The Alto Saxophone

The alto saxophone has demonstrated it's versatility being featured in many varieties of popular and classical music settings for decades. The alto saxophone is a member of woodwind family and was recently invented by Adolphe Sax and took on his name "Sax" as his heritage.

The vocal and aural sounds produced on the alto saxophone are of endless possiblities. Just think of the variety of sounds like the light legato classic french sound, to the blues, honking, squealing, yakking, to the hard edgy sounds, actually an endless palette of sounds from this very versatile instrument.

The alto saxophone is from top to bottom about twenty nine inches, It is the instrument most beginning players start with. After gaining experience with the alto students usually test out the variety of the other saxes in the saxophone family. Other saxophone choices include the soprano which is becoming more of a popular favorite, the tenor and baritone also. As time goes by students usually find a favorite instrument that matches their individual taste and style and develop their own sound and voice.

There are a number of quality student models and the Yamaha Yas23 is one of the most highly recommended student models as it features a comfortable fit for younger hands and easily produces an acceptable centered tone. The prices for new instruments are reasonable and if necessary because of price many used ones in good condition can be found.  

As a transposing instrument meaning that it's key center is relative to a concert key instrument like the piano. On a piano if you play a C it is a true concert C. If you play a C on an alto saxophone it would equal an Eb on the piano which would involve transposing to compensate for the parallel tones which are actually a major sixth below the tones on the piano.

Mouthpiece and Reed

One of the most important pieces of equipment on the saxophone is the mouthpiece. Although new saxophones come with a mouthpiece and ligature many students with the aid of a qualified teacher, or experienced friend can help in finding a suitable mouthpiece. This separate purchase can sometimes help the beginning student to get comfortable adjusting to producing an acceptable sound on their new instrument

Similarly with reeds which are an important component in producing sound as it is clamped to the mouthpiece by a device called a ligature. There are numerous brands and styles of reeds that most times you will have to play test until you find the ones that produce the sound that you want. Reeds are graded by strengths from soft to hard starting with 1 to 5. The softest reeds usually produce a thin sound and most teachers wouldn't recommend beginning students to use anything softer than a number 2.

The saxophone neck inserts into the top of the sax body. The mouthpiece slides over a cork fitted end. Properly greased with a dab of cork grease it should slide off and on but also have a firm air tight fit at all times.

Price

Alto saxophones vary in price. From a variety of student models you can usually expect to pay from $300 to upwards of $6000 for the professional state of the art models. You can probably find what you are looking for in that price range. You can find a saxophone that plays well and has quality workmanship for a reasonable price. Although the most expensive instrument maybe helpful practice, and skill will help any saxophonist to produce beautiful music.