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Alto Saxophones

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About Alto Saxophones


Choosing the right sax can be pivotal in your musical development. The alto saxophone, with its soulful tone and versatility, stands as an excellent choice for players of all ages. This dynamic woodwind has brought joy to the lives of countless music lovers at Sweetwater and throughout the industry.


The Eb alto is the second smallest in the “big four” sax lineup and is famous for its expressive timbres and portable size. From smooth portamentos to sweltering solos, there’s no place this adaptable horn can’t sit in an arrangement. The alto’s distinctive curved shape and brass construction help produce a mellow tone for jazz and classical music. And for blues and rock, it can growl with the best of them.


Whatever Your Level, Your Sax Journey Begins at Sweetwater


Whether you’re considering picking up the alto sax as a first-time student or leveling up to a pro instrument, you’ve come to the right place! For over four decades, Sweetwater has helped musicians like you get their hands on the instruments of their dreams. In fact, our founder, Chuck Surack, is an accomplished saxophonist who continues to play the alto with his live bands. On one forum, he’s even said, “A lot of people say [saxophone] is the closest instrument to the human voice . . . incredibly expressive. A sax played well[,] you can almost hear the words . . .”


Explore the resources below to learn more, use the shop filters on this page to rein in your search options, or call our sax-perienced Sales Engineers for a shopping or rental consultation.


Shop Alto Saxophones by Brand


Brand loyalist? You’re in good company. Sweetwater is proud to partner with industry innovators Selmer Paris, Growling Sax, P. Mauriat, Yamaha, Sax Dakota, and many more to bring you the finest saxes on the market. Use the shop filters to refine your search by your favorite brand(s).


Alto Sax FAQs


To guide you in your shopping and rental experience, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the alto sax.


What are some famous alto sax songs?


The alto sax has an impressive legacy. It’s given us ballads like Erroll Garner’s “Misty” and Bart Howard’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” jazz standards like Joseph Kosma’s “Autumn Leaves” and Thelonious Monk’s “Blue Monk,” and even radio bangers like George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” and Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory.” Check out Patrick Bartley’s performance of Turner Layton’s “After You’ve Gone” for a taste of how today’s players are pushing the alto to new heights.


Is the alto sax good for beginners?


Sure is! Altos tend to be lighter, smaller, and more affordable than other saxophones, making them ideal for students and early learners.


Do I have to transpose on an alto sax?


Possibly, depending on your setting. The alto sax is an Eb instrument, meaning its C sounds like a piano’s Eb. While arrangers often write parts specifically for alto, you may find yourself in a band setting or reading tenor sax music where you’re forced to transpose on the fly. It can be tricky at first, but as with most things, it becomes second nature with practice.


What’s the note range of an alto?


The standard range for most altos is said to be Bb3 to F#6, or Concert Db3 to Ab5. That’s around two-and-a-half octaves. However, some professional saxophones, through the use of voicings (manipulations of the tongue and mouth), can achieve notes as high as double-altissimo G. Mastering the altissimo technique can take time. But as our friend Jay Metcalf from BetterSax puts it: “Like everything else on saxophone, playing in the altissimo range is really hard until one day, it’s not so hard.”


What alto reed should I start with?


A traditional 2.5 cane reed is a good starting point for most beginners. This allows a player to get comfortable with their instrument before experimenting with different reed strengths, cuts (jazz, classical), or materials (cane, synthetic). Because there is no one-size-fits-all reed, many reed manufacturers offer mixed packs of different strengths and cuts.


Let Sweetwater Help You Find Your Next Saxophone


Ready to embark on the next chapter of your musical odyssey? At Sweetwater, you’re in good hands. Call our knowledgeable Sales Engineers for a personal recommendation on your next alto sax. We’re here to help you find the horn that instills a lifetime of musical enjoyment, no matter your playing level.


Why shop Alto Saxophones at Sweetwater.com?


With a massive selection of Alto Saxophones, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Alto Saxophones, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.