The bass saxophone sits at the deep end of the family: it sounds an octave below the tenor, deep and velvety. It’s rare, heavy and expensive, so the UK market is small and reliable information is scarce. This guide gathers what you can actually buy (or import) in the UK, with indicative prices (2026), and who it’s really for.
What is the bass saxophone?
It’s pitched in B♭ and sounds an octave below the tenor. It’s a large instrument (8–9 kg), usually played with a floor peg (you can’t hold it on a strap alone). Its deep, warm sound features in 1920s jazz, free jazz, film music and — above all today — in saxophone ensembles and quartets, where it plays the bass line.
Who is it for?
- Players in saxophone ensembles who need the harmonic foundation.
- Low-end enthusiasts and unusual-timbre lovers.
- Professionals for specific projects (film, contemporary music).
It’s not a beginner instrument (price, weight, niche repertoire). If you’re starting out, stick with the alto.
👉 Compare prices and availability at specialist retailers.How much it costs & what’s available (2026)
| Model | Approx. price | UK availability | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomann TBB-150 | ~£2,639 | yes (Thomann UK) | most accessible |
| Specialist/vintage bass | £5,000–£10,000+ | rare, specialist dealers | mid/used |
| Eppelsheim (bass B♭) | £30,000+ | direct order (DE) | top / bespoke |
The Thomann TBB-150 is by far the most affordable, genuinely available bass: B♭, low B♭ to high F#, ~8.6 kg, retractable peg and a sturdy wheeled case. It’s the sensible entry point. Almost no UK retailer stocks a new bass otherwise — the rest is professional/vintage at five figures.
Before you buy
- Weight and support — expect to play with the peg on the floor; transport needs a wheeled case.
- Reeds/mouthpiece — bass accessories are pricier and harder to find; check supply first.
- Servicing — make sure you have access to a technician used to large saxophones.
- Used market — bargains exist, but judging condition takes expertise; see our used buying guide.
Living with a bass saxophone
Owning a bass is as much a logistical decision as a musical one. It’s a large instrument at 8–9 kg, played with a floor peg rather than a strap, so you’ll need space to play and a plan for transport — a wheeled case is close to essential. Accessories are a real consideration too: bass mouthpieces and reeds are pricier and harder to find than alto or tenor equivalents, so check supply before you buy rather than after. And servicing matters more than usual: not every technician is set up to work on an instrument this size, so having access to one who is should factor into the decision. None of this is a dealbreaker — but the bass rewards players who go in with eyes open.
Is the bass saxophone worth it?
For the right player, yes. If you play in a saxophone ensemble or quartet and need the harmonic foundation, the bass is genuinely irreplaceable — nothing else provides that depth. For low-end enthusiasts and professionals working on film, free jazz or contemporary projects, its distinctive voice justifies the cost. For everyone else, it’s a specialist’s instrument: heavy, expensive and niche in repertoire. If you’re simply drawn to a lower sound than the alto, the baritone is far cheaper, lighter and more versatile, and satisfies most players who think they want a bass.
The used and vintage bass market
Because so few new basses are made, a large part of the market is used and vintage, and that changes how you shop. Older basses from historic makers can be wonderful instruments, but condition is everything and expertise is scarce — a horn this rare is hard to judge and expensive to put right if it needs work. Prices swing widely with condition, maker and completeness, so patience and, ideally, a knowledgeable second opinion pay off. If you do go vintage, budget for a full service by a technician comfortable with large saxophones, and treat any “bargain” with the same caution our used buying guide urges for the rest of the family. For most buyers, the new Thomann TBB-150 remains the simpler, lower-risk route in.
FAQ
How much does a bass saxophone cost?
From ~£2,639 (Thomann TBB-150), the most accessible in stock, up to £30,000+ for bespoke professional instruments (Eppelsheim).
Does the bass have a low A like the baritone?
No: the bass is almost always built to low B♭. The low A vs low B♭ debate applies to the baritone, not the bass.
Bass or baritone?
The baritone is cheaper, lighter and far more used. Choose the bass only if you need its deeper, distinctive voice, e.g. in a saxophone ensemble.
For the full family overview, see types of saxophone.
Specs from manufacturers and specialist retailers; prices indicative (2026), some to confirm; Eppelsheim is direct-order.
🎷 Essential accessories for saxophonists
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