Student level saxophones are generally
made from yellow brass and include the basic keys a beginning player
needs to start learning. Though student level instruments are designed
to allow beginners to learn and play well for the first two to
three years, they will eventually need a higher quality instrument.
Intermediate and professional saxophones are made of higher quality
materials, involve much more handwork and adjustment, include extra
keys and triggers that will allow the student to conquer more advanced
music, and provide an overall better tone.
The saxophone family is divided into
four different types: Alto, Tenor, Baritone, and Soprano.
Alto is tuned to the key of Eb,
and is the most common type of saxophones for beginners to learn
on. Tenor is built in the key of Bb and plays in a slightly lower
octave than the alto. The Baritone, like the Alto, is built in
the key of Eb but plays much lower than any other type of sax.
The Soprano is built in the key of Bb and plays in a higher octave
then Alto, Tenor, and Bari.
When choosing a saxophone, you will want to make sure that the
instrument is not made of materials that will bend or break easily.
You will also want to check the condition of all the pads to
ensure that all the pads seal tightly and do not allow air to
leak out, which
A word of caution: It may be very tempting to purchase an instrument
online due to attractively low prices. Unfortunately, these instruments
are sold at such low prices for a reason. These online special
instruments are poorly constructed and hinder students’ ability
to learn. They are difficult to adjust and regulate and their
cheap construction causes them to break down often. Many repair
shops will not repair these instruments, and if they do, you
will often spend more on repair fees than you did on the instrument
itself. Buying quality instruments from a qualified dealer such
as Summerhays Music will not only save you money in repairs,
but will save your child the frustration of having and instrument
that does not allow them to play well or improve.
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The saxophone is one
of the few instruments with that was not gradually developed over
lengthy periods of time;
rather, it was invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840’s and
is a relatively young part of the musical family. Sax’s intention
in designing the instrument was to create something with the tonal
qualities of both brass and woodwind instruments. Sax completed
his design in 1846, and it was immediately a big hit in orchestral
groups, particularly French military ensembles. It was not long
before Sax’s invention was welcomed into the music world,
and it has undergone relatively little change or development since.
