Saxophones are amazing instruments that can produce beautiful and expressive sounds. They are used in various genres of music, from jazz to classical, and have been played by some of the most famous musicians in history. But how much does a saxophone cost? And what are the most expensive saxophones ever sold or made?
In this article, we will explore 10 of the most expensive saxophones in the world, based on their price, brand, quality, and rarity. We will also learn about the stories and features behind each of these stunning instruments. Whether you are a saxophone enthusiast, a collector, or just curious, you will find this article interesting and informative.
Selmer Paris Reference 54 Alto Saxophone – $6,800
We begin our list with a saxophone that is inspired by one of the most legendary models ever made: the Selmer Mark VI. The Selmer Paris Reference 54 Alto Saxophone is a high-end professional instrument that replicates the sound and feel of the Mark VI, which was produced from 1954 to 1974 and played by icons like John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and Sonny Rollins.
The Reference 54 is handcrafted in France and features premium materials and components, such as leather pads, metal resonators, and a Selmer Paris S80 mouthpiece. The saxophone has a gold lacquer finish and a vintage-style engraving that adds to its charm and elegance. Reference 54 is a saxophone that combines tradition and innovation and offers a rich and warm tone that is ideal for jazz and classical music.
Keilwerth JK SX90R Shadow Alto Saxophone – $7,300
Next on our list is a saxophone that stands out for its unique appearance and sound: the Keilwerth JK SX90R Shadow Alto Saxophone. This saxophone is made in Germany and boasts various features that make it different from other saxophones. For instance, the saxophone’s body is made from nickel silver, which gives it a resonant and responsive tone. The saxophone is also plated with black nickel, which creates a stunning visual contrast with the silver keys and the mother-of-pearl key touches.
The Keilwerth JK SX90R Shadow Alto Saxophone also has a distinctive hand engraving that covers the entire instrument, adding to its beauty and personality. The saxophone is fitted with Pisoni black pads and single-key arms, which provide a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The saxophone also comes with a custom ‘saxmover’ case and a Keilwerth ebonite mouthpiece. The Keilwerth JK SX90R Shadow Alto Saxophone is a saxophone that offers a huge, dark, and powerful tone that is perfect for contemporary music styles.
Keilwerth SX90R Shadow Tenor Saxophone – $8,800
If you liked the Keilwerth JK SX90R Shadow Alto Saxophone, you will love its tenor version: the Keilwerth SX90R Shadow Tenor Saxophone. This saxophone is similar to the alto model but with a larger size and a lower pitch. The saxophone is also made from nickel silver and plated with black nickel, giving it a striking look and a brilliant sound. The saxophone has a hand-engraved design that covers the whole instrument, as well as mother-of-pearl key touches and silver keys.
The Keilwerth SX90R Shadow Tenor Saxophone is equipped with Pisoni black pads and single key arms, which ensure a reliable and easy performance. The saxophone also comes with a custom ‘saxmover’ case and a Keilwerth ebonite mouthpiece. The Keilwerth SX90R Shadow Tenor Saxophone is a saxophone that delivers a big, dark, and expressive tone that is suitable for any genre of music.
Selmer Paris Series III Jubilee Edition Alto Saxophone – $9,000
We return to the Selmer brand with another saxophone that is inspired by the Mark VI: the Selmer Paris Series III Jubilee Edition Alto Saxophone. This saxophone is part of the Series III line, which was launched in 1994 and represents the latest evolution of the Selmer saxophones. The Series III saxophones are known for their modern design, ergonomic features, and outstanding sound quality.
The Selmer Paris Series III Jubilee Edition Alto Saxophone is a special version of the Series III saxophone that celebrates the 125th anniversary of the Selmer company. The saxophone has a gold lacquer finish and a refined engraving that pays tribute to the history and heritage of the Selmer brand. The saxophone also has leather pads, metal resonators, and a Selmer Paris S125 mouthpiece. The Selmer Paris Series III Jubilee Edition Alto Saxophone is a saxophone that offers a bright and powerful tone that is versatile and dynamic.
Yamaha YAS-875EXII Custom EX Alto Saxophone – $9,500
Yamaha is another renowned brand in the saxophone world, and the Yamaha YAS-875EXII Custom EX Alto Saxophone is one of its finest products. This saxophone is part of the Custom EX series, which was developed with the input of some of the world’s leading saxophonists, such as Nobuya Sugawa, Jean-Yves Fourmeau, and Otis Murphy. The Custom EX saxophones are designed to provide the ultimate expression and performance for saxophone players.
The Yamaha YAS-875EXII Custom EX Alto Saxophone is an improved version of the original Custom EX saxophone, with some new features and enhancements. The saxophone has a new neck design that improves the intonation and response, as well as a new key layout that improves the ergonomics and comfort. The saxophone also has a gold lacquer finish and a hand-engraved bell that adds to its beauty and elegance. The saxophone also comes with a Yamaha Custom 4CM mouthpiece and a Yamaha case. The Yamaha YAS-875EXII Custom EX Alto Saxophone is a saxophone that produces a clear and warm tone that is smooth and expressive.
