How to choose a saxophone

Saxophone types

Sax are called transposition instruments. When you play the "do" sound, the soprano and tenor actually sound the ti and the alto and baritone the mi sound. Care must be taken in reading the score.

B♭ tube	Soprano, tenor
E♭ tube	Sopranino, Alto, Baritone

The instruments are from smallest to largest: soprano, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone.

Sopranino Saxophone Soprano Saxophones Alto Saxophones Tenor Saxophones Baritone Saxophones

Material

Brass

Gold colored instruments that are commonly seen in general are saxophones made of brass. It is an alloy of copper and zinc and is characterized by lightness. Many people choose their first saxophone made of brass, which is recommended for beginners.

As the copper content increases, the names change to Yellow Brass, Gold Brass, and Red Brass, and the tone becomes softer. (The hardness of the metal increases)

Silver

Silver is said to make a softer tone. The weight is a bit heavy.

Other

-Nickel
-Copper (Bronze)
-Western Silver
-Gold Alloy (Pink, Champagne etc., written as ○○ Gold)
-Platinum (Platinum)

Surface finish

Lacquer

It is used to protect the surface, and affects the subtle feeling of wind, and the change in tone. Clear lacquer is a general type that is clear and colorless and the color of the material comes out as it is. Besides, there are various lacquers such as gold, black and pink.

Unlacquered, No lacquer

It is an instrument that emphasizes the open sound without finishing the surface. Of course, the tone of the surface increases with each passing year.
* Antique finish of Playtech saxophones are lacquered.

Keys, other parts

Thumb rest & thumb hook

It is a part for placing the thumb of the left hand and the right hand respectively. A dark resin is generally used, but it is also a part that touches the body and the instrument, is important for sound transmission, and may be made of metal or ebony (wood).

Spring material

Although stainless steel is resistant to rust, it has weak elasticity. The needle needs attention so as not to rust, but the reactivity of the key is improved.

Booster

A clasp in the center of the tampo (pad). Metal has a bright and colorful tone, and resin has a calm tone.

Which part of the material to change?

Mouth pipe

The portion from the mouthpiece entrance to the main discharge pipe. It affects the feeling of wind (resistance) and the tone.

Bell

As the name implies, the morning glory part greatly affects the tone.

Saxophone All Items