Ever feel like you’re lost in the saxophone jungle? Alto, tenor, soprano – it’s enough to make your head spin!
Don’t stress – we’re about to discover the different types of saxophones – and find out which one is right for you.
If you’re ready to start learning saxophone, it’s easy to get dazzled by all that shiny metal. But if you’re a beginner player, it’s important to choose the right type of horn – or you could make an expensive mistake.
Read on to learn more about:
- The four main types of saxophones
- Tips for choosing your first sax
- Essential sax accessories.
Understanding Different Types of Saxophones
The great news is the basic way you play all types of saxophones is the same. So the essential fingerings (which keys you press for each note) are the same whether you’re playing a soprano or a baritone – or anything in between.
However, when you are starting out as a beginner player, not all types of sax are equal.
Soprano Saxophone
Think of the soprano as the high-pitched diva of the sax family. It’s like a canary with a jazzy attitude, perfect for soaring melodies, but a bit tricky to tame for beginners.
It’s tiny mouthpiece and reed makes tuning and tone a challenge. You’ll need a strong, well developed embouchure (the muscles around your mouth) to get a great sound from a soprano sax.
It’s easy to imagine that the soprano’s small size would make it easy to handle, but think again. However, if you’re already experienced on the alto or tenor sax, then the soprano will make a great new challenge.
Alto Saxophone
The alto sax is the middle child everyone loves. It’s not too big, not too small – it’s just the right size for learning the ropes. It’s manageable size and weight makes it a great choice for children and young players, or for smaller adults.
Plus, because it’s popular with students, the alto is affordable, and there’s tons of learning material out there for alto newbies. You’ll hear the alto sax in every musical style from jazz to blues, classical to gospel – so it’s super-versatile too. the alto is a great place to start for beginner players.
Tenor Saxophone
The tenor sax has got a deep, smoky voice, perfect for blues, rock, and all those genres that make you wanna nod your head. It’s a bit bigger than the alto, so it might take some extra breath power, but trust me, the sound is worth it. You’ll have heard the tenor sax in some of your favourite sax solos, so it’s not surprising that many alto players choose to add the tenor to their collection at some point.
If the alto isn’t for you, the tenor saxophone is another good choice for beginner saxophone players.
Baritone Saxophone
This is the gentle giant, the wise old grandpa of the sax family. It’s big, it’s low, and it adds a rich, booming bottom to any band. But be warned, it’s not for the faint of lung!
Who could resist the powerful honking bari sax lines in a big band? And of course the bari sax has come into it’s own in the hands of saxophone stars like Leo P.
The bari sax is a big beast to handle. It’s heavy, and needs a lot of air. So it’s probably a bit of a handful for a beginner player. But with a bit of experience, many baritone sax players wouldn’t play anything else.
Choosing your first saxophone
The first question you need to ask yourself is – what’s your budget? A sax can cost your a few hundred dollars up to several thousand, and there are plenty of brands and models to choose from.
Established Brands
They’re like the fancy restaurants with white tablecloths – high quality, sure, but you’ll pay for the privilege. Think Yamaha, Selmer, big names like that. Many of these brands have been around for years and you’re getting all that experience built into your horn. Having said that, most of these brands include low cost student models in their ranges too.
You’ll often pay more for these big names, but if you’re serious about your horn playing, it can be a good investment. A great quality sax from a reputable brand can mean a better sound and less maintenance problems down the track.
Newcomers
These are the funky little cafes popping up around town – fresh, affordable, and sometimes surprisingly good. Brands like Jean-Paul USA are making waves with decent instruments at budget-friendly prices.
But remember, cheap doesn’t always mean cheerful. Do your research, read reviews, and ask around before you splash your hard-earned cash.
Other budget-friendly options
A second-hand saxophone can be a great option if you’re watching your budget. A good quality used sax can be a cheaper, better buy that a brand new sax from an unknown brand. Be prepared to get your used sax serviced by a reputable repairer, and it could give you years of great playing.
Some music stores rent out different types of saxophones. This is a great idea if you’re not sure which member of the saxophone family you want to play – you can try them all! Often you can easily upgrade to a better quality horn as you progress, without the hassle of buying and selling.
Sax Accessories
As well as your sax, you’re going to need a few accessories to complete your saxophone set-up.
- Reeds come in different sizes for different types of saxophone – so check what you need. Choose the right strength for a beginner player – this guide will help you.
- Mouthpiece – a better design can have a HUGE impact on your sound. Again, you’ll need the right mouthpiece for your type of sax. Check out these tips for choosing the best beginner mouthpiece
- A neck strap or harness will help you keep a great posture while playing and protect your neck and back
- A music stand in your practice space means your music is always ready for you to get blowing.
Conclusion
This isn’t just about buying a sax, it’s about starting an adventure. So grab your instrument, and start making music!
If you are ready to dive deeper into the world of saxophones and kickstart your musical journey today, join us at Sax School Online. We’ve got a huge library of lessons and courses from your first notes to advanced improvising tactics. Plus you can join live sessions with our pro tutors, get personal feedback on your playing, and join our worldwide Community of sax players just like you.
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