The saxophone was invented around 1840 by the Belgian inventor and instrument maker Adolphe Sax. Since then, many models have been added to the saxophone family. The most common models are the soprano saxophone, the alto saxophone, the tenor saxophone, and the baritone saxophone. Additionally, there are rarer models, such as the bass saxophone, the contrabass saxophone, and the sopranino.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Saxophone
Why is the saxophone a woodwind instrument?
The mouthpiece is a reed, and that’s why it is a woodwind instrument. There can be some confusion when it comes to saxophones in a big band. These are referred to as "the brass" along with trumpets and trombones. In fact, they blend very well together. But that’s no reason to call the saxophone a brass instrument.
What does a saxophone sound like?
A saxophone played forcefully has a very distinctive sound that stands out among other instruments. "Baker Street" or "Careless Whisper" are just a couple of famous examples. In contrast, a softly played saxophone integrates well with both woodwind and brass instruments in an orchestra or a big band.
Where can I play the saxophone in an orchestra?
In a concert band, there are primarily wind instruments, and in large numbers, so there is definitely room for one more saxophone. If you enjoy entertaining street events with music: saxophones are also present in fanfares.
Where can I play the saxophone in a smaller format?
Of course, it has to fit the genre, but in a general pop band, the saxophone fits in well. Also in genres like fusion, soul, and disco, the saxophone works very well; in fact, it is a kind of small big band with a trumpet, a trombone, and a saxophone (usually a tenor saxophone, but it can also be an alto saxophone). And, of course, as you might guess: a jazz ensemble. In a jazz group, you can see several saxophones, even a rare model like the bass saxophone.
How much does a saxophone cost?
The same applies here as with all traditional instruments: there are budget models and very expensive models. For a few hundred euros, you can already get a nice saxophone to start with. Very expensive saxophones can easily cost you thousands to tens of thousands of euros. And the rarer instruments, like a bass saxophone, are, by definition, less of a mass product, so the price also goes up.
A cheap saxophone: a good idea?
In principle, yes, it is a good idea, if only because you just want to try it out once. A saxophone can be quite expensive, so you’re not going to buy one if you’re not sure about what you want.