The Skinny on Saxophones: FAQs, assembly, and More
The Need to Step Up
Unlike clarinets and flutes where a single construction material
constitutes the primary difference between beginner and step-up
instruments, step-up saxophones are differentiated by a collection of
features.
As with other instruments, beginner saxophones are made to be tough
and durable; extra features and mechanisms as well as fine adjustments
and cosmetic improvements are left off to keep the price down. Beginner
saxophones are designed primarily to hold up well while the player
learns to handle a saxophone and play basic music.
Within a year or so of playing, saxophonists learn to handle their
instruments properly and differences in tone, response, and ease of
execution become more important.
The differences step-up saxophones offer include key mechanisms that
make the instrument easier to play and extend its range (high F# and G
for alto saxes, low A for baritones). Some step-up saxes are made of
better materials, such as annealed brass.
Ribbed construction gives the
mechanisms more stability and allows the instrument to retain fine
adjustments better. Blued steel springs make the keys respond more
quickly without requiring additional pressure to press the keys.
An
adjustable thumb rest allows the player to find the most comfortable
position to hold the sax.
More attention to key adjustment and tone
hole covering in final assembly help give it a quick and true response.
A detachable bell makes the instrument easier for technicians to keep
in top playing condition. And cosmetic improvements including brass
keys, extra engraving, and mother-of-pearl finger buttons make it more
visually appealing.
Although saxophonists can get by with a beginner instrument longer than
flutists or clarinetists, band students who want to reach their musical
potential and sound their best should have at least an intermediate
saxophone. Very serious saxophonists need performer or top-line
saxophones.
Assembly
Place the thin end of the reed in your mouth to moisten
it while you assemble the rest of the saxophone. If the neck cork is dry, rub a
small amount of cork grease on it before assembly.
Hold the body of the saxophone with your left hand and remove the end plug. Gently twist the neck into the body with your right hand, taking care to avoid bending the octave mechanism. Tighten the neck screw.
Twist the mouthpiece onto the neck so that approximately
½ of the cork remains uncovered. With the ligature already around the
mouthpiece, slide the thick end of the reed under the ligature and align the
tip of the reed with the tip of the mouthpiece. Tighten the ligature screws to hold the reed firmly in
place.
Put the neck strap around your neck and attach the hook to the ring on the back of the saxophone. Adjust the length of the strap so you can comfortably put the mouthpiece in your mouth.
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Playing Position
Put your right thumb under the right thumb rest on back of the sax
and your left thumb across the left thumb rest. Allow your fingers to
curve naturally and rest gently on the keys.
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Creating Tone
Roll your lower lip over your bottom teeth and make a
slightly puckered smile. Put the
mouthpiece in your mouth about ½ inch with the reed facing your tongue. Place
your upper teeth on the mouthpiece and close your mouth gently around the
mouthpiece.
Take a deep breath and whisper “tah” into the mouthpiece.
The reed should begin vibrating with the airflow, creating the tone.
How the Saxophone Works
Vibrations are created as the stream of air hits the tip
of the reed. The frequency of the vibration is determined by the distance the
air must travel before escaping from the saxophone. Tone holes are carefully
positioned on the body of the instrument to create the best intonation possible
for each note. However, no saxophone is perfectly in-tune, and consequently
some notes must be “lipped” into tune. As each key is depressed, its pad (round
felt covered with soft leather) stops the airflow through that tone hole. As
the distance the air must travel increases, the tone gets lower.
Tuning
The saxophone is tuned by adjusting its length. The
mouthpiece can be moved in or out on the cork, changing the length the air must
travel. As the mouthpiece is pulled out, the pitch gets lower. Pushing the
mouthpiece in raises the pitch.
Key
Alto saxophones are in the key of Eb. This means that a C played on the alto sax is the same as an Eb on a piano or other C instrument.
As a result a saxophonist and an accompanist on a piano or other C instrument cannot play from the same sheet of music. The saxophonist’s music must be transposed down three half steps.
The tenor and soprano saxes are in the key of Bb, and the baritone sax is in the key of Eb. Their music must likewise be transposed in order to play with a piano or other instrument in a different key.
