Soprano Sax : Curved and Straight?

Question

What is the difference between a curved soprano sax and a straight soprano sax?? Thanks.

Answer 1

The sopranino saxophone is one of the smallest members of the saxophone family. A sopranino saxophone is tuned in the key of E-flat, and sounds an octave above the alto saxophone. This saxophone has a sweet sound and although the sopranino is one of the least common of the saxophones in regular use today it is still being produced by several of the major musical manufacturing companies. Due to their small size, sopraninos are not usually curved like other saxes. Orsi, however, does make curved sopranino saxophones.

The original patented saxophone family, as developed by Adolphe Sax, included sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass, contrabass and subcontrabass instruments. Since the late 20th century, however, a B-flat piccolo, or sopranissimo saxophone (called soprillo) and a B-flat subcontrabass instrument (called tubax, also made in C) have been developed by the German instrument maker Benedikt Eppelsheim, although they are, technically, not true saxophones. Thus, the E-flat sopranino, originally the smallest size of saxophone, can now be considered the second smallest.

The most notable use of the sopranino is in the orchestral work Boléro by Maurice Ravel. Although Ravel calls for a sopranino saxophone in F, it is unlikely that such an instrument ever existed. Outside of classical music, notable improvisors using this instrument include Anthony Braxton and Martin Archer.

Answer 2

There is a slight difference of sound. Most saxophonists feel that the straight saxophone gives a better, clearer tone, while, the curved is a little more of a stuffy, airy sound. What people use is based on two things, availability of type, and personal choice. As most sopranos are straight (or just a slightly curved neck), most people play these. For those that can afford the choice, whether they play a curved or straight is all based on their choice. There is also another soprano sax that has a slight neck curve, and a flared bell, making it very hard to put on a peg and impossible to stand on the bell.

Answer 3

I don't think there is any difference, except for the curve itself.
There is an Eb-Soprano, a C-Soprano, and a Bb-Soprano.
The Eb is the only one I've seen that's curved.
The only difference I can think of would be the projection. A curved sax may project into the audience a little better.