29th Street Sax Saxophones and all the Jazz

Sax Notes

What To Consider When Buying Saxophone

The saxophone is a great instrument for a child to learn to play music on. It is one of the most widely heard solo instruments, and it is very popular in Jazz Music. It has an extended range, a commanding lower register and a rich middle register. Musicians can perform in large orchestras, marching bands, jazz bands, and wind ensembles. The study of the instrument usually involves learning the alto or tenor but may also include the baritone and soprano saxophones. Often those who play the saxophone will also play the flute and clarinet to broaden their experience. When buying saxophone instruments, visit the local music store for advise.

Invented in Brussels, Belgium by Adolphe Sax in 1840, the saxophone is the most recent development in the woodwind family. It is actually a hybrid, the fingering system on the keys is based on the Boehm system from around 1832, which is also true of the flute, oboe and clarinet. The instrument has a conical bore similar to the oboe, a reed and a mouthpiece similar to a clarinet, and a brass body like instruments in the brass family.  A new chromatic fingering system has recently been developed that uses all ten fingers for faster execution.  This new "Schmidt" chromatic system will debut in October 2011 under the "Avatar" brand.
It is a very accommodating instrument to learn, unlike the clarinet and the flute. It is not as prone to sounding airy or squeaky but attention needs to be paid to manual dexterity, articulation, embouchure, or the position of the lips and breathing technique, breathing, hand position, relaxation, support and good posture. It demands a lot of concentration to play. Beginners may have difficulty producing the lower tones and the higher notes and the extended range should not be attempted until the player has a grasp of the proper tone, embouchure and breathing.

The traditional place to start with is the alto, where much of the classical music is written for it. It requires a bit less air to play than a tenor, and the key scale is smaller and is an easier fit for a child's hand. The angle of the air flow and the embouchure is easily transferred to playing other saxophones.

Ask a music teacher or the local music store for referrals when buying ones first saxophone. There are styles for students, intermediates and professionals. The student horn is both affordable and easy to play. It is a good one to start with and can be traded up when the student is ready. The intermediate horn is also very affordable and has some of the features of the professional horn but not the same tonal quality. The professional horns have the best sound, more handwork is done on them and they can have gold and silver plating and have clear or colored lacquer. They have a more substantial feel and the resale value is higher.
The finishing is clear lacquer, but they can come in colors. This does not affect the sound but the plating can. Silver plating produces a brighter tone than lacquered and gold plating has a warmer sound and are more costly.

A used instrument is an option if money is an issue. Check for dents and repairs and the condition of the pads, they should feel soft. Ask if the horn has been re-lacquered, this is not bad but it could dramatically affect the resale value on some vintage collectable saxophones.  For the same money as a used pro instrument, a new intermediate sax could also be purchased.

Beginners often start with a hard rubber or plastic mouthpiece with a low baffle and a small tip opening. A reverse ligature is best with the screws on top. A good quality reed is important as this is where the sound vibrates. A sturdy harness or neck strap is recommended. A reed re-surfacer (300-400 grit sand paper on a flat piece of glass), reed trimmer and reed case are important for reed care. Use a string swab or a bottle brush type "padsaver" (also known as a "stuff-it") to clean the saxophone body tube.  The neck and mouthpiece can be cleaned with a small bottle brush with baking soda (a toothbrush can also be used on the mouthpiece.  A music stand, metronome, tuner, and beginning method books complete the package for a beginner. Buying saxophone can be done online fairly risk free if the sax is well reviewed and there is a reasonable length return policy (at least 15-30 days).  Your saxophone teacher might also have some good recommendations for a saxophone.

About the Author

Garrett Hypes is a professional saxophonist with 30 years of showroom experience. He is the founder and owner of Saxophone.com, where their brand instruments are built to their own stringent specifications. The goal of his company is to give saxophonists the best prices, quality, and service on a wide variety of saxophones and accessories.

Saxophone: Playing Your First Notes

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