Which Sax?

[JoJo8192]

Hi!
I've been reading this forum for the past week. I've been playing the clarinet for the past 8 years and have decided that i would like to try playing the saxophone. My problem is, which sax? I was looking at the alto or tenor. I know the tenor is lower, but how much lower? Do they have the same range of notes? Is there some place where I can find soundclips of each so i can decide which sounds better? Are there any tips for switching from clarinet to saxophone? Thanks!
-Joanne

[Fred]

I'm doing now what you're talking about doing. Alto is an easier switch than tenor, but either is possible if that's what you want to do. The key is going to be to change the embouchure and loosen up. Plus you gotta find a cool hat. :)

I went with used instruments and now have an alto and a tenor that I love. I really want to get a soprano though. Good luck with your decision.

[Morry]

JoJo...alto would be an easier switch, in that it doesn't require the amount of air that the tenor does. The only other main difference in the two is that you'll be playing in one more sharp on alto, as compared to the tenor or Bb clarinet.

Have fun!

[FrankB2]

I've played clarinet for 30 years, and always wanted a sax. I found one
that was virtually new on ebay (locally) for $385!!!! Yamaha YAS-23. The
guy I bought it from had a collection of saxes, and bought this new less
than a year before he sold it to me. He bought a Yamaha Custom to
replace it by the way. It plays well, looks great, and suits my NEEDS well.
In fact, since I bought it last September, my clarinet is just collecting
dust. I would like a tenor as well, so that search is just beginning.

I don't know why, but the first time I blew into the alto, I sounded like a
complete wind instrument beginner. I switched to a softer reed, relaxed
my embouchure, and the music just began to flow. As far as sound difference between the tenor and alto, well listen to Kenny Garrett's CD
"Pursuance: The Music of John Coltrane", and his alto sound is close to
a tenor sound to my ears. Of course the lowest low note on a tenor will
sound deeper than an alto, but I think the player, mouthpiece, horn, etc,
all make for a variety of alto sounds. Listen to Paul Desmond, Cannonball
Adderly, and Ornette Coleman for an alto variety!!!

Frank

[SuiZen]

I play clarinet, and got into sax about two months ago. I now have two altos.

The range for alto and tenor is shown on the following web page.

http://members.aol.com/pjay99site/Instrumentranges.htm

The Yamaha YAS-23 is an excellent beginner sax. I had one on approval from Charles Fail. I liked it a lot, but went with a Conn Chu Berry that he was selling. I was very tempted to also buy the YAS-23, because it was in great condition, was easy to play, and had a beautiful sound.

http://www.charlesfail.com/Saxophones.htm#Altos


Like clarinets, the mouthpiece can make a big difference.
Bill

[singlereed]

If you play clarinet, you would quickly take to soprano or alto sax. Tenor would require a bit more adjustment in control - your breathing apparatus is part of the instrument after all!

It is worth listening to a few players and conside the sound you are after, and what kind of music you want to play. Tenor is a common double for clarinet players as it is in the same key (good if you improvise) and is a greater way apart in sound and pitch. There are far fewer tenor players around, but far less published music for it than for alto. Tenor saxes cost a bit more, and there are also less instruments around. Don't worry, whichever you start on, you can always switch to, or better still ADD another sax.

Do get a few lessons with a sax specialist teacher. You can play sax with a clarinet embouchure but it will strangle the top notes, induce biting (painful for you and the listener) and stop you achieving any jaw vibrato. The important difference is that the whole mouth closes around the mouthpiece in sax playing more like an 'O' than a smile. It took me over a year to find this out, not helped by learning sax from a clarinet player. You can read about this in Larry Teal's book 'The Art of Saxophone Playing', which will help you work it out. However, I do know teachers who could sort out your posture, breathing and embouchure on sax in about an hour, whereas you could 'cope' playing it like a clarinet for a long time.

Best wishes, and enjoy!

[JoJo8192]

Thanks for everyone's help! I'm gonna start researching altos now. Maybe in a few years when i'm comfortable I'll look at getting a tenor. Cheers!

[Paul Coats]

Actually there is not that much difference from alto to tenor. Yes, tenor takes slightly more air, and a little looser embouchure, but this is learned quickly.

Also consider, alto players are a dime a dozen (no slight here). There are many, many more alto players than tenor, due to the fact that most saxophonists start out on alto, and never switch to any of the other saxes.

You will find that you have many more playing opportunities on tenor than alto.

[ajcurtis]

While I would accept Pauls comments that there are more alto's than tenors out there. I just cann't get my head around the statement that you would have more opportunities playing the tenor than the alto! I would have throught it was down to how good a musician you were? :?: :?:

[FrankB2]

It seems like EVERYONE is playing tenor sax in jazz, at least to me<G>.
Other than Kenny Garrett and the *smooth jazz* yo-yo's, I can't
find many recordings from alto players (I'm not grouping Kenny
Garrett with the smooth jazzies BTW). The local sheet music (LARGE)
shop has tons of tenor transcriptions, and one Charlie Parker book.
Almost makes me want to take the time to transcribe the tenor
music<G>.

Frank

[horatio]

I listend too the music I liked, and picked the sax that most represented that music. My enjoyment of the sound keeps me pursuing the sax. Eventually one has them all. Neal

[Vortex]

Alto and tenor really aren't all that different, tenor doesn't go very much lower than an alto sax. If you're very much used to clarinet, though, i'd probably recommend soprano, which is tuned to B-flat and very similar to a clarinet. Whichever you pick, it shouldn't take long to get used to (except for embourchure issues), so good luck to ya!

Also if you play in a band and are a fan of getting lead parts/solos, soprano or alto is your best bet.

[BigDean]

My friend...I am doing basically the same thing as you. Started out on Clarinet years ago (haven't played it in a long time...too long actually!)
I am getting ready to start on a Sax and I have decided Alto is the best way for me to go. I haven't been completely music-less...I have been playing the Bass Guitar at my church for the last 2 years.

In our worship team, we have decided we need a little spice and want a sax. We have no brass either.

It consists of an accoustic, electric guitar, my bass guitar, drums and keyboard.

I am hoping all will go well and within a year or so I will be ready to branch out to playing the Sax!!! (Your prayers please! :lol: )

Good luck on your switch and I will be praying for your success. :D