Types of Saxophones - Which Saxophone is Right For Me

If one is looking at purchasing a used saxophone, twosaxophones played. Most pieces composed for
presumptions or considerations may arise: first, that thepractice are also tuned in the key of Alto Saxophone.
person purchasing must get the item which will giveConsequently, it is considered as most befitting
him the best value for his money; second, that thebeginners and anyone whose skill level in saxophone is
person is using it for playing music. The importance ofelementary.
the second point is that saxophone, as a musicalThe third type would be the tenor saxophone. It is
instrument, comes in different kinds. The difference lieslarger than the alto saxophone and the sound its
in the music and pitch being produced by each type ofproduces is closer in range to the human voice. This is
instrument, sizes and shapes, as well as considerationsalso the best type of instrument for playing jazz and
which are related to the skill level of the player of thesome rock.
instrument.The fourth type of saxophone is the baritone
Therefore, to be able to make the best decision as tosaxophone. It has the lowest range among the other
which saxophone best suits any player of thetypes of saxophone and is usually used in the bass
instrument, it is important that one has a workingsection in soul music or tunes. It is also the biggest and
knowledge of the different types of saxophones asheaviest among all the other types of saxophone.
well as the corresponding differences that distinguishAll of these types of saxophones are best in their
one from the other. In doing this, one can effectivelyown respect. One just needs to identify precisely the
discriminate and choose the saxophone that best suitsuse of the saxophone to be played or purchased. So
him.if one is a beginner, it is strongly suggested that he
There are generally four types of saxophonesstarts playing the alto saxophone first. It also depends
available in the market today. The first type is calledupon the sound that the player is most interested in. If
the soprano saxophone. The soprano saxophone isone prefers to play jazz tunes, then the tenor
tuned in the key of B flat (or Bb). It has the highestsaxophone is recommended. But if one is more into
tune or pitch among all the other types of saxophones.bass range sound, richer and deeper tone then the
Consequently, playing the instrument requires some skillbaritone is the best choice.
because the pitch, being high, is more difficult toOne may also take into account the size and the
manipulate and manage. Therefore, most of theweight of the saxophone which will affect its
players of this type of saxophone are already adeptmanageability and overall comfort in playing the
at playing the instrument and are what can properly beinstrument. There are, of course, no hard fast rules
considered as professional saxophonists.applicable in determining the best type of saxophone.
The second type is the Alto Saxophone which playsThe person has to weigh in different factors in the
at the key of E flat (or Eb). The position of this type ofprocess of trying top get the saxophone which is just
saxophone's bell allows its player to hear more of theright for him.
sound produced by the instrument than by the other