Jinyin Bass Saxes: a reference guide

Intro to the new Jinyin bass saxophone reference guide

Updated July 2, 2026

In the original Bassic Sax Blog, I had a Series on Asian-made bass saxophones that dated back to 2008. What I did for The New Bassic Sax, is carefully go through the many articles in the Series, pull the names, descriptions, prices—as well as of course photos—and combine them together in two different articles: this one for the vintage American style horns made by Jinyin; and the other for the short wrap, AKA French style, basses made by Jinbao.

Although Jinyin no longer shows bass saxophones in their online listings, in July 2026, they confirmed to me via email that the company does in fact still make its JYBB-A600, long wrap, American-style bass. However, it is important to recognize that reputable retailers no longer carry long wrap this style horn. Why? Please read my review of the Xuqiu bass I play-tested. Mine was NOT a one-off opinion.

In the June 18, 2009, article about the Jinyin-made Canex horns, I wrote the following cautionary tale:

A few months ago a member of the [now defunct] Bass Sax Co-op ordered one of these cheap, American-designed, Asian-made bass saxes (a totally different brand) through an on-line music store. After having numerous problems with the horn, and having his tech go over it, he ended up returning the sax and getting his money back. Luckily, he dealt with a reputable company that was willing to stand behind the products they sell. Not all are.

Disclaimer:

This is by no means all the names that were stencilled on Jinyin bass saxes. These are just the ones I catalogued over the years. I am sure there a many, many more that slipped past my radar. Music stores often ordered a couple to test the market, and likely never ordered any more once they finally got rid of them.

If you know of a name that should be included here, please send it to me. Please include photos—bell photos with the stencil name are critical—or a link to where I can see it for verification purposes. Thank you!

Historical fun fact

In my October 18, 2010, article about both Jinyin and Jinbao horns, I noted the following prices for Jinyin long-wrap bass saxes:

If you buy any of the umpteen brands of stencilled, vintage, American-style bass saxophones, you are buying a bass made by Jinyin. These horns range in price from around $3,500 to around $7,000. That is unless you buy a IW-602 for the full Retail List Price of $10,998.

That was A LOT of $$ for a junky horn! Lipstick, meet pig.

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Catalogue of JinYin-made, vintage American style, stencil bass saxes

Aquilasax

Model: SOLO

Catalogued July 2012

Price

• No price given.

 Description:

Bass sax Bb
Part Number BassaxSOLO

Traditional bass sax made in Beijing. I played one briefly and found it to be big. Felt a bit like my Conn baritone but bigger. Looked a bit like a Conn too, similar keys. Big sound! Email Steve if interested?

Extra Info

Steve was also trying gauge interest in Chinese-made, bass in the key of C. Clearly it never happened.

Canex

Model: SABB-L

Catalogued 2009 – 2010

Price

• June 2009 – $2000 US
• Sept 2009 – $3000 US
• Sumer 2010 – Listed price for “reference” only. Detailed price due upon final confirmation.

Description:

Bass Saxophone
SABB-L [model]
Brass
Bb key
High pitch #F key
Bakelite Mouthpiece
Gold Lacquer
Foambody Case

Extra Info

These were not aimed at end-users, but rather dealers. Hence the price.

DLM Music

Model: Not listed

Catalogued April 2009

Price

• £ 2,920.00, which eBay showed as $4,322.77 US BIN on eBay.com

 Description:

This is a superb quality Bass Saxophone, Combining fantastic build with a great finish, and a highly competitive price. This instrument is ideal for beginners to advancing players alike.

More Details:

Bass saxophone in the American Conn/Buescher style. A mighty instrument!

We have produced this quality instrument without compromise to give more people the opportunity to learn and play what is normally a very expensive instrument.

Each 0f our Bass saxophone is now checked and serviced by a qualified technician before dispatch, to ensure you will receive a quality, ready to play instrument.

This sax features an innovative built-in instrument stand, which is particularly useful for younger or smaller players.

Bass Saxophone Outfit Specifications

Bb Bass Saxophone

Low Bb

Lacquered brass body and keywork

Good quality pads with domed metal reflectors

Adjustable thumb rest

Light gold clear polished laquer finish

Includes ABS saxophone case and accessories

Gear 4 Music

Model: Not listed

Catalogued 2010

Price

• June 2010 – £2,899.00 (ATT XE.com estimated $4,282.25 US)

Description:

Bass Saxophone by Gear4music, Gold – This is a superb quality Bass Saxophone from Gear4music. Combining fantastic build with a great finish, and a highly competitive price. This instrument is ideal for beginners to advancing players alike.

More Details:

Bass saxophone in the American Conn/Buescher style. A mighty instrument!

We have produced this quality instrument without compromise to give more people the opportunity to learn and play what is normally a very expensive instrument.

