|
|
 |
|
|
Saxophones
form an instrument family of conical bore wood wind instruments all
of their own, with a whole range of instruments from Sopranino to
Bass. The main instruments however are the Soprane (Bb), Alto (Eb),
Tenor (Bb) and Baritone (Eb).
Today the Soprano sax is more popular than ever - particularly in the jazz
and popular music idioms. Good quality modern instruments have now virtually
eliminated the intonation problems that dogged older models - making the
soprano a very expressive and playable instrument. The Alto is generally
considered to be the "standard" instrument for most classical
players and jazz performers. Its ideal balance between size and range makes
it very versatile. The Tenor saxophone's ability to deliver smooth warm
tones at one moment and then raw, guttural depth the next has made it a
mainstay of the jazz genre. Although seldom a star player the baritone
is indispensable in saxophone quartets and jazz - where there's a requirement
for a solid, deep saxophone low end. |
|
Technical
Specifications
HIGH F#
Most models now come with the high F# key as standard - or two models,
one without, one with (at a small additional cost). This key (as its name
suggests!) enables the high F# note to be played. Unless cost is a major
consideration we therefore suggest you go for a high F# specification instrument. |
|
|
|
DETACHABLE
BELL
Many instruments now come with a detachable bell. This has no acoustical
benefits to the instrument, and we don't recommend you try and detach the
bell at home! It is simply advantageous if you are unlucky enough to dent
the bell and you need to mend and/or replace it - as it makes repair work
much easier (and cheaper!). |
FINISH
Saxes come in a multitude of finish options including black lacquer,
silver plate, and even custom paint jobs! - none of which effect the
instruments tone. In addition many manufacturers offer a range of engraving
options.
The "standard look" is gold lacquered body and key work. If
you want to digress from this anything's possible! - it just depends
on what sort of image you want and what you're willing to pay! |
 |
Action
The quality of a saxes action is imperative. A good quality well balanced
action will enable the player to effortlessly move from note to note with
the slightest and lightest of touches to the pads. A poor action will result
in "clanky" keys that rest high above the instrument's body and
don't sit properly on the tone holes when depressed - causing difficulties
with tone production. |
Necks
Like the leadpipe on brass instruments the specification of a saxophone's
neck is very important to the overall feel and tone of an instrument.
Some manufacturers offer optional necks with specific characteristics.
With soprano saxes, specifically a number of models come with two necks,
(one curved, one straight) to facilitate two different playing positions. |
 |
Baritone
Specification
Baritones have a range to low Bb as standard. Some models however (due
to a longer bell and an additional key) go down to a low A. This is the
recommended specification if finances permit. |
Professional
Instrument Specification
With professional instruments various additional optional features present
themselves - such as "front F" mechanisms, additional "rollers" and
slight changes in key design. For more information about the exact specifications
of expensive saxes please call. |
Instrument
Recommendations With the exception of inexpensive student altos and
high specification top-end instruments Yamaha dominate the market.
When it comes to cheap student instruments there are many different makes
available - all of which are of a similar (good) standard, and all of which
come from a handful of Taiwanese factories. We generally recommend the
Elkhart and Jupiter models as the best of the bunch.
Sopranos
The best selling student model soprano is the Yamaha YSS475, which comes
in a one piece body/straight neck configuration. The Elkhart SXSOP-2C is
a nice two neck outfit option. |
For
professional players the Yamaha custom (YSS875) and Yanagisawa
S901 are popular choices.
Curved Sopranos
For young players eager to play the sax, the curved soprano is a very
popular option. Curved to look like a mini Alto, the curved soprano is
compact and manageable for a young player. We generally recommend the
Elkhart SXSPU. |
 |
 |
Altos & Tenors
The best quality (although relatively expensive) student models on the
market are the Yamaha YAS275 (alto) & YTS275 (tenor). Other cheaper
(although still good quality) choices are the Jupiter and Elkhart student
models.
For intermediate players the Yamaha YAS475 (alto) & YTS475 (tenor)
are about the only credible choices.
The best selling professional level instruments for players upgrading to
top level models are the Yamaha YAS62E (alto) and Yamaha YTS62E (tenor).
Moving into the top of the range categories the Yamaha custom and Yanagisawa
models are the most popular choices. |
Baritones
Both Jupiter and Elkhart offer good "low A" specification instruments.
The best selling baritone however is the Yamaha YBS32 - which is of exemplary
quality. Moving up the Yamaha range the YBS62 is a great professional
quality baritone as is the Yanagisawa B901 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
