The saxophone (or sax, as it is more commonly known) has entered the collective imagination and captured the hearts of music lovers, despite being a relatively recent invention compared to most musical instruments.
Its versatility is its strength, making it suitable for all musical genres and any imaginable context: from military bands to jazz, from soul to extreme rock, from funk to classical and, of course, pop. No other instrument is as widely used in music, both in terms of timbre and role.
The saxophone is often played in sections with other wind instruments; in orchestras and big bands, it frequently rises to the role of soloist with a variety of sounds that fill the frequencies left vacant by trumpets, trombones, and clarinets.
Whether played with a gentle breath or with full force, with a romantic or wild approach, the saxophone reveals the deepest vibrations and emotions of the player.
The versatility of the saxophone lies in the fact that this instrument was designed in a wide range of variations to meet the demands of vastly different musical genres. Let’s embark on a journey to discover all the types of saxophones that exist.
Table of Contents
The History
The Belgian Antoine Joseph Sax, better known as Adolphe Sax, dedicated his life to studying wind instruments. In 1840, in search of a warm and enveloping sound, he experimented relentlessly until he invented the saxophone, which would make him immortal. The saxophone quickly garnered endorsements from prominent figures such as Hector Berlioz and Gioachino Rossini, whose appreciation greatly aided its diffusion. Patented in 1846, the saxophone soon became a staple in French military bands, with Sax becoming their sole supplier.
Over the following decades, numerous modifications were made to make the instrument more complete and versatile. After the inventor’s death in 1894, his company was acquired by “H. Selmer & Cie“, which propelled the saxophone to worldwide prominence. The saxophone became an indispensable element in U.S. military bands and quickly found a powerful voice in the nation’s burgeoning jazz bands, becoming a symbol of this musical genre.
How the Saxophone is Made
Despite being made of metal, the saxophone belongs to the woodwind family rather than the brass family because its sound is produced by the vibration of a reed made from cane. Originally designed for military use, Sax chose to make the instrument out of brass, a more resilient material than wood, which was too sensitive to climate and humidity variations. Compared to the clarinet, from which it partially derives, the saxophone features a conical bore instead of a cylindrical one, enhancing its sound projection and volume.
The main components of the saxophone include the mouthpiece, the neck, the body, the keys, and the bell. The reed, a thin wooden (or sometimes synthetic) lamina, is attached to the mouthpiece and generates the sound through its vibration. The neck connects the mouthpiece to the rest of the instrument, whose parts form a single unit. The keys, typically 23 in total, open and close the holes on the body of the instrument, regulating the airflow and altering the pitch of the notes.
Types of Saxophones
According to Adolphe Sax, the saxophone family initially comprised 14 different types. Some of these were never produced beyond the prototype stage, while others have become obsolete or are rarely used today.
Let’s describe the most commonly used saxophones, starting from the highest pitch and moving downward. We should note that all saxophones share similar fingerings, making it relatively easy for musicians to switch between different types.
Soprano Saxophone
The soprano saxophone is the highest-pitched commonly used saxophone. Tuned in Bb, it can be either curved or straight and has a distinctive sweet and thin timbre, with a nasal quality reminiscent of the oboe. Notable performers include Sidney Bechet, John Coltrane in “My Favorite Things,” Wayne Shorter, and Dave Liebman.
Alto Saxophone
The alto saxophone, in Eb, is versatile and widely used, offering a perfect balance between timbre and size. Due to its ergonomic design and manageable weight, it is often recommended for beginners. Notable players include Charlie Parker, Eric Dolphy, and Ornette Coleman.
Tenor Saxophone
The tenor saxophone, in Bb, is instantly recognizable by the distinctive curve in its neck. A staple in jazz, it has been played by legends such as Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, and Stan Getz.
Baritone Saxophone
The baritone saxophone, in Eb, is the largest of the commonly used saxophones. Its deep and resonant sound complements or replaces the tuba in band settings. Famous baritone sax players include Gerry Mulligan and Dana Colley.
Other Saxophones
Less common saxophones include the sopranissimo, sopranino, mezzo-soprano, and bass saxophones. These instruments, though less frequently used, add unique tonal qualities to ensembles and are prized by collectors.
The Saxophone’s Central Role in Music
The saxophone has been a dominant force in music for over a century. From bands to jazz and classical music, it has also become a staple in pop. A rewarding instrument to study and play, the saxophone continues to captivate musicians and audiences alike.