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A
Look at the Saxophone Family |
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There
are eight different types of saxophone in the saxophone family.
The first four types below are more common than the last four types.
Any of them could be used in a solo performance. As a general rule,
the longer the saxophone body, the lower the sound. |
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Soprano
Saxophone |
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The
soprano saxophone produces mellifluous yet exciting sounds.
In appearance, there is a straight-body type and a curved-body
type. The straight-body type either has a straight neck
or a curved neck, and either a one-piece design or being
welded together from several smaller parts. Kenny G uses
a one-piece straight-body saxophone. The saxophone with
a curved body resembles a swan, which is probably the reason
why it's so popular. |
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Alto
saxophone |
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The
alto saxophone produces the best overall sound, so it is the
most representative of all the saxophones, as well as the
type that people most often learn to play. The famous saxophonist
Gao Pei-hua uses an alto saxophone. |
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Tenor
saxophone |
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The
tenor saxophone produces the smoothest sound in its family.
The famous musician Stan Getz uses a tenor saxophone. |
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Baritone
saxophone |
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Since
the Baritone saxophone has a lower tone, it is not often
used as the main instrument. It holds an important position
in a larger band or a quartet. Gerry Mulligan is one of
few musicians who became famous playing a baritone saxophone.
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Sopranino
Saxophone |
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Sopranino
saxophone has a straight body. It is not common anymore.
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C
Melody Saxophone |
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The C melody saxophone has disappeared after
1920's. |
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Bass
Saxophone |
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Bass
saxophone is not common anymore. It is often used in a large
brass band as a duplicate of other bass instruments. Since
its sound is not very strong, it is often drown out by the
sound of other instruments. |
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Contrabass
Saxophone |
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Since
the size of the contrabass saxophone is very large, and
it is hard to play, it is now very rare. |
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