The easiest instrument to learn is the saxophone, just stroking the keys up and down must seem pretty straightforward. However, just like any instrument, even a saxophone has a beginner. With so many types of saxophone to choose from, it can be confusing for a new beginner.
Worry not; we are going to highlight some of the best saxophone set for beginners. Included is a guide telling you what to consider when purchasing a saxophone for a beginner.
Best Saxophone Set for Beginners – Product Reviews
YAMAHA YAS-280 Saxophone
Yamaha Yas-280 is the perfect Yamaha brand, made with the young beginner in mind. It is the most recommended alto saxophone because it is light in weight, safe, and comfortable for someone starting. The way it can vary voices makes it so easy for a beginner to carry a great sound. These qualities make learning and creativity very easy to achieve for a beginner.
The Yamaha Yas-280 is so good that beginners may not need another saxophone until they reach a professional level. The saxophone has a stable neck receiver with a durable screw, making the instrument very long-lasting. For better adjustment, the saxophone comes with a new low B-C connection, which ensures a clear response for the lower notes.
Making it easier for beginners is the adjustable thumb rest and continuous keyguards. Despite being a beginner’s instrument, the shiny exterior makes it a very professional-looking piece, and the quality is superior. Its accessories are affordable and very easy to find. To prevent damage through movement, it comes with a practical case that is well-fitting.
Cecilio Mendini Alto Saxophone
Mendini by Cecilio alto saxophone is the best saxophone for a beginner who wants a budget-friendly saxophone. It may not be higher quality than the more expensive ones, but it will do the job well.
The saxophone comes as a kit; that is why a beginner will find it price-friendly. The kit contains mouthpiece brushes and mouthpiece, a pocketbook, a neck strap, cleaning clothes and rods, a stand, and ten reeds (2.5”). All these are housed in a hardshell case with back straps. Cleaning is made easy with cleaning cloths and rods.
The exterior has a glossy gold coating, preventing it from tarnishing when it comes into contact with air and sweat. It has a ribbed construction that adds more weight to the saxophone, changing the instrument’s vibration. Leather pads are provided in the set to prevent air leakage.
Mendini by Cecilio alto saxophone has a very high sound quality due to its contoured keys. The keys are easy to tune, and they stay in tune for a very long time. The best thing about this saxophone is that it comes with a music book for beginners. The music book has solos, basic songs, and fingering charts for beginners to try out.
Jean-Paul USA AS-400 Student Alto Saxophone
Though a bit pricey, the Jean-Paul As-400 is the best bet for a serious beginner. The saxophone can come in two different exteriors finishes, the silver lacquer finish or the standard brass with lacquer. Whichever of the two you choose, they are both professional. The well-contoured case that comes with the saxophone ensures no damage is caused to the saxophone.
The saxophone also comes with cork grease, swabs, mouthpiece, gloves, cleaning cloth, and Rico reed. The cork grease is applied to the neck cork to soften the cork, making it easy to assemble your instrument. Keep your mouthpiece very clean, using a swab to clean the moisture after every use. However, more thorough cleaning is needed regularly.
The saxophone comes with Rico reed, which is highly recommended due to its flexibility, making playing their first note easy. The critical placement on this saxophone makes it easy for a beginner to take on many small notes in a small amount of time.
Best Saxophone Set for Beginners – Buying Guide
The size
A beginner will want an instrument that they are comfortable using and one which makes their learning easier. The higher instrument( soprano) does not produce a good tune, while the keys for the lower ones (bass and baritone) are harder to finger.
The alto is smaller, lighter, and easier to play.
Mouthpiece and reed
The good thing is that the mouthpiece is interchangeable, but the recommended one is the standard mouthpiece. For the standard mouthpiece, the Yamaha 4 C seems to win hands down.
The best reed for beginners has a thickness of 2.5, the normal range being between 2-5. Reed thickness typically affects the tone and how hard or easy it is to play. The thinner the reed, the easier it is to play, as it vibrates more easily.
The thickness needs to be compatible with the mouthpiece. As a beginner, it is advisable to consult with more professional players if you are not sure.
New, secondhand, or rent?
Considering that the alto saxophone is for a beginner, most people would opt to rent or buy secondhand with the assumption that it will be in use for a short time. Let’s see why buying might be the better option among the three.
For renting, the rental fees may be too much considering the beginner may not learn as fast. Most items for rent are probably not new, but you are still liable for any damages on the item.
A secondhand saxophone might not be so bad, but it is still not new; hence maintenance might be needed before it is functional. The maintenance cost plus buying may even be higher than buying a new one.
Notably, a new saxophone has a guarantee of quality, durability, and good working condition.
Accessories
If you are not careful, most shops might try to sell you too many accessories, even those not necessary. You need to be aware of what is essential for your saxophone. The essential accessories are swabs, a stand, some reeds, a solid and comfortable neckstrap, and a mouthpiece. A mouthpiece, most probably because the one that comes with the saxophone, may not be a good fit.
Let me mention a few items that the shops might try to convince you that they are essential, but they are not, gig dust, pad treatment, and some fancy ligatures.