Table of Contents
Overview
You could be in the market for a new saxophone for a number of reasons. Perhaps you are looking for an excellent beginner model for yourself, a family member or a student. Maybe you’ve been playing for a while and consider upgrading. Or maybe you are an alto sax player or tenor looking to expand your range with a second instrument of the saxophone family. Most students start playing saxophone on alto saxophone or tenor saxophone. Group directors generally recommend that students with small hands try the alto saxophone first, while students with larger hands and better breathing can be encouraged to try the tenor saxophone.
The first saxophones should have nickel-plated keys and a clear lacquer finish for added durability. Beginner saxophones should have an adjustable thumb rest for comfort. Make sure to get the proper reeds of strength and a padded neck strap for the beginner saxophone student – this will make the saxophone playing experience easier, and therefore more rewarding. One of the most important decisions to make will be new / used, and even vintage / modern. You may want to review these sections first. Another thing to consider is the level of the instrument you want to buy. The saxophones are made in student, intermediate and professional models. The current market is full of many manufacturers who claim to offer models of cheap “professional” horns. The reality is that cheap always means cheap, and in most cases, you would be better off with an older American model sax made in the United States than one of these so-called cheap professional instruments.
The Saxophone Family
Since its invention by the Belgian factor Adolphe Sax in 1840, the saxophone has become the most popular wind instrument of pop and jazz. Catapulted into the popular consciousness by virtuosos like John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Charlie Parker, the saxophone has also helped set the rock’n’roll sound early, and it is always a comfortable concert or in the hall symphonic. Clarence Clemons Jr.’s groaning saxophone helped shape Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band’s muscular sound. The five most used saxophones are:
- Alto
- Tenor
- Baritone
- Soprano
- Bass
Alto Saxophones
The alto saxophone – set to Eb, two and a half steps higher than the tenor saxophone – is by far the most used basic instrument in the saxophone family. Its compact layout and the need for a little less air make it a solid choice for the youngest. In primary and secondary schools, violas usually account for most of the saxophone section. Other factors that make viola a popular saxophone include its generally lower cost as well as the richness of the classical repertoire written for this instrument.
In addition, most of the skills acquired at the viola are easily transferable to other saxophones. Intermediate and professional players looking to develop their skills would do well to also consider the alto saxophone. Even jazz musicians who have little interest in viola status as a pillar of classical music will find a lot to like: many jazz greats have found their signature in the higher range of jazz. instrument.
Tenor Saxophone
If you’re looking for the reference level of jazz instruments, go for a tenor saxophone. With its Bb tuning and familiar look, the tenor sax is comfortably placed between the viola and the baritone in this instrumental family. Although the tenor is bigger than the viola, it is still handy enough to be accessible for a beginner. If you’re ready for a little bigger challenge and you’re looking for a more jazzy sound than the viola, consider spinning it.
Baritone Saxophone
The baritone saxophone is the most serious of the “big four”. Granted on Eb, this instrument is found in classical music and sometimes in jazz, where he is known for his solo sound. But the true homeland of the baritone saxophone lies undeniably in traditional R & B as well as in rock n ‘roll, which takes advantage of its richness and timbre. The size of a baritone saxophone makes it a harder instrument for beginners than an alto or tenor saxophone. These smaller horns may be better options if you want to play the saxophone. If you are looking for a baritone saxophone, it is important to consider sustainability. These are larger instruments, making them more likely to receive blows, blows, and scrapes.
Soprano Saxophones
Like the viola, the soprano saxophone can be a little less expensive instrument than other members of the saxophone family. This is due in large part to the fact that his smaller body requires less material to build. However, it is important that you do not base your decision to choose a soprano Saxon solely on cost, especially if you are a beginner. The soprano sax is a smaller and more acute instrument than its alto cousin, so it can be much more difficult for a novice player to produce a good sound. The soprano saxophone is an excellent choice for those who want to produce a rich and complete sound in the highest registers. The soprano is set to B flat, two and a half steps higher than the viola, and is particularly suitable for orchestras and orchestras.
Bass Saxophone
The bass saxophone is even less common than the baritone saxophone. At B-flat, it’s an octave lower than the tenor saxophone, and the bass is big enough so that it is almost always seated. The usual places to see bass saxophones are classical arrangements or saxophone sets. Their size and deep voice make it a rare sight outside these occasions, and they are not particularly suitable for beginners. For the adventurous musician, there are still other varieties of saxophones that you could explore. The sopranino saxophone is higher than the soprano, and at the other end of the scale, even the very large bass saxophone is crushed by the bass and the very rare (and huge) sub-guitar saxophone.
Saxophone For Every Skill Level
Whatever type of saxophone you install, you will need to choose from three levels of instrument quality: student, intermediate or professional. To simplify your purchases, you can quickly filter your search results when you shop at Musician’s Friend to see only the models of the level you are interested in.
Student Level Saxophone
As its name suggests, student saxophones are designed specifically for beginners. They are easy to play, affordable and built with a focus on precision so you can easily learn the notes and settings. A good student saxophone will have a nice sound even when played with an unrefined technique. Keep in mind, however, that quality is always important. As affordable as student saxophones are, they are not all created equal and it is worth taking your time to find the one that offers you The Best value for your hard-earned dollar.
Intermediate saxophones
As their name suggests, the middle models overlap the area between student instruments and professional instruments. While the keyword and action may resemble those of a professional instrument, intermediate horns do not usually produce the typical tone of professional models. They usually have less handwork than professional instruments and lack the luxury cosmetic details of their high-end brethren.
Professional Saxophones
Like the two other saxophone grades, the name does not arise when it comes to professional saxophone models. Designed and built to meet business needs, these instruments offer The Best intonations, tones, and responses. They are usually visually striking, with hand engraving, a hammer, keys, and similar details. They also offer the most luxurious finishes, transparent and colored lacquers with gold or silver coatings.
Each material in a professional saxophone, metal alloys and soldier with the essential surfaces and pads, is among The Best available. But, as you can imagine, this also means that the price to pay is very high, which is why a professional sax is not The Best choice for a beginner. If you are an experienced professional, these are the horns to watch. For beginners, choose a sax student or intermediate until you have gained enough experience to take advantage of the benefits of a professional model.
New vs Used
Very often, the simplest option is to buy a new instrument because you can be sure that it must be in good working order and that it is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. As with the purchase of a new car, it is highly likely that the most depreciated value will occur in the first few months (or hours) of purchase. If you buy from a reputable dealer or teacher, then a second-hand instrument should also be suitable, but may require maintenance a little earlier than if you bought a new one. an instrument for a very good price, even if some vintage saxophones have very ridiculous prices (for example, the Selmer MK VI or the SBA).
Some vintage instruments are not suitable for beginners because the ergonomics, consistency of the sound over the range and intonation may not be as good as modern horns, although some are better. More information about this on the Vintage Saxophones page. In case of doubt, many stores will let you rent an instrument for a while, then remove the rental fee if you decide to buy it.
Conclusion
Remember that no one else can make the choice for you. Every musician is different and there is no need to play a certain saxophone just because your friend does it, or your brother, or even because your favorite professional player has approved it. Defining your own preferences is essential to finding The Best saxophone. Familiarize yourself first with yourself and you will be well on your way to choosing a horn that you can cherish for years.