INSTRUMENTIONARY.COM

A brass instrument with several valves used to modify the length of the internal chamber, utilizing a reed to generate the sound. The Alto Sax operates in the same fashion as the Oboe, Clarinet and Bagpipe. A supply of air is passed over the reed to cause it to vibrate, and the frequency of this vibration creates the tone. To change the fundamental frequency inside the resonant chamber, that is to change the length of the tube, valves are opened or shut to alter the length of the standing wave, which alters the pitch of the note.

Dim lights

Origin:

Adoplhe Sax invented the Saxophone in 1841, through a process where he was aiming to develop a brass instrument with the characteristics of a woodwind. One of the main reasons for this invention was his desire to develop an instrument that made playing while overblowing simpler than on a clarinet; to do this the instrument had to be able to increase pitch by an entire octave when overblown. This overblow is similar in effect to bending on a harmonica.

Description:

As Alto Saxophones are available in a wide range of keys, or registers, they are highly versatile instruments. Their wide range of notes and the ability to play sequences of notes very rapidly makes them excellent for military and jazz style playing.

Famous Alto Sax Musicians/Compositions:

Marcel Mule and Daniel Deffayat are both well regarded musicians from the 1920’s and 1930’s, directing French Musical quartets, composing in the rapidly evolving styles associated with brass music of the era. Kenny G is probably the most recognizable name in modern Alto Sax playing. There are several famous musical pieces that were composed largely for the Alto Sax, that are great to listen to. Kenny G does a brilliant rendition of ‘Time after Time’ and ‘The Journey’ from James Carter.

Similarities with other instruments:

The Alto Saxophone has similarities to a number of brass and woodwind instruments. The basic construction of the instrument with a reed gives it an exceptional quality of sound that is related to the mellow, smooth sound produced by the clarinet and oboe. Likewise, the Alto Sax has similar capabilities as its distant cousin the Harmonica, with an ability to pitch bend notes. Being a brass instrument, it has the ability to produce bright, clear, vibrant tones that can carry for a very long distance. The closest relative to the Alto Sax is the other members of the Saxophone family, such as the Baritone Sax. Being slightly larger, the baritone carries a deeper pitch, and has a lower natural range.

Care of Instrument:

 When looking after your Alto Sax, you should make sure to clean it after playing. It is made of brass, a material that will tarnish over time. If you leave moisture from your breath inside the instrument, the functioning of the valves can become seriously affected, resulting in a ‘stuck’ valve that detrimentally affects the playability of the instrument. When you buy a Sax it should come with the required cleaning equipment, usually a soft rag, a long specialized stick, and some valve oil to lubricate any moving parts. If you look after your instrument, it will hold its value and playability for many years.