C melody Question: Is it an alto or tenor?

[snowymancello]

I have a C melody. Is it an C-Alto or a C-Tenor???? My Grandpa gave it to me. I am getting it fixed up and am going to play it. I want to play it in Band but I dont know what music i would play. What would i play??? Where can u find C- melody music???
Thanks!!!

[Helen]

C melody horns are either tenors or sopranos. If it is saxophone shaped, rather than straight, it is a c pitched tenor sax.

The problem with c melody horns is that modern bands don't have c melody sax parts. You can read any music for c-pitched instruments, like flute, if you want to play along with something or someone else.

C melody horns have the same range as an Eb or Bb pitched horn, so if you buy music that doesn't have any CD to accompany it, you can buy any sax music you want.

As far as playing in a band goes, you are more or less out of luck. I know some people use c melody horns to play along in church bands, but regular concert and jazz band music does not include C melody parts.

Are you a sax player already? If not, the c melody isn't the easiest instrument to learn on because it has a number of peculiarities which make it more challenging to play than a regular horn. If you can afford it, find yourself a teacher who is open to having a student learning on c melody. They will be able to help you get the most out of your horn and practice time.

[snowymancello]

I know how to play the flute (strangely enough, because im a guy) and I have found that mine is just like the flute, so i can play it pretty easy. Actually, im not a saxophone player, my Grandpa just gave it to me and i want to pick it up. I can already play flute, trumpet ( my main instrument), piano, and cello ( my newest instrument ) I have benn playing cello for a year and am playing better than some friends whom have played for 5-6 years. well thanks alot. I'll keep you updated if i find anything i can do with my C mel

[theConnman]

Actually the C melody "tenor" is closer to the alto range. The Bb tenor is just barely in the tenor range. I have always wondered. Asked my private instructor the other day, he thought about it for few seconds then told me that it was indeed an alto.

[snowymancello]

are there any other companies that you know of the sell C melody cases on the internet. DEG and Allied dont sell from the internet, at least i cant find where. Any Ideas??

[Dave Dolson]

the Connman: The C-Melody is an alto? I don't think so! It is either a tenor or a soprano, but NOT an alto. It reads as if your teacher mis-informed you.

Most everyone knows the larger C saxophone by either C-Melody or C-tenor (one step above a Bb tenor). Altos are pitched in Eb (except the rare F-mezzo sop which some mistake for an alto) and their voice is different than a C-tenor/Melody saxophone. DAVE

[Dr G]

Well there is the train of thought that some employ to discuss the various neck geometries of the C-melody sax. Those with "straight" necks (actually having one curve) like an alto sax are called "C-mel alto". You can probably infer for yourself that the horns with necks shaped like those of the common tenor sax are "tenor C-melody" saxes.

As for "The Bb tenor is just barely in the tenor range." Huh?

When is a tenor not a tenor??? Are you telling me that my horns are metastable??? :shock:

And why then is a bass clarinet so much smaller and pitched so much higher than a bass saxophone??? :roll:

So many imponderables...

[Dave Dolson]

Dr G: C-mel alto . . . that's a new one on me. Of course the straight necks are often mentioned as being alto-style, as are the curved necks being tenor-style.

But in MY opinion, straight or curved neck makes no difference in the overall C-melody look and sound - certainly not alto-like. DAVE

[Biff]

the Connman: The C-Melody is an alto? I don't think so! It is either a tenor or a soprano, but NOT an alto. It reads as if your teacher mis-informed you.

Most everyone knows the larger C saxophone by either C-Melody or C-tenor (one step above a Bb tenor). Altos are pitched in Eb (except the rare F-mezzo sop which some mistake for an alto) and their voice is different than a C-tenor/Melody saxophone. DAVE

uh oh, i gotta go pullin out the "book of knowledge" again.

The saxophone was originally in four keys: two for marching bands (Eb and Bb) and two for classical ( F and C) The "Mezzo Soprano", which is actually called an F Alto, is actually a classical alto, and the C Melody, or C tenor. There was also Bass in C, and Bari in F, etc.

Why are most saxophones now in the marching keys? because that's what caught on. C mels caught on in the 20s again because you didn't need to transpose to play along with a piano, flute, etc, but f saxophones never really caught on at all. i personally only know of one, and it's owned by Jay Easton.

[Dave Dolson]

Biff: I know a guy who lives near Pismo beach, CA, that has an F-Mezzo sop - and plays it regularly. DAVE