Each Gear4music Bass saxophone is now checked and serviced by a qualified technician before dispatch, to ensure you will receive a quality, ready to play instrument.

This sax features an innovative built-in instrument stand, which is particularly useful for younger or smaller players.

Bass Saxophone Outfit Specifications

Bb Bass Saxophone

Low Bb

Lacquered brass body and keywork

Good quality pads with domed metal reflectors

Adjustable thumb rest

Light gold clear polished laquer finish

Includes ABS saxophone case and accessories

14 day money back guarantee:

If you decide this instrument is not ideal for you, simply send it back within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.

2 Year Warranty (For purchases after 1st September 2007)

Extra info

Notice how the bass on the inside of the case, and the one standing up on the outside are slightly different? The one outside does not have the attachments for a floor peg. This is, I believe, the older stock photo that had been used to sell the very first generation of Jinyin bass saxes.

Since that photo was taken, Jinyin had made some changes to their horns, and the newer version of the sax is the one inside the case. (At least I think it is, based on the rest of Jinyin horns we’d seen a bit later.)

Hawk

Model: Not listed

Catalogued August 2009

Price

• $4,995 US

Description:

There are 2 descriptions I found. The first was from Rheuben Allen’s eBay listing—which is where the price came from.

NAMM Show Sample

The “Hawk” features a bore designed after the vintage great bass saxophones. Articulated G# – Added closing bar from the F to the F1 keys to help keep the lower register stable.

The Low C and E-flat keys have two springs. The extra spring helps keep the keys from blowing open when the instrument is filled with air and makes the key response better.

Double bell to body brace

Double brace on the low C key.

Low C and E-Flat keys have two springs each

The “Hawk” has 2 bell to body braces to help prevent the bell from moving side to side.

The ‘Hawk” Bass Saxophone note range is from Low B-Flat to High F.

There are 3 strap hooks to allow the bass saxophonist to adjust the position of the way the instrument hangs around the neck.

List: $6,995

Sell: $4,995

Source: Rheuben Allen Music on eBay.com

The second is from the Jinyin website itself. At the time Jinyin had what they called the Pro Woodwind & Brass Division of the JINYIN Group. Although now defunct, this was how it was described at the time on Jinyin’s website:

The JINYIN Pro Woodwind Division is now manufacturing the Kenny G and Rheuben Allen line of saxophones.

These instruments are made in the New Kenny G / Rheuben Allen workshop located in the JINYIN main factory.

All work is supervised by Rheuben Allen and inspected by Mr. Allen before being shipped….

The “Hawk” features the bore of the vintage great bass saxophones.

Articulated G#

Added closing bar from the F to the F1 keys to help keep the lower register stable.

Contour case with wheels and a compartment for Mouthpiece and Accessories.

2 Necks with Neck bag that hold both necks

Double brace and springs on the low C key

Double springs on the low Eb key

The Low C and Eb keys have two springs

(One on each end of the key) to help insure quick response of these two heavy keys.

Source: http://www.jinyinprowoodwind-brass.com

I & K

Model: I&K by Rhythm

Catalogued June 2008

Price

• June 2008 – $6,999 AU (approx. $6,649 US at the time)
• Jan 2009 – $3814.76 US

Description:

 A Brand new great looking and sounding Bass Saxophone for the intermediate to professional player. This well crafted, hand made Selmer reproduction is manufactured from all new high grade yellow brass.

The Sax has very good intonation and plays well in all registers. It is shipped to you in it’s own sturdy hard case and is supplied with a hard rubber mouthpiece. This instrument would suit any musician looking for a quality Bass at a down to earth price.

This is a Brand New Instrument that has been fully set up by our qualified technician and represents a unique opportunity to own a Bass saxophone at a realistic price.

Also Included:

Cleaning cloth
Polishing cloth
Cork grease
Neck strap
Hard rubber Mpc
Quality Hard Case
We have the utmost confidence in the high quality and suitability of our instruments, hence our customer satisfaction policy!

14 Day Money Back Guarantee If you are not completely satisfied with your Baritone, you may return it in its original packaging and condition for a full refund of the instrument purchase price. (Please note that all freight costs are non refundable)

International Woodwind

Model: IW 601 (first generation)

Catalogued October 2008

Price

• On sale! Sale Price: $6,499. Regular $7,999. Listed on WWBW

Description:

Modeled after the great vintage bass saxophones of the mid-twentieth century, The International Woodwinds 601 Bass Saxophone features modernized key work and a range from low Bb up to high F. The IW 601 Bass Sax also has some innovative redesign in the key work, thicker rods on the keys and a beautiful engraving pattern. Complete with easy transport, gig-style case.

