Saxophone
The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax in 1841, a Belgian clarinetist. The saxophone was invented to resemble an intermediate instrument between woodwind and brass, although it is generally considered a single-reed woodwind instrument. Originally, Sax invented 14 different saxophones.[1] There are four types of saxophones in common use today: soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. More obscure saxophones are the soprillo, sopranino, mezzo-soprano, bass and contrabass saxophones and the tubax.
Because the note fingering is the same on all types of saxophones - being transposing instruments - it is easy for a saxophonist to switch from one sax to another, although it is sometimes difficult to adjust to the differently-sized mouthpiece of each instrument.
Table of Saxophone Types
The following table lists common and uncommon types of saxophones, listed from highest pitch to lowest pitch.
| Type | Key | Obscurity |
|---|---|---|
| Soprillo | Bâ | Obscure |
| Sopranino | Eâ | Obscure |
| Mezzo-soprano | F | Obscure |
| Soprano | Bâ | Common |
| Alto | Eâ | Common |
| C melody | C | Obscure |
| Tenor | Bâ | Common |
| Baritone ("Bari") | Eâ | Common |
| Bass | Bâ | Obscure |
| Contrabass | Eâ | Obscure |
| Tubax | Bâ | Obscure |
References
- â Pearson, Bruce. "Standard of Exellence Comprehensive Band Method Book 1 Eâ Alto Saxohone." San Diego: Niel A. Kjos Music Company, 1993. 48.