Saxophone Buying Guide

First, a little overview and history
Since its invention by Adolphe Sax in 1841, the saxophone has gone on to become perhaps the most featured wind instrument in pop and jazz. Modern saxophones come in a range of voicings. The most popular from high to low are the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone. The soprano and tenor are tuned in Bb while the alto and baritone are pitched to Eb. Though advanced students may learn to play all four instruments, typically saxophonists settle on one instrument with which they will develop their own distinct solo voice.

Musical from the get-go
Unlike neophyte flautists and clarinetists, the beginning saxophonist usually can produce a credible, musical tone during the earliest learning stages. Within the standard ranges of the various saxophones, notes can be produced relatively easily, even before the student has developed his or her embouchure (the optimal lip position required to produce the best tone) and breathing technique.

Buying the first instrument
The alto saxophone is far and away the most common starter instrument. Its smaller key layout and need for a little less air make it a solid choice for the younger student. Other factors making the alto a popular first saxophone are its generally lower cost as well as the wealth of classical repertoire written for the instrument. Most of the skills that will be learned on the alto are readily transferable to other saxophones. In elementary and high schools, altos typically represent the largest share of the saxophone section.

Regardless of which type of saxophone you and your student settle on, you will need to choose among three instrument quality levels: student, intermediate, and professional.

The student saxophone
Manufacturers have put a lot of attention into producing starter instruments that are affordable while offering the musicality that will keep a neophyte committed to developing his or her skills. Most student horns feel comfortable to beginners and are capable of producing pleasing tone quite easily. If your child's commitment to the saxophone is uncertain, a student model makes sense. In three years or so you will be ready to trade up to an intermediate instrument, and provided the student horn is still in decent shape, its sale or trade will help to underwrite the cost of the new sax.

Intermediate saxophones
As the name implies, intermediate models straddle the area between student and professional instruments. Though the key work and action may feel similar to a professional instrument, the intermediate horns usually do not produce the full tone of pro models. They typically evidence less hand work than professional instruments and usually lack the deluxe cosmetic detailing of their higher-end brethren.

Going pro
Professional saxophones offer a significant step-up in tone, response, and intonation. There is usually a lot of hand work such as hand-hammered keys and elaborate hand-engraving on the bell. The metal alloys, solders, and other materials used are of the highest quality resulting in advanced playability and full expressiveness.

Body construction
Saxophones have either ribbed or non-ribbed construction with most modern instruments being ribbed. This refers to how the posts (the knobs that protrude from the body to hold the keys) attach to the body. Individual posts are attached to plates or sheets of brass with high-temperature solder or brazing material. These rib assemblies are then attached to the saxophone body with lower-temperature solder. Ribs strengthen the bond between the posts and the body helping to keep the instrument in adjustment longer.

Student saxes and vintage U.S.-made horns are traditionally non-ribbed. This isn't necessarily a negative as the instrument is a little lighter and may be easier for the student to blow.

Materials and finishes
Most saxes are made with yellow brass bodies. Some instruments are available with bodies, bells, and/or necks made of bronze, copper, or sterling silver. These alternate materials darken the tone, add cost, require careful handling, and are geared towards the professional player seeking a distinctive tone and look.

The standard finish for most saxophones is a clear lacquer. Today, the saxophonist can choose from an array of alternate finishes including colored or pigmented lacquers, silver plate, "antiqued" or "vintage" finishes, nickel-plate, or black nickel-plate.

Additional keys
Most modern saxophones have a high F# key, though it is possible to play the note without the key. A growing number of soprano saxophones offer a high G key, though again, the note is playable without the key. Selmer Paris Series III altos include a C# resonance key for improved clarity of middle C#. Low A keys are now seen on most baritone saxophones.

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Most beginner-level instruments come packaged with a basic, mass-produced plastic mouthpiece. By replacing it with a professional unit, the life of the instrument can be extended dramatically, delivering both performance and financial benefits. There are a few things to keep in mind. Don't buy a mouthpiece just because someone famous, or even someone you admire, plays one. Everyone's mouth, lungs, and abilities are different so the same mouthpiece won't necessarily work for everyone. A good mouthpiece will be easy to blow, will play in tune, and will be very stable, consistently producing clean tones without difficulty. Its tones will be clear, resonant, and focused with good projection and a strong fundamental.

Parts of the mouthpiece
Knowing the various mouthpiece components by their function and common names will empower you to make an educated decision about which mouthpiece you need to achieve the sound, feel, and level of precision you want.

A. The Window is the opening between the tip rail, side rails, and end of the mouthpiece.

The Table is the flat area below the window that the reed is clamped to.

B. The Side Rails of the mouthpiece are the two narrow surfaces between the window edge and the point where the mouthpiece sides begin.

C. The Tip Rail is the narrow surface between the tip and the window.

The Facing (sometimes face or lay) is the surface that meets the reed. This term refers collectively to the table, side rails, and tip rail. The facing is only one among several elements that make up a good mouthpiece, but it is an important one. There are three general types of facings: short, medium, and long. A long facing produces outstanding low notes, but higher notes are hard to play clearly with sustain. The player must have very good control and a muscular mouth. The tip of the reed vibrates more, giving a reedier, or even mushy, sound.

A short facing, as you might guess, swings things the other way. High notes are very easy to reach. Exacting breath control is a must. Only a very short section of the reed vibrates for a precise sound.

A medium facing is a best-of-both-worlds situation that works for the vast majority of players. It is compatible with a wide variety of reeds. It is also comfortable, suitable for nearly all types of playing, and brings both high notes and low notes within reach.

D. The Tip Opening is the distance between the flat surface of the tip rail and the stationary reed.

E. The Baffle is the surface opposite the window. Its depth impacts reed movement.

The Chamber (or windway) is the area where air enters the mouthpiece.

Mouthpiece materials
The most common materials used for clarinet mouthpieces are plastic and hard rubber, with the occasional sighting of an exotic crystal unit, which is not used by many students. Saxophone mouthpieces are typically made of plastic, hard rubber, or metal-usually various alloys of aluminum, brass, and stainless steel.

A plastic (acrylic) mouthpiece usually is a mass-produced unit such as the one that came with your woodwind. They have limited durability and may warp over time.

Over the years hard rod rubber has proven itself to be the material of choice for millions of players, and there are several reasons why. Hard rubber is many times more stable than plastic, delivering clear tone again and again over a longer life span than its plastic counterpart. The well-focused tone of hard rubber mouthpieces is also generally accepted as more desirable than plastic's, with a very strong fundamental and plentiful overtones with more presence.

A metal saxophone mouthpiece produces a tone that is an acquired taste and these mouthpieces are usually used by soloists. They have much more projection than is needed for the typical ensemble player.

To help you find the right mouthpiece, you can try it out with your horn for a full 45 days before deciding to keep it. When you find the mouthpiece that you know will work for you, our affiliate Musician's Friend's 45-Day Lowest Price and Complete Satisfaction Guarantees will give you confidence in your purchase.