I've never played the saxophone before, and I'm going to buy my first one soon. I'm not sure which one to go for? What's the main differences between the saxophones?
2006-12-11 00:13:03 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
The best way to choose what instrument to use would be to listen to each one being played to determine the one that you like. The most notable difference between the two are the size. The alto being smaller then the tenor, also the registers that they play in and the sound they make, where the tenor is a deeper tone then the alto.
Listen to John Coltrane who played the soprano sax as well as the tenor sax.
For the alto sax, listen to Charlie Parker. He's awesome!
Another good soprano sax player is Kenny G. He also plays the alto and tenor sax, but the soprano is his sax of choice.
All three of these saxophonists are great with their particular saxophone. Listen to all three of them play to distinguish the different sounds of each. Go to a local music store as they usually have a resident saxophonist that gives lessons and see if they will play each on for you to hear live. If you are a student, ask your music teacher for his/her thoughts on each saxophone and see if they will let you try each one (if they have them for school use). Also, most music stores let students rent the instrument for a certain time period to give you the opportunity to try the instrument before making a purchase. That would probably be the route to take. If you aren't a student, then the one that you buy and use will be the one that really "moves" you when you hear it being played. My favorite would be the tenor sax.
Good luck...
2006-12-11 00:43:26 · answer #1 · answered by prez33rd 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The size is different (alto is smaller) and they are in different keys. Here is what wikipedia says:
"Most saxophone players begin learning on the alto, branching out to tenor, soprano or baritone after gaining competency. The alto saxophone is the most popular among classical composers and performers; most classical saxophonists focus primarily on the alto. In jazz, alto and tenor are predominantly used by soloists. Many jazz saxophonists also play soprano on occasion, but nearly all of them use it only as an auxiliary instrument."
You could really start with either--you might try them both out and see if you feel more comfortable with one over the other.
2006-12-11 08:24:47 · answer #2 · answered by Stephanie H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how you intend to use the sax, and what the band you're going to play in needs. If your band needs tenor players more than alto players, you should consider the tenor. If it needs alto players more, play alto.
In general: because the tenor sax is in B-flat, you may find it a little easier to fit into an ensemble because there's a variety of B-flat parts you could double on: you can read the clarinet and bass clarinet parts, the trumpet/cornet parts, and the baritone (treble clef) parts. You could also easily play duets with any of these instruments without getting a separate part; you could just read and play the clarinet or trumpet part as it's written (allowing for differences in range among these instruments). If you were playing alto, about the only instruments you could easily double or play duets with are the alto clarinets and E-flat soprano clarinets, and E-flat mellophones.
Two other major differences: weight and cost. The tenor sax will weigh more and cost more than the alto.
2006-12-11 08:23:32 · answer #3 · answered by Rusting 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A few things to think through. How big are you (i.e. are you a thirteen-year-old girl or a six-foot bloke?). The alto is smaller and lighter, so easier for smaller hands. What sort of music do you want to play? If you worship Charlie Parker you might have the ambition to play his high-octane alto style - if you love Ben Webster, then you're gonna want to copy his deep, breathy tones on the tenor. It's nice to be able to play along with your heroes! If you want to play soul / blues / R&B backing horn parts, either will be fine. But, definitely, if you're really physically small the tenor is a bit of a monster to start with. For rock styles it doesn't really matter which - they're both used and a lot of the stuff you hear is played by musicians who've mastered both (and probably soprano and baritone as well). But, basically, whichever you choose you won't be cutting yourself out of getting into bands or jamming along at sessions. Just get those lips and fingers strong and go for it!
Oh yeah - forgot the keys! Read Rusting's post - we 'old band geeks' gotta support each other!
2006-12-11 08:29:19 · answer #4 · answered by stevedukenew 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only real difference is the size and the key. Playing them is much the same. I have a tenor and personally much prefer the sound. Other thing to bear in mind is the weight - tenor is heavier!
2006-12-11 08:24:05 · answer #5 · answered by cheeselweasel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you like hi pitch go for a alto if you like the low sultry sounds go for the tenor but if you are a beginner it mite be easy er to start out with a alto i however didn't do that made things harder but a year latter and I'm teaching it
2006-12-12 12:37:14 · answer #6 · answered by cheech 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just size. The alto ( is what I play ) is smaller. The tenor is bigger.
Go with the alto
2006-12-11 08:18:10 · answer #7 · answered by spartan1820 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just choose tenar sax cos it is way way better
2006-12-11 08:15:44 · answer #8 · answered by david3421 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ALTO ALL THE WAY ITS MUCH MUCH BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-12-11 08:14:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