Standard Features

Body / Bow / Neck Lacquered Brass
Special Keys High F# [sic]
Engraved Yes
Range Low Bb
Includes Case, Mouthpiece, Ligature & Cap

Note this 5* “customer rating” by Graham Dorsey, which was dated May 22, 2007. This man, with 40+ years of professional experience in jazz & Latin music, says:

I was present as this horn was developed from the first horn to what is now a real find. The body is constructed from the old Buescher Bass Sax [emphasis added] template. The key work is cutting edge modern. Its range has been extended to high F using the mechanism from a modern era horn. The neck, tone hole placement, thumb rest, and key work have been carefully engineered for the best ergonomics and intonation. They have a mouthpiece to go with the horn that brings out the best in the horn, top to bottom. These are great horns and are the best bang for your buck.

This is the only mention I have ever seen that these came from Buescher basses. My understanding was they were Conn New Wonder copies—like the Keilwerth bass saxophones were/are—but sans the sink trap neck.

Wonder if Graham ever regretted his 5* rating.

International Woodwind

Model: IW 602 (second generation)

Catalogued Mid-2008 & beyond

Price

• Oct 2008 – $7,999 on WWBW
• Oct 2010 – $10,998 Retail on International Woodwind website

Description: From International Woodwind website

This Bass sax is based upon the great vintage Basses from the golden era of Bass saxophones. We have modernized the key work and keyed this instrument up to high F. It also has some innovative redesign in the key work, thicker rods on the keys and a beautiful engraving pattern. Their is engraving all on the underside of the bell as well as on the bow and on the back side of the body tube. Really impressive looking and playing Bass Sax!
Source: International Woodwind.com

Described like this a person familiar with it on SOTW:

The IW 602 is similar to the 601 but with some improvements. It has an extra brace and some adjustments in the keywork and some intonation adjustments. Its basically the same horn with some prototype issues fixed. Source: SOTW

Jinyin

The original vintage American bass sax copy that all other copies are copies of

Model: A600G

Catalogued June 2009

Price

• June 2009 – $5,995 US BIN price on eBay
• Aug 2010 – $3,600 US Winning price in no reserve auction on eBay

Description:

The JinYin Model A600G Bass Saxophone. Through its vast resources of engineering and manufacturing skills, JinYin is only one of a handful of companies in the entire world producing a bass saxophone. This instrument they produce has it all! Excellent tone and response, good intonation and comfortable key work.

This bass sax, without a doubt, is one of the most incredible values you will find, with other models costing anywhere from $3,000.00 to $10,000.00 more. Comes complete with mouthpiece, cap, ligature and deluxe lightweight case.

King Excellence

Model: not listed

Catalogued 2024

Price

• July 2024 – $6,495.00 US

Description:

Brand:
King Excellence
IN STOCK

Sorry we do not know what factory this was made in. It would be Chinese.

This bass saxophone is on consignment with us.

L.A. Ripamonti

Model: Master

Catalogued first in 2015

Price

• April 2015 eBay – €2,800 BIN ($3,007.20 US)
• 2021 – still for sale at same price

Description:

Ripamonti Bb bass sax lacquered automatic speaker without case and mouthpiece. You can also purchase this product directly on our website…

Mason

Model: Pro

Catalogued 2008 – 2012

Price

• Feb 15, 2008 – $6,900 US on Craigslist
• Apr 2012 – didn’t record price on eBay

Description:

Bass sax $6900 USD EXCELLENT…. I ALSO SELL METAL SILVER PLATED BASS SAX MOUTHPIECES….AND BASS SAX CASES

Source: craigslist

And:

BBb ‘Mason Pro’ Bass sax. Used as a demonstrator…has about 20 hours on it. EXCELLENT IN EVERY WAY

Source: MasonProSaxophonesSince1949 on eBay.com

Orpheo

Model: not listed

Catalogued 2008

Price

• Oct 2008 – $5495 BIN price on eBay
• Jan 2009 – $3,999 on Amazon
• Jan 2009 – $3,995 on eBay
• Jan 2009 – $4495 BIN on eBay

Description:

This Bass Sax is based upon the great vintage Saxophones from the golden era of Bass saxophones. It is totally handmade and represents a breakthrough in recreating the essence of bass saxophone performance.

The Orpheo Bb Bass Saxophone goes from low Bb up to high F#. The sound is gloriously mellow, with complete ease of resistance. Believe me, it is nothing like the old boat anchors from hock shops that took years of adjusting just to play. The keywork has been totally modernized so the hand position is as natural as playing on a normal saxophone. All of this would not be possible if it weren’t for the exacting intonation this bass produces from top to bottom.

The Orpheo Bass comes with a real hard rubber Bass Sax mouthpiece so it can be played right out of the box. And speaking of boxes, it comes with a lightweight Hard Case with WHEELS, so you don’t have to break your back. The instrument is Brand New and comes with our one year warranty and money back guarantee.

