Alto or Tenor Saxophone?

Question

Hey everyone,
With the school year starting soon, I've got a high school grad project to think about.

For my project (which has already been approved), I've chosen to learn to play the saxophone. Currently I'm preparing to call around and search for rental/lesson prices and whatnot so I figured I'd ask a question: which type of saxophone would you reccomend to a beginner? From what I've heard, alto's a better starting point, although I'd like more opinions.

As background info, this would be my first woodwind instrument, although I can read and transpose music on some level (I've been playing battery and mallet percussion for around for four years now), if that means anything.

Thanks for any answers, and apologies If I posted this is the wrong section.
-Alex

Answer 1

Alto sax is way cooler!

Answer 2

Hey Alex (japanese romaji i guess?)
Good choice on deciding to take up the saxophone mate. Picking between the alto and the tenor isn't easy but it's gotta come down to your preference.
As someone else mentioned, the alto is smaller, lighter, cheaper and has cheaper reeds so if price is your main criteria - go for the alto. But if a lower more mellow and less piercing sound I prefer the tenor. The hardest part is getting your mouth-position (ombechure) right and sorting out the right fingering for the notes but once you get that down pat, you will have to trouble switching between alto and tenor because they are really similar. If you want to be really different you could even try a soprano, baritone or sopranino when you feel confident.
You might want to shop around a few music stores, they will let you try the instruments before you buy them so get a feel for which one YOU feel more comfortable with.
Yamaha is a fantastic brand for beginners, their student models are affordable and reliable. And as a rule of thumb, don't buy any brand that has feathers or swims! ; )
Good luck!

edit: I've never had a problem with Rico Royal reeds but Vandoren's are the best (unfortunately expensive too) A cheap reed will give you a horrible sound so don't be stingy or you will find it hard to get going :)

Answer 3

I am in my last year of middle school I am qutting band now to try some new thing but in the 6th grade I played the trumpet and bartione and in the 7th I played the tenor saxphone I wanted to play the alto sax but they had to many players so I would pick the alto sax because it is smaller but it depends on what you like but the reeds cost less on alto sax to save some bucks

Answer 4

Alto is better... though I'm biased, because I play one.

But if you're beginning a wind instrument, alto is the way to go... thinner and cheaper reeds, less air required to play, smaller mouthpiece (so it's easier to control sound) and it's lighter in weight... and also cheaper to buy, if that's the case.

If you want to move to tenor, go ahead, but I recommend you start with alto and move up if you're not used to playing wind instruments and having them hang from your neck.

And I would also recommend a Yamaha if you're willing to not go for the cheapest ones like Bundys.

And stay away from Rico reeds!

Good luck, hope I helped a lil. :)

Answer 5

I've underneath no instances played horn, nevertheless at the discipline of blues just about probably the most moving saxophone sounds for me have perpetually come from the tenor sax. David "Fathead" Newman of Texas performed countless bluesy tenor sax as a sideman and was once as soon as in first-class call for during the Fifties in New Orleans whilst as he was once traveling as Ray Charles' baritone player. Newman continues returning to New Orleans, operating with Dr. John and the Neville Brothers. B.B. King, Clapton and plenty of others have featured Fathead on their recordings. Eddie Harris is one more jazz tenor guy who was once firmly rooted inside the blues. And we will underneath no instances positioned from your brain Illinois Jacquet, who led jazz into rhythm & blues. Kman is right. I noticed Eddie Shaw & The Wolf Gang are dwelling for the period of the Nineteen Eighties and he blew so hard I notion the roots of his hair could pop. Yes, A.C. Reed was once as soon as an extra great, as was once King Curtis (who played blues, jazz and was once as soon as featured on every silly hit by way of The Coasters.)

Answer 6

technique wise they are identical. learn to play one learn to play them all.

All of the really great famous jazz saxophonist played the tenor. (I am talking about greats like coltrane, not kenny G)