| The saxophone is one of the youngest musical | | | | tones.The saxophone is similar to a clarinet, in the |
| instruments. | | | | sense that both use a single mouthpiece. However, it |
| The saxophone is one of the youngest musical | | | | has a square or round evacuated inner chamber. The |
| instruments. It was invented by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian, | | | | body is conical in shape, like the oboe, though the |
| in the 1840s. The saxophone has a sound that is very | | | | curve is more distinctive at the bell. Saxophones may |
| close to the human voice, which is why it is used to | | | | be straight or curved, though straight ones are more |
| express emotions. The saxophone often compliments | | | | common.The main parts in a saxophone are: the |
| the French horn, since both of them have a similar | | | | mouth-piece including the ligature and the reed; the |
| range and timbre. A saxophone is as complex as a | | | | main tube that has tone holes and keys; a series of |
| classical instrument yet as unconventional as a | | | | rods that connect the keys to the tone holes; the pads |
| non-classical instrument.The saxophone was originally | | | | that securely cover the tone holes and, most |
| used in the military, though it is now a popular jazz | | | | importantly, the bell. The neck strap is also important |
| instrument. It is generally used in big bands, marching | | | | since saxophones can be very heavy. There are |
| bands and concerts. Saxophones are mostly related | | | | several kinds of saxophones but the four most |
| with jazz because they are used mostly to play jazz | | | | common are: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone |
| music. However, they are also used for classical music. | | | | saxophones. The Alto saxophones are smaller and |
| Saxophone players are called | | | | ideal for first-time players. They are also the most |
| saxophonists.Saxophones are classified as woodwind | | | | popular kind. There are also vintage saxophones |
| instruments, though they are generally made of brass. | | | | available. Second-hand saxophones can also be |
| They are coated with clear or colored lacquer. Some | | | | bought for a reasonable price. While buying a used |
| saxophones also have gold or silver plating. The | | | | saxophone, ensure that the keys aren’t noisy or |
| lacquer coating not only helps to prevent corrosion but | | | | leaking. Also check for dents or scratches. The pads |
| also enhances the quality of sound and gives a | | | | and the cork should be in good working condition. It is |
| beautiful look to the instrument. The mouthpiece may | | | | better to get it checked by a professional before |
| be made of plastic, rubber, metal, wood or glass. | | | | buying it.The local music store, mail-order service, a |
| However, the material does not affect the sound | | | | private party or the Internet are possible sources for |
| quality. The shape of the mouthpiece is found to have | | | | buying saxophones. The main aspects to be |
| an effect on the quality of sound, since those with a | | | | considered are the quality, service, price and the model. |
| concave chamber are felt to produce softer | | | | |