The best gift for a saxophonist is an accessory they will use every week: reeds, strap, mouthpiece, stand or case. The trap is picking the wrong size, because an alto and a tenor use neither the same reeds, nor the same mouthpieces, nor the same stands. We have sorted our ideas by budget, with the prices we see in our Montreal and Quebec City stores, so you can get it right the first time.
1- Before you buy: three questions to ask yourself
Which saxophone do they play? Alto, tenor, soprano or baritone: reeds, mouthpieces, stands and cases are not interchangeable from one instrument to another.
What is their level? A beginner appreciates a comfortable strap, while an advanced player is particular about their mouthpiece and reed brand.
What do they already have? Avoid doubling up on an accessory they own, especially a mouthpiece or reeds: these are very personal choices.
2- Under $25: for a stocking stuffer
These small accessories are useful and go well with a bigger gift. You will find them in our saxophone accessories collection.
Twigg padded strap (about $15): eases the neck during long practice sessions.
Reed guards ($9 to $11): protect fragile reeds in the case.
Mouthpiece patches (about $11): protect the mouthpiece and improve comfort.
Key risers (about $7.50): adjust the height of the palm keys for a better hand position.
3- $25 to $75: the useful things that get replaced often
Reed case (about $30): keeps reeds flat and ventilated.
Strap or harness ($30 to $45): a harness spreads the weight across the shoulders, a real relief with a tenor.
Box of Vandoren, Rico or Légère reeds ($11 to $65): a consumable every saxophonist uses. Ask them for their brand and strength, or check our Vandoren, Rico and Légère comparison.
Hercules saxophone stand (about $55): keeps the instrument safe between pieces.
Saxmute mute (about $50): lets you practice without disturbing the neighbours.
Vandoren Java Red Cut reeds for tenor saxophone
4- $75 to $150: a gift that stands out
Jazzlab SaxHolder Pro XL ergonomic harness (about $81): a step above an ordinary strap.
K&M tenor saxophone stand (about $89): stable and sturdy for a heavy instrument.
Jazzlab Silencer mouthpiece mute (about $70): another way to practice quietly.
Protec Explorer gig bag (about $148): handy for short trips. To choose between a gig bag and a hard case, read our hard or soft saxophone case guide.
Jazzlab SaxHolder Pro XL saxophone harness
5- Over $150: the gift that changes the game
A saxophone mouthpiece ($165 to $450 and up): it is the accessory that changes the sound the most. We are the exclusive JodyJazz partner in Quebec, and our saxophone mouthpieces collection also covers Meyer, Otto Link and Vandoren. Ask what they play first, or come to the store with them.
A hard case ($170 to $300, and more for the high end): a lasting gift that protects the instrument. Explore our saxophone cases collection.
Giving the instrument itself is a separate project. If a tenor saxophone fits your budget, start with our tenor saxophone brands guide and our tenor saxophone collection.
6- Gifts to avoid
Toy saxophones, reeds or mouthpieces in the wrong size and gadget accessories do not last long. A useful accessory in the right size is almost always better received.
7- Not sure what they need?
Stop by one of our Montreal or Quebec City stores: our team helps you choose based on the instrument and level of the person you are buying for.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good gift for a beginner saxophonist?
A comfortable strap or harness, a box of strength 2 to 2.5 reeds and a stand to keep the instrument safe. These are accessories a beginner will use from the first week.
What gift should you give an advanced saxophonist?
A quality case, a harness or reeds in their usual brand. For a mouthpiece, it is better to choose it with them: it is the most personal setting of their instrument.
How much should you budget for a saxophone gift?
From under $25 for small accessories to over $150 for a mouthpiece or hard case. Between $50 and $100, you can already find a good harness, stand or mute.
Are alto and tenor accessories interchangeable?
Not for reeds, mouthpieces, stands and cases, which are specific to each instrument. Straps and harnesses generally fit both alto and tenor, but check for a soprano or baritone.
Find the perfect gift at Twigg
Browse our saxophone accessories and cases, or stop by our shops in Montreal or Quebec City to get advice based on the instrument of the person you are buying for.