1. Listen to music featuring the different types of saxophone music – classical, contemporary, funk, jazz, R&B, rock, Smooth jazz and swing. 2. After you are sure that you love saxophone music, then listen to music featuring the different types of saxophone - sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass and contrabass. 3. Choose the type of saxophone that you like. Put your age and size into consideration before making final decision. The traditional starting type for the beginner is with the alto saxophone. This is in part due to the fact that that vast majority of classical saxophone music is written for the alto. Also, the alto requires slightly less air than does the tenor, and the smaller key scale often fits more comfortably in a young person's hands. 4. Consult your school music teachers, private teacher or local music stores for suggestions on which brands and models to try. 5. Generally a student saxophone is both affordable and musically satisfying to play, but lack of features, tone quality and resale value of a professional one. A student saxophone is a good way to go if you or your child's commitment is questionable. 6. Silver-plated saxophones produce a slightly brighter tone than lacquered ones. Gold-plated saxophone have a warm, heavy sound and can cost considerably more. 7. It is very important to only purchase used saxophone from reputable dealers or people who have clearly documented the positives and negatives. 8. Inspect the used saxophones for dents (recent and repaired) and re-soldering, as well as the condition of the pads. Pads should be soft to the touch and completely cover the adjacent tone holes. Also, check if the saxophone has been re-lacquered. A re-lacquered one is not necessarily a bad, but it could affect the resale value of the saxophone down the road. 9. It is very important to pick a good-quality reed, since it is the one that triggers the vibration of sound within the saxophone. 10. A sturdy neck strap or harness is a must. A mouthpiece pouch protects the mouthpiece while in the case. A swab is good for keeping the tube clean. 11. Consider price, quality, and service before buying. You may want to choose a music store with a repair person on-site or, if you buy from a mail-order service, it would be wise to have a repair shop available to you nearby. 12. The best way to purchase a saxophone is to bring someone who knows how to play it and have them try it out. Make them test every note against a tuner, and play loud and soft. Also, try a chromatic scale slowly from the lowest to the highest notes so you can check for leaking pads. 13. Bring the following items when you go to try a saxophone: mouthpieces, cork grease, tuner and reeds. 14. Read Saxophone Buyer's Guide for more information. |
Choosing A Woodwind Instrument Steve Goodson Saxophone The Man I Love - Selmer Super Sax SSS Cigar Cutter |
Prev Top Next |
