The soprano saxophone is one of the smallest members of the saxophone family, tuned in B-flat and featuring a straight or curved but always cylindrical body. At Twigg Musique, we offer a wide variety of brands, including Yamaha, Selmer, and Yanagisawa. Shop now for the soprano saxophone that's right for you!
Origins of the Soprano Saxophone
Like the entire saxophone family, it was conceived in 1840 by Belgian instrument inventor Adolphe Sax. The family of saxophone instruments, made of brass and with a single-reed mouthpiece, was first introduced to the public in 1841.
Harmonically, the soprano saxophone more closely resembles the clarinet or oboe and shares the same range. The saxophone's ability to project as well as play softly, its wide range, and its ability to bend notes expressively led to its use in military bands and symphony orchestras.
Composition of the Soprano Saxophone
This instrument is available in two different body types: straight and curved. Straight soprano saxophones are the original design of the saxophone and are made with a straight, cylindrical body. Curved soprano saxophones, on the other hand, are built with a body that is folded at one time and with a retractable bowl.
Very often made of brass, like all other members of the saxophone family, soprano saxophones feature a bore that doesn't widen from neck to mouthpiece, giving it a distinctive sound known for being bright and clear.
Materials
There are three primary materials used in the construction of the soprano saxophone: brass, bronze, and silver. Most often, soprano saxophones are made with brass, a material known for its durability and malleability. Bronze, composed of copper and tin, produces a warmer, darker sound due to the rich tone of copper. Silver, though more expensive, produces the brightest, clearest sound.
Keywork
When choosing your saxophone, it is important to consider the keywork. Ensure that the keywork fits comfortably in your hands to avoid making playing the instrument more difficult. The best way to ensure comfortable keywork is to try the instrument before purchasing it. However, if you purchase from Twigg Musique, you have 7 days to return or exchange your instrument if you are not satisfied!
Mouthpiece, Neck, and Ligature
In addition to the key mechanism, the neck, mouthpiece, and ligature are also important components of the soprano saxophone.
The neck of the soprano saxophone is crucial for producing a free, open sound. As with the key mechanism, the best way to choose the right neck is to play the instrument in-store.
Mouthpieces are essential to the sound of any saxophone and can significantly change the sound quality of the instrument. The two most common mouthpiece shapes are straight and curved.
The soprano saxophone is also known for its sensitivity to the reed. Depending on the type of reed you use, it can have a significant impact on its sound. In addition, the ligature plays a role in the reed's ability to vibrate and produce sound.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember about the soprano saxophone is that it is the highest-pitched member of the saxophone family, with a key of B-flat (the same key as the tenor saxophone). Its distinctive sound is produced by a straight, cylindrical body and a conical bore. The material and craftsmanship of the key mechanism, neck, mouthpiece, ligature, and even the reed you use, play a critical role in the soprano saxophone's ability to produce its distinctive sound.
