Saxophones

Saxophones For Sale on Reverb

The saxophone, named for its inventor Adolphe Sax, is a member of the woodwind family of instruments. Most saxophones are made of brass; the wooden part is the single reed mouthpiece. Saxophones of all types may have curved or straight necks, which lead down to the upper stack and multiple types of keys. The lower stack can also curve into the bell bow and wider bell.

Saxophones have a variety of musical implementations, from symphonic music dating back almost two centuries, to military and marching bands, and in jazz and rock-and-roll. Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Clarence Clemons, Captain Beefheart, Rudy Pompili, and Rob Lind are all notable modern saxophone players.

What are the types of saxophones?

Saxophones come in multiple sizes and types. When most people picture a sax, it’s a tenor saxophone. Higher in pitch and smaller in pitch is the alto sax. The smallest and highest pitch sax in common use is labeled soprano and is often associated with popular musician Kenny G.

Lower and larger than the tenor sax is the baritone saxophone. Bigger and lower still, is the bass saxophone. There are other, less common types of saxophones, including the giant contrabass and subcontrabass, and the smaller sopranino and sopranissimo.

What instruments are related to saxophone?

In the 1840s, Adolphe Sax invented the Saxophone as an improvement on the bass clarinet. Some types of oboes are also similar to saxophones, and sometimes used interchangeably in arrangements.

How are different types of saxophone sounds achieved?

Different types of reeds affect the tone of your instrument. Harder and softer woods alter the brightest or timbre of saxophones. Next, the way you place your lips, teeth, and tongue modify the produced sound.

Different saxophonists are associated with various styles. For example, John Coltrane placed the reed deeper in his mouth, forcing more air directly into the sax. This and many other embouchure styles can provide variation from song to song.

What saxophone is best?

For beginners, Yamaha, Eastar, and Eldon make well regarded models. Players interested in baritone sax should research the Levante LV line. Jean Paul, Selmer, and Mauriant are just a few other brands to consider, depending on your budget.