Playtech

Model: PTBS-300B

Catalogued June 2026

Price

• ¥478,000 (taxes in)  according the xe.com that is $2967.65 US

Description

This large saxophone is used in saxophone orchestras and Armenian dance. It is also known for being played by Sakana-kun.
Installment payments are also available….

Our wind instrument technical staff inspects and adjusts the instruments before shipping.
We provide a reassuring 3-year warranty, and even after the warranty period, we will provide repairs and adjustments at our company for a fee.

[About the bass saxophone]
The range is one octave lower than the tenor saxophone, and it has a powerful tone like an earthquake.
If you get a feel for the size of the instrument and learn breath control, you will definitely improve.

[About PLAYTECH wind instruments]
Sound House commissions manufacturing from a Chinese factory that exports wind instruments to countries around the world.
We have carefully selected the specifications so that you can fully use them for hobby performances such as brass bands, ensembles, and jazz.

Of course, PLAYTECH wind instruments have kept manufacturing costs to a minimum, so it’s only natural that they are inferior in pitch and ease of playing compared to branded instruments that cost nearly 10 times as much. [emphasis added] 😆

The idea that cheap wind instruments are “”useless”” is a thing of the past.
The quality of an instrument depends on how well it is adjusted.
Even if it is a branded instrument, if it is used or a group equipment and is not adjusted, it will be difficult to bring out the instrument’s original tone and playing comfort.

■Bass saxophone
■Key: Bb
■Yellow brass
■Lacquer finish
■Accessories: Case, mouthpiece (for baritone saxophone), ligature, cap, resin reed Forestone, mouthpiece patch Forestone

[About trial playing]
PLAYTECH wind instruments are available for trial play at our Narita showroom.
Please contact us at least three days before your visit.
Please bring your own reed or purchase one.

[About the warranty]
If any of the following conditions apply, the warranty will not apply and repairs will be made at an additional cost.

– Repairs involving replacement of parts (pads, cork, felt, springs, screws, etc.)
– Cracked or broken body
– Breakage caused by lack of or insufficient maintenance due to the nature of the product
– Breakage caused by customer negligence (bent keys, etc.)

Wind instruments are difficult to maintain, so it is common for instruments to be broken unexpectedly.
– Peeling or discoloration of plating or paint caused by usage and environment
– Pad alignment, fit adjustment, etc. 30 days after purchase
*This product is checked for playing, so there is some wear on the neck cork.

[About playing]
PLAYTECH wind instruments are available for test play at our Narita showroom.
Please contact us at least 3 days before your visit.
We ask that you bring or purchase reeds, mouthpieces, and ligatures.

[About the warranty]
We will repair and adjust the instrument as much as possible for three years after purchase, but shipping and a minimum labor charge may be charged for the following items.
In addition, please contact us for repairs and maintenance that exceed the warranty period.

– Repairs that require part replacement (pads, cork, felt, springs, screws, etc.)
– Cracked or broken body
– Breaks that occur because necessary maintenance was not performed or was insufficient due to the nature of the product
– Breaks that are due to customer negligence (bent keys, etc.)
Because wind instruments are difficult to maintain, it is common for instruments to be broken unexpectedly.
– Peeling or discoloration of plating or paint caused by usage or environment
– Pad alignment, fit adjustment, etc. 30 days after purchase

Source: soundhouse.co.jp

Vento

Model: not listed

Catalogued 2013

Price

• Not recorded.

Description:

The Vento Bass Saxophone is a rare instrument to find. There are only a few manufactures of Bass Saxophones in the entire world and most of those bass saxophones sell for well over $10,000.00. Our buyer at Music Factory Direct has located one of these bass sax manufactures and is able to offer you, direct from the factory, an incredibly priced bass sax with the same quality as those high priced bass saxophones but at a fraction of the price. Our Bass Saxophones are handmade with a hand-hammered bell that produces a rich, warm and deep sound. The new Vento Bb Bass Saxophone goes from low Bb up to high F#, has incredible intonation from top to bottom and the key work has been totally modernized so the hand position, on this bass sax is as natural as playing on an alto saxophone.

Clear brass lacquer finish

Low Bb key and High F# key

Deluxe, lightweight case with wheels

Xuqiu

Model: XBS002

I wrote a review of this horn. Please read it if you are seriously considering buying a new, vintage American-style, bass from China.

Catalogued first in 2013 & again in 2026

Price

• Not listed on their website, since they are a wholesaler. They reached out to me in 2013 to see if I was interested in importing their instruments. I was not, so I never did find out about their bass sax prices at the time.

Description:

Bass Saxophone
tone: Bb key
Material: Brass
Surface: Gold Lacquer

Extra Info

Just like today, Xuqiu offered both long and short wrap bass saxophones. The short wrap bass was model # XBS001, and is discussed on the Jinbao page.