Inside: Coolest saxophone tattoo ideas that will jazz you up.
I recently watched LA LA Land, which admittedly made me very emotional but that is beside my point. Something that really stood out to me was the importance of Jazz, and the inherent beauty of it that is often overlooked.
Seb is PASSIONATE about jazz, in a way that I have never seen before. This got me thinking; as a tattoo lover… I know people get tattoos of what they are passionate about. So what kind of a tattoo would the iconic Sebastian (played by Ryan Gosling) consider? Perhaps a sound wave tattoo or a record player tattoo?
Nope… a Saxophone tattoo of course!
So I set out to find some of the most rockin’ saxophone tattoo ideas that I could find on the internet, and my search was very fruitful. So if you are a jazz lover, or you just love the sax…stay tuned!
Table of Contents
Do Saxophone Tattoos Hurt?
We all know that Seb is a bit of a softy. He wouldn’t admit it, but you know he would want to ask this question! Well, I have a  tattoo on my forearm, and I can say that the pain wasn’t unbearable, but it wasn’t a walk in the park either.
Getting a tattoo is always a unique experience for each individual, as pain tolerance varies from person to person. For me, the sensation felt like a constant, slightly uncomfortable scratching or stinging. The artist’s needle buzzing over my skin was a bit intense at first, but as the session progressed, my body adjusted, and it became more manageable.
I focused on the significance of the tattoo to me, which helped distract from the discomfort. All in all, while it may not be the most painless of experiences, the end result was definitely worth it, and I’m proud to carry this beautiful saxophone art with me wherever I go.
If you are really worried about how badly this tattoo will hurt, know that it won’t hurt more than any other tattoo you might get. Depending on the area you choose, it can actually be pretty dang painless. Just choose somewhere that is known for being less painful! Check out this female tattoo pain chart to see where you want yours.
How much will it cost?
Based on my personal experience and research, the cost of a saxophone tattoo can vary depending on several factors. The size, complexity, and location of the tattoo play a significant role in determining the price.
Generally, smaller and simpler saxophone designs might cost around $50 to $100, while larger, more intricate pieces can range from $200 to $500 or more. The skill and reputation of the tattoo artist also influence the price; experienced and renowned artists tend to charge higher rates.
Additionally, the location of the tattoo studio can affect the cost, as prices may be higher in big cities compared to smaller towns. It’s essential to consider these factors and discuss them with the artist to get an accurate estimate for the saxophone tattoo you have in mind.
Oh! And another consideration is the tattoo artist’s hourly rate. Some artists charge by the hour, while others have a flat rate for certain tattoo sizes or types. It’s essential to inquire about the artist’s pricing structure during your consultation.
Keep in mind that custom designs or incorporating personalized elements into the tattoo might also affect the cost. If you have specific ideas or want the tattoo to be unique, the artist may need to spend more time on the design, which can increase the overall cost. The best way to get your ballpark price is to talk to your artist!
Saxophone Tattoo Ideas
When it comes to choosing a design for yourself, I think it’s important to consider the overall vibes of your other tattoos. If you only have dainty art, then a traditional tattoo wouldn’t make sense. So spend a minute looking at your other work, or consider where you want your tattoo journey to go, and then get started.
4. Frog Playing Sax
10. Sax with Butterflies
11. Realistic Gold Sax
13. Sax with Lines
14. Person Playing Sax
15. Funny Panda Playing Music
Detailed Saxophone Tattoo Ideas
I like my tattoos to be extremely detail. I just find it very aesthetically pleasing to the eye and it matches my overall vibe. If you align with me on this, then this is the list for you.
16. Sax with Light Lines
17. Abstract Swirly Sax
18. Sax with Flowers
19. Abstract Sax with Music Lines
22. Single One Lined Sax
25. Sax with Bright Abstract Colors
26. Hyperrealistic Sax
27. Sharp Sax Idea with White Aspects
28. Sax On Ribs
29. Thin Lined Sax
30. Large Saxophone
Colorful Saxophone Tattoo Ideas
I love a little bit of color. If you are someone who enjoys colorful tattoos, then I think this section is going to prove to be your favorite.
31. Swirly Sax Idea
32. Huge Sax on Ribs
33. Sax with Little Flower Blossoms
34. Small Sax on Arm
35. Sax Sniper
36. Gold Sax with Traditional Flowers
37. Watercolor Sax Idea
39. Sax Being Flown Away
40. Small Little Sax
41. Dark Sax Idea
42. Raccoon Playing Sax
43. Sax on Thigh with Flowers
44. Dark Sax with White Lines
Unique Tattoo Designs
I was honestly really surprised by the about of versatility and depth that this theme can bring to a tattoo. You can really tell which one of these artists had their heart in it. For truly unique tattoos, check out this list of snowflake tattoo ideas. Each one is different!
47. Mario Playing Sax
49. Sax with Color
50. Phoenix Coming Out of Sax
51. Beautiful Sax with Florals
52. Mouse Playing Sax
53. Music Notes Shaped Like Sax
55. Cute Little Frog with Waistcoat
56. Seahorse Sax
57. Cute Doodle Linework
58. Linework Bicep Sax
Small Tattoo Ideas
Small tattoos are pretty popular nowadays. It’s cool to see so many people getting out of their comfort zones to try tattoos with these as their starter tats!
61. Magical Sax Idea
62. Mini Tattoo Idea
63. Sax on Calf
66. Sax with Numbers
67. Scribble Sax Idea
68. Sax with Dot Circle
69. Gold Sax with Red Flowers
70. Sax with Cherries and Fruit
71. Geometric Sax
73. Traditional Sax with Gold Colors
74. Dark Grey Sax
75. Raccoon Playing Sax
Rockin’ Saxophone Tattoo Ideas
I saved the best for last, naturally.
76. Cool Person with Sax
78. Ankle Tattoo Idea
79. Gold Instrument Idea
80. Sax with Green Lines
81. Hyperrealistic Sax with Light
82. Dance Dance Dance
83. Sax Growing Flowers
84. Iconic Sax
85. Vibrant Sax Idea
86. Lovely Little Frog
87. Sax Player
So…there you go. I really think that Seb would be proud, don’t you? I know that LA LA Land is an old movie but it’s still so relevant today. Ryan Gosling just starred in the Barbie Movie, so I just wanted to take a little walk down memory lane before I saw him go bleach blonde.
I hope you loved these amazing saxophone tattoo ideas, and that you found one that spoke to you. Personally, I found about 3 but that is going to be my burden to bear.
For more musical tattoos, you need to check out these record player tattoo ideas!
I'm Victoria Hudgins, a seasoned professional in the field of home decor, which seamlessly complements my artistic passion for tattoos. With nearly a decade of experience as a tattoo stylist, having designed at some of the world's top tattoo studios, my dual expertise helps to fuel my creative inspiration.