Seeing a saxophone, you might assume it’s made of brass and fits in with brass instruments. Actually, it’s classified as a woodwind instrument because its sound comes from a vibrating reed made of woody cane.
The saxophone is a widely used musical instrument in various ensembles. It’s found in concert bands, solo performances, chamber music, military bands, jazz bands, marching bands, and contemporary music. The saxophone often features as a melody or solo instrument, or within the horn section in popular music.
List of Saxophone Types
Since Adolphe Sax invented the saxophone, it has seen many innovations and now comes in several sizes and forms. However, the saxophone family mainly has four types: Tenor, Baritone, Soprano, and Alto. Additionally, there are several subtypes worth noting. Here’s a brief overview of these types and subtypes:
1) Subcontrabass
If you’re curious about the biggest saxophone, check out the subcontrabass saxophone. This massive instrument stands about 10 feet tall, making it even taller than Yao Ming or Tacko Fall.
Sound produced by the subcontrabass features very low, sometimes nearly inaudible notes. Despite this, it’s incredibly powerful and loud, comparable to the loudest brass instruments.
However, you’ll rarely see a subcontrabass saxophone today because it’s scarce. So, beginners usually won’t find one.
2) Contrabass Saxophone
The contrabass saxophone is the second largest after the subcontrabass, measuring about 6 feet tall. If you play it, you usually need to hold it horizontally. You can play it upright while seated though. The contrabass is more commonly used than the subcontrabass and is sometimes played by great jazz musicians.
This contrabass saxophone has a unique quality. It produces a vast, resonating sound that isn’t suitable for beginners. You need a lot of air to play it correctly.
3) Bass Saxophone
The bass saxophone, while not as large as the contrabass and subcontrabass, still stands at about 4 feet tall. It’s bigger than most smaller wind instruments. This type of saxophone rarely appears, though some jazz players occasionally use it.
The bass saxophone was popular in the early 20th century for offering jazz big bands a rich low-end sound. As a beginner, you likely won’t get to play this sax. However, seasoned musicians with good lung capacity can enjoy its deep notes.
4) Baritone Saxophone
The baritone saxophone, or bari sax, is larger than the tenor saxophone and has a lower pitch. It’s smaller than the bass saxophone but is the lowest-pitched sax among those commonly used.
Standing around three feet high and weighing 12 to 35 pounds, the bari sax is bulky but manageable. You’ll find it has a low A, and some even hit as low as Bb. It’s also capable of reaching the altissimo upper register.
5) Tenor Saxophone
The tenor saxophone, a medium-sized instrument pitched in Bb, is a popular choice over the alto sax. Its sounds are prominent in many jazz and pop recordings. Notable tenor sax players include Michael Brecker, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, and Clarence Clemmons.
As a beginner, I believe you can manage this type of saxophone since players of different sizes can use it. It’s common in military and marching bands. It produces a crisp sound, ideal for harmony and rhythm.
6) Alto Saxophone
The alto saxophone, pitched in Eb, is one of the most popular saxophones. It’s easy to learn, affordable, and convenient. Most players start with the alto saxophone. It’s also simple to tune.
The alto saxophone is popular in concert bands, pop music, marching bands, solo repertoire, chamber music, military bands, swing music, and jazz combos. Master its fingerings, and you can easily switch to any other saxophone.
The alto saxophone shaped jazz history. Influential musicians like Don Redman, Johnny Hodges, Jimmy Dorsey, and Benny Carter excelled with it.
The alto saxophone is perfect for playing melodies. It produces a mid-range sound that’s clear. You’ll often hear the alto saxophonist as a soloist.
7) Soprano Saxophone
The soprano saxophone produces a higher-register sound compared to other saxophones. As the third smallest, it has a straight shape, resembling clarinets and recorders.
The soprano saxophone is challenging to learn and isn’t recommended for beginners. It demands a precise mouth position, known as embouchure. Soloist jazz and classical musicians, like Kenny G, often choose to play the soprano saxophone.
