| Learning to play the saxophone? Purchasing one for | | | | part. There are keys on the bell called bell keys. The |
| the first time? If so, you need to know its parts and | | | | body of the saxophone is generally finished with some |
| their functions. From a buyer's standpoint, familiarity | | | | protective coating such as a high-gloss brass lacquer |
| with the instrument's design and the materials used to | | | | or clear-coat lacquer. Very old saxophones were |
| make it will help you make a better choice. In this article | | | | plated in silver, gold or nickel to protect the brass, and |
| we shall take a look at the various parts of a | | | | you still find some new ones like this today. New |
| saxophone. We shall examine the neck, octave vent | | | | finishes include colorful lacquer finishes, black nickel |
| and key, mouthpiece, body (tube, bow, and bell), thumb | | | | finishes, and auto-body paint styled finishes. The finish |
| rest, keys (spatula keys and side keys), rods and pads. | | | | is mainly for appearance but some argue that it |
| The saxophone neck is also called the gooseneck. It is | | | | affects the sound as well. |
| a metal tube attached to the saxophone's body. It fits | | | | Then there is the thumb rest which is a hook-shaped |
| between the body of the horn and the mouthpiece. | | | | piece of plastic or metal where you place your right |
| Saxophone necks can be removed, except for a | | | | thumb to support the weight of the horn. The thumb |
| soprano saxophone. The saxophone neck is one of | | | | rest is located on the main body of the instrument |
| the most undervalued parts of the saxophone. | | | | towards the bottom, before the bow. |
| Changing it can make a vast difference on tone color, | | | | Next in our discussion of the parts of the saxophone, |
| intonation, response, projection, and so on. Today, a | | | | we take a look at the keys. The keys are either made |
| vigorous market exists in after market necks. They | | | | of brass or nickel and often some or all of the keys |
| are available in a variety of different metals, platings | | | | are covered with mother-of-pearls. Keys on the middle |
| and finishes, each offering their own distinct | | | | and lower part of the bow are called spatula keys, |
| characteristics. | | | | while those on the bottom right side are known as side |
| On the neck is a single key and hole called the octave | | | | keys. A saxophone consists of closed standing and |
| vent. Next to the octave vent is a flat metal key called | | | | open standing keys. Closed standing keys are held |
| the octave key which operates the octave | | | | closed by a spring when the horn is not being played. |
| mechanism on the neck. | | | | When the key is pressed, the hole it covers opens. |
| Another saxophone part is the mouthpiece. This is | | | | Open standing keys are held open by a spring and |
| where the saxophone player places his lips and blows | | | | close when the key is pressed. |
| air into the saxophone. The mouthpiece is found on the | | | | A saxophone rod is one of the most important parts |
| neck of the saxophone. To slide it in, a cork is needed. | | | | of the saxophone in terms of its performance. Rods |
| Only two woodwind families use a mouthpiece. They | | | | support and facilitate all of the movement associated |
| are the clarinet family and the woodwind family. Due to | | | | with playing the saxophone. If they are to stand up to |
| the fact that the mouthpiece is the direct link between | | | | extended and rigorous playing, they must be strong. It |
| a player and the instrument, it is of considerable | | | | is important to keep them well maintained. When |
| importance. A good saxophone mouthpiece can make | | | | buying a new horn, this is one part you should pay |
| the difference between a rewarding playing | | | | careful attention to. Weak rods are a sign of an inferior |
| experience and one of utter frustration. Choosing a | | | | instrument. |
| mouthpiece should be based on your personal | | | | Lastly, let's take a look at the pads of a saxophone. |
| experience. There is no perfect choice that will be true | | | | This is a key element in any saxophone. Pads cover |
| for all sax players. The best mouthpiece for you | | | | the holes on the saxophone so the instrument can |
| should allow you to achieve the best possible sound | | | | produce different sounds. Problems arise when the |
| with the least amount of effort. | | | | pads do not completely cover the holes. This can lead |
| Along with the neck, the body is the other major part | | | | to a lot of frustration because such a saxophone will |
| of the saxophone. It consists of a conically shaped | | | | not play properly. When shopping for a saxophone, |
| brass tube with plates called "ribs" attached to the | | | | especially a used one, one must pay close attention to |
| body, which support rods, keys and key cups that hold | | | | the pads. Pads must also be soft to touch. Saxophone |
| leather pads to cover the holes on the body. The tube | | | | pads also have metal or brass discs called resonators |
| is the straight part of the body. The bow is the | | | | to help in sound projection and to increase overall |
| u-shaped bottom of the sax. And the bell is the flared | | | | volume. |