Stepping Up Your Saxophone
Beginner instruments are meant for beginners
They're durable and they're easy to play. A better player, though, needs a better instrument.
An intermediate or performer-level saxophone will be more responsive to the player's touch, which is especially important in quick passages, and will also have better range and quality of sound.
A step-up instrument will be better-looking, too!
Here are some features that factor in.
Features Found on Most Beginner Saxophones
| Feature |
Benefits
|
Power-forged keys
|
Better strength and durability
|
Nickel-plated keys
|
Durable, cleans easily
|
Features Found on Most Intermediate Saxophones
| Feature |
Benefits
|
Annealed bell
|
Better response and tone color
|
Power-forged keys
|
Better strength and durability
|
Clear lacquered keys
|
More attractive finish
|
High F# key
|
Extended range
|
Adjustable thumb rest
|
Comfortable hand position
|
Bell engraving
|
Attractive appearance
|
Features Found on Most Performer Saxophones
| Feature |
Benefits
|
Annealed bell, body, and bow
|
Best response and tone color
|
Power-forged keys
|
Strong; allows adjustment without breaking
|
Clear lacquered keys
|
More attractive finish
|
High F# key
|
Extended range
|
Adjustable thumb rest
|
Comfortable hand position
|
Ribbed construction
|
Improved post stability
|
Mother of pearl finger buttons
|
Professional look and feel
|
Blued steel springs
|
Responsive key action
|
Detachable bell
|
Easier to work on and adjust
|
Hand-engraved bell
|
Attractive appearance
|
Hard rubber mouthpiece
|
More stable face and chamber
|
Still have questions? Catch our band-instrument specialists by email here or give them a call at (901) 323-8888.
