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The Big Four
The big four of saxophone manufacturers are Yamaha, Selmer, Yanagisawa and Keilwerth. Lets have a look at them.
Yamaha One of the most popular brands, they are used by many of the worlds leading saxophone players. Yamaha produces a wide range of instruments, including soprano, baritone, alto and tenor saxophones.
Selmer The companys motto is anticipate the future and embrace the past. This also shows in their design. Selmers Series III are modern versions of classical instruments based on past heritage.
Yanagisawa Together with Vito, this is a brand name from the Leblanc firm.
Keilwerth This brand is considered to be one of the worlds very best.
Other Saxophone Brands
Next to the big four, other brands exist that may also be the perfect choice for you. Lets review some interesting details about a number of them in no particular order.
Martin This firm produced a wide range of saxophones from 1919 to 1967 and its one of the most wanted vintage brands for collectors.
Anaxa Not as well known as some of the others, its still a well built instrument thats very suitable for beginning players.
Prestini Based in Italy, this company produces several musical instruments but they are perhaps best known for their saxophones. Nowadays its a company of international fame.
Buescher Gus Buescher, who was the company founder, produced the first American saxophone in 1888.
Alpine Made from brass with post-to-rib construction, they are relatively cheap saxophones for students.
Monique A Taiwanese brand thats inexpensive and typically better than the really cheap Chinese and Indian brands. But you have to use your discretion the quality of this brand of saxophones varies quite a bit.
Cecilio One of the cheapest brands available on the market, they still offer excellent design and durability. As such they are one of the best price/quality bargains available.
Armstrong Used a lot by beginning band players, this brand is best known for its flutes, piccolos and clarinets.
Conn A well known brand for beginning players, that nevertheless has built quite an impressive line of instruments. Around for many years.
King One of the most collectible of the vintage brands. Many King saxophones have engravings on the instruments body, and even the keys.
Buffet This brand has been around since 1866, which is just two decades after the invention of the saxophone by Alphonse Sax.