8) Sopranino Saxophone
The sopranino saxophone looks like the soprano saxophone, but it’s smaller. It also produces higher notes than the soprano saxophone.
The sopranino saxophone is a specialty type of saxophone, adding a unique color to a song. Jazz players frequently use it for its exceptional improvisation capabilities.
If you’re a beginner, the sopranino saxophone may be challenging to handle. Experts don’t recommend it for those just starting out.
9) Saxello
The Bb Soprano Saxello stands out with its unique design. Introduced in 1924-1925, it now features a half-turned bell with a curved top. This design offers added comfort, enhanced tone, and ease of playing.
The Saxello received its patent on November 2, 1926, as an upgrade to King Saxophones. Most Saxellos have a satin silver finish, but some feature artist engraving and gold plating.
10) Tubax
The Tubax, created by German instrument maker Benedikt Eppelsheim, is an enhanced saxophone. It’s available in B♭ or C subcontrabass and E♭ contrabass sizes. The name “Tubax” combines tuba and sax.
The E♭ contrabass was the first tubax by Eppelsheim. It’s more compact than the contrabass saxophone, with the same register as the regular contrabass. Its tubing is folded more than the standard contrabass sax, making it easier to play with better agility. It blends well with other saxophones.
Only one C model of subcontrabasses has been made, while several B♭ subcontrabasses are in use. Swiss musician Thomas Mejer bought this unique C subcontrabass in 2002. He has recorded with Peter A. Schmid using it.
Experts debated whether the Tubax is really a saxophone because its bore isn’t as wide, and its tubing is thinner compared to standard saxophones. Some experts say the Tubax is in a class of its own, but others still believe it belongs to the saxophone family.
There’s a big similarity between the Tubax and the sarrusophone, both being double-reed instruments. While they share the same range, some tubaxes can hit a high G. However, the tubax has a wider bore, which makes its sound a bit honkier than typical saxophones.
11) Mezzo-soprano Saxophone
Another member of the saxophone family is the mezzo-soprano saxophone, also known as the F alto saxophone. It’s set in the F key and pitched one tone above the alto saxophone. This saxophone closely resembles the E♭ alto saxophone in sound and size but has an upper register that sounds like a B♭ soprano.
Few mezzo-soprano saxophones exist, with only a handful produced in 1928 and 1929. They didn’t gain popularity or sell well due to being introduced during the Great Depression.
Thus, the C.G. Conn Company, which made the mezzo-soprano, cut back its production to focus on the popular saxophones. The mezzo-soprano is a rare saxophone, the only one pitched in F besides some baritone saxophones.
12) C-Melody Saxophone
Another type of saxophone is the C-Melody Saxophone, a non-transposing instrument. Introduced between 1910 and 1920, it didn’t gain much popularity and quickly faded from the music scene.
Currently, some C-Melody saxophones are still produced. However, owning one isn’t practical. Yet, if you collect instruments, you can find a vintage 1920 C-Melody Saxophone for a specific price.
13) Electronic Wind Instrument (EWI)
If you want to create saxophone sounds without a saxophone, use the Electronic Wind Instrument (EWI). This wind controller, invented by Nyle Steiner in the 1970s, acts as an electronic musical instrument.
Nyle Steiner’s idea was quickly acquired by Akai, a Japanese company. Akai then released top models like the EWI4000S and EWI5000. Both have a built-in digital synthesizer.
These instruments sound like a clarinet or soprano saxophone. Contemporary EWIs offer various modes, including oboe, flute, and saxophone fingering. They feature a silicone mouthpiece and air pressure sensors.
These modern EWIs require less breath control than real saxophones. You can also adjust their breath sensitivity. If you already know how to play the saxophone, learning the EWI is easy. Prominent EWI players include Bob Mintzer and Michael Brecker.