Saxophones

About Saxophones

From pop combos to big bands, the saxophone brings a signature flair to any musical ensemble. You’ll find this soulful woodwind in marching bands and orchestras around the globe and integrated into nearly every genre under the sun — smooth jazz to hip-hop.

Are you wondering if the saxophone is right for you? Perhaps you’re looking for information about purchasing or renting one of your very own? You’re in the right spot. Discover why Sweetwater is the musician’s resource for school sax rentals, professional sax upgrades, and accessories ranging from cases to reeds. Step into the world of saxophones and see how this horn can become part of your musical journey.

A Brief History of the Saxophone

Invented in the 1840s by Belgian craftsman Adolphe Sax, the saxophone was first embraced by French composers and military bands for its ability to handle technical passages with an intensity that rivaled brass instruments. Still, it wasn’t until the 1870s that the saxophone began to take root in classical music, only finally gaining widespread acceptance as a standard part of the orchestra in the 1960s.

While the saxophone may have gotten off to a slow start in classical circles, this funk funnel had no trouble finding its way into latter works by Bizet, Ravel, and Rachmaninoff — eventually hitting its stride in the 1940s with bebop legends like Charlie Parker and Stan Getz.

Fun fact: Adolphe Sax patented several other horns in his “Sax-” family of instruments. These include the saxotromba, saxtuba, and saxhorn.

Saxophone Sizes and Registers

The single-reed saxophone is a staple in Latin jazz, classical, rock, R&B, and more. But just as no one vocalist suits every genre, choosing the right saxophone for your ensemble means picking the register — or voicing — that best fits your musical role. Here are the five core saxophone types you’ll find at Sweetwater:

• B♭ soprano sax
• E♭ alto sax
• B♭ tenor sax
• E♭ baritone (or “bari”) sax
• B♭ bass sax

Famous Saxophonists and the Horns They’re Known For

The saxophone wouldn’t be the success story it is today if not for several legendary players lighting the way. Here are some of our iconic horn heroes:

• Sidney Bechet (jazz, dixieland) — Soprano sax
• Lester “Pres” Young (swing, bebop) — Tenor sax
• John Coltrane (free jazz, avant-garde) — Tenor sax
• Cannonball Adderley (hard bop, soul) — Alto sax
• Kenny G (smooth jazz, adult contemporary) — Soprano sax
• Branford Marsalis (jazz, classical) — Tenor sax
• Chris Potter (jazz, R&B) — Tenor sax
• Mark Turner (post-bop, modern creative) — Tenor sax
• Kathy Jensen (Latin jazz, nuevo tango) — Bari sax
• Cecily Terhune (funk-fusion, experimental) — Soprano sax
• Adrian Crutchfield (hip-hop, rock) — Alto sax

Saxophone FAQs: Answers to Common Saxophone Questions

Is the saxophone a brass instrument?

No. Although many saxophones are made of brass, this bebop blower belongs to the woodwind family of instruments.

Classical saxophone vs. jazz saxophone: is there a difference?

Although saxophone education used to follow distinct paths — classical versus popular styles — today’s saxophonist will benefit from learning to adapt their embouchure to suit a range of genres. Classical saxophone is characterized by a clean and centered tone quality, often supported by harder reeds and mouthpieces with smaller tip openings. Jazz and rock players, on the other hand, lean into a throatier, edgier sound, using softer reeds, wider tip openings, and techniques like growls and pitch bends to shape their sound.

While certain saxophone models may cater to classical or jazz preferences in tone or ergonomics, most modern horns are versatile enough to handle both approaches, with the biggest differences coming from the player’s setup and technique.

Which saxophone is best for beginners?

Sweetwater founder Chuck Surack is a seasoned multi-reedist with years of professional gigging experience under his belt. His advice? “Go with whatever sound you hear ‘in your head.’ I play all of the saxes, from sopranino to bass. But my favorite, my ‘home,’ is the B♭ tenor. It’s the most flexible [of the core sax types]. From a nice, soft ballad to screaming rock, the tenor can do it all.”

Find Saxophone Brands That Bring Your Sound to Life

Whether you're a parent shopping for your child’s first saxophone or a seasoned session player ready to upgrade, Sweetwater has the horn for you. Shop top sax brands like Yamaha, Selmer, P. Mauriat, Jupiter, BetterSax, and more, and discover the instrument that defines your sound.

Get Started in Your Saxophone Journey

Ready to take the next step in your saxophone journey? Sweetwater makes it easy. Check out our saxophone rental and buying guide for tips on renting or buying your first saxophone, then use our site's shop filters to sort saxophone models by brand, size, series, and more. If you need further assistance, reach out to our experienced Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. They’ll help match you with the right horn for your goals and budget.