What are the different types of saxophones and what are the differences between them?

            The saxophone family is a part of the larger woodwind family, within the saxophone family there are four common types of saxophones that are used today.  These four different types of saxophones are listed below in order of highest pitch to lowest pitch;

1.) Bb Soprano Saxophone

(Pic 1 - yss)

The concert pitch range of the soprano saxophone ranges from Concert Ab ( just below middle C) up two and a half octaves to concert E (third ledger line above stave) excluding altissimo (altissimo is an extended higher range that usually comes with at least a couple of years experience of playing/ efficient practice).  The Soprano saxophone is the smallest of the common saxophones, it also has a reputation for being more challenging in terms of playing in tune.  This is because it is a higher pitched instrument than the other saxophones and higher pitched instruments are generally more challenging to play in tune. Some famous soprano saxophonists include; John Coltrane, David Newman, Grover Washington Jnr, David Sanborn, Branford Marsarlis and Eric Marienthal.

2.) Eb Alto Saxophone

(Pic 2 - yas)

The concert pitch range of the alto saxophone ranges from Concert Db (almost an octave below middle C) up two and a half octaves to concert A (1st ledger line above stave).  The alto saxophone is a lot easier to play in terms of tuning than the soprano because of it’s range. The alto saxophone projects sound in a way (due to the design) that the player can hear a lot more of themselves than they can on the other saxophones. The position of the bell plays a large role in the alto being easier to hear for the player, it’s sound is directed more up than the other saxophones. This being the case, the alto is possibly the better choice in terms of starting out for most people.  The size of the alto saxophone is similar to the straight soprano, it is virtually the same height, though wider with the bell.  Some famous Alto saxophonists include; Charlie Parker, David Sanborn, Cannonball Adderly, Eric Marienthal and Kenny Garrett.

3.) Bb Tenor Saxophone

(Pic 2 - yts)

The concert pitch range of the tenor saxophone is the same as the soprano transposed down one octave.  Altissimo is widely regarded as being slightly easier amongst most professionals on the tenor as there are more harmonics available on the tenor than the alto and soprano.  The altissimo range is considered a semiprofessional-proffesional technique and should not be weighed up against the alto saxophone for this reason when considering which saxophone to begin learning on.  The tenor is a fair bit larger than the alto saxophone, please refer to the above photos for some idea of the size difference.  If one is truly in love with the sound of the tenor sax however, and the size of the tenor saxophone is not an issue, then tenor is definitely worth considering as a first instrument.  Some famous Tenor saxophonists include; Michael Brecker, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Bob Mintzer, Branford Marsarlis, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young and Joe Henderson.

4.) Eb Baritone Saxophone

(Pic 3 - ybs)

The concert pitch range of the baritone saxophone is from a Concert C (two octave below middle C) up two and a half octaves to concert A.  The Baritone is the largest instrument and has the lowest range of the four common saxophones.  It is approximately twice to three times the size of an alto saxophone, it requires a harness to play it and it has a very deep and rich tone inherent to it.  It is very famous for playing the bass brass section lines in Motown or soul tunes.  Some famous Baritone saxophonists are; Gerry Mulligan, Ronnie Cuba and Stephen ‘doc’ Kupka.

What type of saxophone should i get?

One should consider a few basic things when considering which saxophone to start on.  First and foremost is the question of which sound appeals to you most- the bright and funky alto sound? Or a darker, deeper sound like a tenor saxophone?  Secondly (as mentioned above) one should consider that the alto is inherently slightly easier to hear yourself on when playing/ practicing.  Thirdly one needs to consider the size and weight and overall comfort of the saxophone; a lot of this will come down to the quality of the specific instrument, however tenor saxophones will always be heavier and bigger than the alto saxophone.  The answers to the above questions are different for everyone to a degree.  Ultimately the saxophone for you is probably going to be the one you like the sound of most.

Is getting a secondhand saxophone a viable option?

Secondhand instruments are worth considering just as much as a new saxophone, slightly more care should be taken when purchasing however to ensure that you get a quality instrument.  The following points should be taken into account when considering a secondhand saxophone;

Condition of the instrument (Pad condition and quality, last time it had a service, dints/ bends in body or neck, condition of springs, quality of the action, lacquer, wear and tear of the case, any major previous damage etc.)

 Sound (tone quality, intonation/ tuning, dynamic range)

Ease of play (resistance of playing the instrument in terms of breath and fingering, is the action/ key layout comfortable and appropriate for oneself?)

 Warranty/ Guarantee?

Long term maintenance will be slightly more costly generally on a second-hand instrument.

How do I look after the saxophone?

How many and what kind of reeds will I need?

At first a newcomer to the world of saxophone will go through more reeds than one who has been playing for a time.  Most students will start on the 1½ strength reed, some will start on strength 1 reeds.  The strength of the reed determines how much resistance there is when blowing air through the saxophone before it makes a sound.  As one develops a wind player’s air support and technique they will progress through the reed strengths.  Professionals tend to use strength 3’s or 2½’s.  The different brands of reeds should be recommended by a teacher or mentor saxophonist, the difference between them is in the tone that they help generate.  The strengths vary a small amount between the brands, but generally remain constant.  You can purchase reeds singularly or in a box of ten for alto and soprano reeds, or boxes of 5 for tenor and baritone saxophone reeds.

What other accessories will I need?

With a new saxophone; the mouthpiece, ligature, neck strap and case are most often supplied.  When purchasing a second-hand saxophone it will of course vary a lot between each individual consigned instrument as to what accessories go with it. 

Accessories that should be considered after purchasing a saxophone include:

What happens down the track?

As one progresses in their saxophone abilities, one should consider upgrading their mouthpiece.  The stock mouthpiece that comes with a new saxophone is suitable until one develops a reasonably consistent embouchure and sound.  Once it is realized that the sound is not developing, expanding or achieving the sound one wants to achieve, trying out some different mouthpieces can make a world of difference.  A lot of the sound that comes out of the saxophone depends largely upon the mouthpiece, ligature and reed combination.  The ligature is the item on the mouthpiece which holds the reed in place.  As everybody has a different facial composition and different idea on what they would like to sound like, what works for one person may not work for another, this is also true for the saxophone itself. 

Anything else?

What brand  saxophone do we buy ?