Selmer Paris Reference 54 Tenor Saxophone – $10,000
We have another Selmer saxophone on our list, and this time it is the tenor version of Reference 54: the Selmer Paris Reference 54 Tenor Saxophone. This saxophone is also based on the Mark VI, aiming to recreate the legendary saxophone’s sound and feel. The Selmer Paris Reference 54 Tenor Saxophone is handcrafted in France and features high-quality materials and components, such as leather pads, metal resonators, and a Selmer Paris S80 mouthpiece. The saxophone has a gold lacquer finish and a vintage-style engraving that enhances its charm and elegance.
The Selmer Paris Reference 54 Tenor Saxophone is a saxophone that offers a rich and warm tone that is ideal for jazz and classical music. The saxophone also has a great projection and a balanced sound consistent throughout the range. The Selmer Paris Reference 54 Tenor Saxophone is a saxophone that combines tradition and innovation and is a worthy successor of the Mark VI.
Yamaha YTS-875EXII Custom EX Tenor Saxophone – $10,500
We also have the tenor version of the Yamaha Custom EX saxophone on our list: the Yamaha YTS-875EXII Custom EX Tenor Saxophone. This saxophone is also part of the Custom EX series, which was developed with the feedback of some of the world’s best saxophonists. The Custom EX saxophones are designed to provide the ultimate expression and performance for saxophone players.
The Yamaha YTS-875EXII Custom EX Tenor Saxophone is an upgraded version of the original Custom EX saxophone, with some new features and improvements. The saxophone has a new neck design that improves the intonation and response, as well as a new key layout that improves the ergonomics and comfort. The saxophone also has a gold lacquer finish and a hand-engraved bell that adds to its beauty and elegance. The saxophone also comes with a Yamaha Custom 5CM mouthpiece and a Yamaha case. The Yamaha YTS-875EXII Custom EX Tenor Saxophone is a saxophone that produces a clear and warm tone that is smooth and expressive.
Selmer Paris Series III Jubilee Edition Tenor Saxophone – $11,000
We have another Selmer saxophone on our list, and this time it is the tenor version of the Series III Jubilee Edition: the Selmer Paris Series III Jubilee Edition Tenor Saxophone. This saxophone is also part of the Series III line, which was launched in 1994 and represents the latest evolution of the Selmer saxophones. The Series III saxophones are known for their modern design, ergonomic features, and outstanding sound quality.
The Selmer Paris Series III Jubilee Edition Tenor Saxophone is a special version of the Series III saxophone that celebrates the 125th anniversary of the Selmer company. The saxophone has a gold lacquer finish and a refined engraving that pays tribute to the history and heritage of the Selmer brand.
The saxophone also has leather pads, metal resonators, and a Selmer Paris S125 mouthpiece. The Selmer Paris Series III Jubilee Edition Tenor Saxophone is a saxophone that offers a bright and powerful tone that is versatile and dynamic.
Selmer Paris Super Action 80 Series II Baritone Saxophone – $15,000
We have reached the second most expensive saxophone on our list, and it is a baritone saxophone: the Selmer Paris Super Action 80 Series II Baritone Saxophone. This saxophone is part of the Super Action 80 Series II line, which was introduced in 1986 and is still in production today. The Super Action 80 Series II saxophones are known for their excellent intonation, response, and projection.
The Selmer Paris Super Action 80 Series II Baritone Saxophone is a low-pitched saxophone that can produce deep and rich sounds. The saxophone has a gold lacquer finish and a hand-engraved bell that adds to its beauty and elegance. The saxophone also has leather pads, metal resonators, and a Selmer Paris S80 mouthpiece. The Selmer Paris Super Action 80 Series II Baritone Saxophone is a saxophone that delivers a full and powerful tone that is suitable for any musical setting.
Selmer Paris Super Action 80 Series II Soprano Saxophone – $16,000
And finally, we have the most expensive saxophone on our list, and it is a soprano saxophone: the Selmer Paris Super Action 80 Series II Soprano Saxophone. This saxophone is also part of the Super Action 80 Series II line and is the highest-pitched saxophone in the family. The saxophone has a gold lacquer finish and a hand-engraved bell that adds to its beauty and elegance. The saxophone also has leather pads, metal resonators, and a Selmer Paris S80 mouthpiece.
The Selmer Paris Super Action 80 Series II Soprano Saxophone is a saxophone that produces a clear and bright tone that is smooth and expressive. The saxophone is also very agile and responsive and can play fast and complex passages with ease. The Selmer Paris Super Action 80 Series II Soprano Saxophone is a saxophone that offers superb performance and a stunning appearance.
We have seen 10 of the most expensive saxophones in the world and learned about their features, qualities, and stories. These saxophones are not only instruments but also works of art that reflect the craftsmanship and passion of their makers and players. These saxophones are also rare and valuable and can cost a fortune to own or play. But for some saxophone lovers, these saxophones are worth every penny, as they can provide an unparalleled musical experience and enjoyment.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about saxophones. If you are interested in buying or playing any of these saxophones, you can check out their websites or online stores for more information and availability. Or, you can just admire them from afar and appreciate their beauty and sound. Either way, we hope you have a great day and keep on sailing!
