International Name Brands

  
     
 

　　Many professional saxophonists would spend a fortune to acquire a name brand saxophone, because they believe that a name brand saxophone enables them to perform at a higher level. Many of the older name brand saxophones are like antiques that actually increase in value. They are worth more than the new saxophones. The followings are the four major saxophone makers. Each of their products are unique, and they have their own characteristics.

 
     
 

 

●　Selmer - Performer's favorite

 
     
 
　　Selmer is a famous French brand that has become every saxophonist's favorite. Back in 1900, Frenchman Henri-Chery Selmer inherited his father's business and started making saxophones. The original Model 22 saxophone debuted in 1922. The Balanced-Action saxophone of 1936, Mark VI of 1956, and Mark VII of 1976 are all hand-made models that are even more precious than new instruments.
Selmer is a famous French brand.
Selmer is a famous French brand.
 
     
 

 

●　Yamaha - World's largest brand

  
 
　　Yamaha is the best-known brand in Japan, as well as the largest saxophone maker in the world. It was founded in the late 19th century. Yamaha is known by most for making pianos, but it also receives lots of accolades for making drums, guitars, brass, and stringed instruments.
Yamaha is the world's largest brand.
Yamaha is the world's largest brand.
 
 

 
 

 

●　Yanagisawa - For the professional

 
 
　　Yanagisawa Brass Instrument Company was founded in 1893. It is the second largest brass maker in Japan. It has focused its attention on R&D and going to exhibitions in the recent years. It also started to make professional quality instruments that give the company a better image. Yanagisawa even frequented the pages of heavyweight Jazz magazines such as Down Beat, Jazz Times, and Jazziz, making it a brand to be reckoned with.
Yanagisawa Brass Industrument Company
Yanagisawa Brass Industrument Company
 
     
 

 

●　Julius Keilwerth - Germany's best-known brand

 
 
　　Julius Keilwerth is the best-known brass instrument maker in Germany. It is not only a large company, it also has a long history. Many famous Jazz players, such as Ernie Watts, Kirk Whalum, and Grover Washington Jr., all used Julius Keilwerth saxophones. They helped create a saxophone with black and gold tones that gave the saxophone a distinctive exterior.
Julius Keilwerth is Germany's best-known brand.
Julius Keilwerth is Germany's best-known brand.