Saxophones are musical instruments belonging to the woodwind category. Saxophones were generally used in the military and in big orchestras, but are now found in smaller bands as well. They are generally used for big band music, pop music and jazz. A saxophone is as complex as a classical instrument and as unconventional as a non-classical instrument. People who play saxophones are called saxophonists.
The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian, in the 1840s. Later, many people made their own alterations to the instrument. There are many kinds of saxophones but the most commonly used are: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone saxophones. The smaller alto saxophones are ideal for first-time players. The tenor saxophones are generally preferred by jazz musicians, especially soloists. The alto is the next preferred model. There are also vintage saxophones available.
Saxophones are generally associated with jazz music, but they are also suitable for classical music. The saxophone often complements the French horn since both of them have a similar range and timbre. Jazz saxophones use high-baffled mouthpieces. Their configuration allows the baffle, or ceiling, to be closer to the reed for a brighter sound. The sound should be bright enough to cut through the other big instruments in a band or an orchestra. The baffle and the tone depend on the shape of the mouthpiece. Those with larger tip openings allow for greater flexibility in the pitch for “bending” notes. This is very useful in jazz and pop music. Lower baffles and smaller tip openings make the pitch more stable and give a darker sound. This is more suitable to classical music.
The local music store, mail-order service, a private party or the Internet are popular sources for buying saxophones. The main aspects to be considered are the quality, service, price and the model. The Internet is a good place to find information about jazz saxophones, but it is wise to test a few of them before buying.
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Alto Saxophones
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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A saxophone is a musical instrument that belongs in the woodwind category. It is one of the youngest musical instruments, having been invented in the 1840s by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian. Saxophones were earlier used in the military and in big orchestras but are now...
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Tenor Saxophones
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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A saxophone is a musical instrument that belongs in the woodwind category. It is one of the youngest musical instruments. The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian, in the 1840s. Later, many people made their own alterations to the instrument. Saxophones were generally...
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Baritone Saxophones
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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A saxophone is a musical instrument that belongs to the woodwind category. It is one of the youngest musical instruments. The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian, in the 1840s. Later, many people made their own alterations to the instrument. Saxophones were generally...
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Soprano Saxophones
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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A saxophone is a musical instrument that belongs to the woodwind category. It is one of the youngest musical instruments. Saxophones were generally used in the military and in big orchestras but are now found in smaller bands as well. They are generally used for...
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Saxophones
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The saxophone is one of the youngest musical instruments. It was invented by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian, in the 1840s. The saxophone has a sound that is very close to the human voice, which is why it is used to express emotions. The saxophone often...
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Used Saxophones
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Saxophones are musical instruments belonging to the woodwind category. They are one of the latest musical instruments to be invented, having come into existence in the 1840s. The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian. It was originally used in the military, though it...
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Vintage Saxophones
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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A saxophone is a musical instrument belonging to the woodwind category. It is one of the youngest musical instruments, invented by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian, in the 1840s. Later, many people made their own alterations to the instrument. Saxophones were generally used in the military...
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Jazz Sheet Music
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Most jazz lovers or for that matter any music lover can never forget the name Louis Armstrong, or the famous ‘Satchmo.’ One of the most revered kinds of music styles in the world of jazz music is that of ‘Mr. Satchmo.’ Jazz music originated in...
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A Guide to Violin Strings
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The type of strings used on a violin has a great effect on the sound of the instrument. Different kinds of strings can have different tones and sound quality. Also, strings made of some materials stay in tune longer and often last longer than others....
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Clarinet Sheet Music
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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One of the most prolific composers was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who wrote music for several instruments including the clarinet. The clarinet is an instrument that belongs to the family of the woodwind. It is comprised of four hollow pieces of ebony, a barrel, upper and...