, which is what most alto sax players do
Cons:
- A few players have encountered issues involving adjustment keys
Best premium professional alto saxophone for players: Selmer Paris Series II Model 52 Jubilee
The Selmer Paris 52 Jubilee Edition is a high-end alto saxophone made originally as a new and improved version of the popular Paris Super Action Series II and III. The Paris Super action series had become what was known as the standard in professional saxophones for a very long time. This recent version comes with everything the previous version had and even many more. Although a bit on the high side in terms of price, it remains one model I will always comfortably recommend to alto sax players looking to make an upgrade to a pro-level horn.
The Paris 52JU is lighter and way more responsive. It is easy to play even for first-timers and there is a high level of pitch accuracy and evenness across all registers. The yellow brass ribbed body adds some durability and also gives it a well-focused but also very flexible tone – it plays well in many genres and styles. The timbre is quite solid and round, and the overall sound of the sax is pleasing. They redesigned the octave neck key of this model as it now features a lighter mechanism and thinner outlines. With this new design, it will run less risk of getting bent or spoiled. It has a very sleek appearance. The Gold Lacquer finish makes it striking and also further improves the warmth and roundness of the tone.
To spice things up aesthetically, it features a new style of outline engraving. The bow-to-bow ring of the sax is decoratively inscribed with the original signature of Henri Selmer.
Pros:
- The overall make befits the price
- Very dynamic sound and tone variation
- The perfect response across all registers
- Looks super beautiful
Cons:
- Not exactly affordable
Best professional alto saxophone for jazz and blues players: Jupiter JAS1100
Jupiter is also a reputable saxophone company that mainly produces student and intermediate models. But now, they have delved into the production of more professional models. Jupiter pro alto taxes are designed in such a way that they will serve you well regardless of the level you are in. It matters not if you are a beginner, professional or intermediate player, the JAS1100 will be a sort of guide through your entire playing journey and growth.
With its golden lacquer, it gives a warmer sound that suits different musical styles and is also a good fit for many playing situations. Be it on stage, studio, or small room jam sessions, this sax is designed to work just fine. It is designed to be very playable, regardless if you’re a user of beginner or pro-level saxes. It features adjustable keys which will help you gradually get yourself acquainted with the sax as you learn and get used to the saxophone.
The intonation is top-notch and you can be sure to get just the right pitches out of this. It is a perfect alto saxophone for players who want a mix of beginner, intermediate, and pro in a saxophone or who just want to transition to a better saxophone.
Pros:
- Basically, a sax that will last you through your entire learning experience and also act as a temporary pro-level sax till you can get a pricier model
- Learner-friendly design, easy playability
- Very versatile as it can fit many styles and playing levels
Cons:
- Considering that it is more or less a ‘fill-in or temporary pro sax, the price is a bit too high for that
- Not exactly for long-term pro usage
Buying Guide for Best Professional Alto Saxophones
What Makes an Alto Sax Professional?
A professional alto saxophone will be superior in tone, has a better and faster response, and also way better intonation. Most times, some aspects of the production are handmade. There might be hand-hammered keys and some very grand hand engraving on the sax bell. Production materials like metal alloys, solders, and others are of very top quality. As a result, pro alto saxes have advanced playability and better expressiveness.
What Additional Keys Do Pro-Level Alto Saxes Come With?
Most professional alto saxophones will come with a high F# key. However, it is still possible to sound the note without using the key. Selmer Paris Series III altos come with a C# resonance key for more clarity of middle C#.
How Much Should You Spend on a Professional Alto Saxophone?
For a low to mid-level professional alto sax, you should budget something between $1,000 – $2,500. To go a bit ‘high-end,’ for something that will most likely stand the test of time and live up to its worth, you should spend something between $3,000 – $5,500.
What Additional Accessories Should You Get?
Most professional alto saxophones will come complete with everything that will meet your professional gigging need. But you cannot always trust the ‘come with’ accessories, so you might want to get a better-sounding and more responsive mouthpiece and ligature that will fit your playing needs.
Which Brands Are Regarded As The Top Saxophone Brands?
Yamaha, Selmer Paris, Jupiter, Conn-Selmer, Yanagisawa, and Cannonball Saxophones are regarded worldwide as the top sax brands.
Yamaha Saxophones
In the saxophone world, Yamaha might not have the prestige of brands like Selmer but they also produce some very decent products too. An amazing thing about Yamaha saxophones is the amount of time and resources they invest in research and development just to make very high-quality saxes. They implement these findings in all their saxophone models alike. This is one reason you are sure to get a professional-level sound on even a beginner Yamaha saxophone. Yamaha saxes are always perfect for the advancing saxophone student. When it comes to the production of top-quality student model saxes that can even compete with pro-models of other brands, Yamaha is king. Also, when it comes to price, they produce one of the most affordable top-quality saxes.
Selmer Paris
Selmer is a legendary brand in the saxophone world – the price always fits the products. They have been in the sax manufacturing business since 1922. Selmer Paris saxes are hand-crafted in Paris. If you are looking for a more vintage vibe, then this is what Selmer is known and cherished for. They are very popular in the world of Jazz and greats like Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Michael Brecker, John Coltrane, Phil Woods, and others have all used the Selmer Mark VI.
However, because it is a legendary sax brand cherished and used by many saxophone legends, Selmer doesn’t always come cheap. Selmer produces some of the most expensive saxophones partly because over 80% of each saxophone is still produced by hand.
Jupiter
Jupiter saxophones are very popular in schools and marching bands. This is great because of their ability to produce quality-sounding saxes at an affordable price. So, marching bands that are probably looking to buy more than a couple of very decent saxes will be better off buying some Jupiter saxophones.
Conclusion and Winner(s)
After putting everything into consideration and carefully examining all the pro-level alto saxes on this list, I have come to a conclusion. The winner is none other than the Selmer Paris Series II Model 52 Jubilee. Although more on the high-end, trust me, the overall performance is worth every cent on its price tag. The Paris 52JU being a “new and improved” version of the popular Selmer Paris series is lighter and way more responsive. It is easy to play even for total beginners and there is a high level of pitch accuracy and evenness across all three registers. It has a well-focused but very versatile tone and timbre.
But if you don’t feel too good about spending that much on a piece of metal, then you might want to go for the popular and ergonomically designed Yamaha YAS-62 which also a top-quality but affordable professional alto saxophone from a very reputable brand. It is also important I state that all the saxes listed here are saxes I can comfortably recommend to anyone without thinking twice. They are all top-quality pro-level saxes. However, the Selmer Paris Series II Model 52 Jubilee and the Yamaha YAS-62 are just my two favorites.
Last update on 2023-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
