[Patrikc8]

Hi guys,

im debating buying a curved soprano. Right now i own an Alto P.Mauriat System 76, doing my grade 8 jazz exam soon and i am in the school jazz band. I like the idea that owning a curved soprano is much smaller than an alto so mor eportable btu also that it is rare, i personally havent seen one in real life! .

But is the curved soprano a jazz instrument? , i know it tunes to B flat so the same as tenor. Also would it be a big change coming from an alto?

Thanks!

 

[dexdex]

The soprano IS a big change from other saxes, specially in terms of embouchure and intonation, straight or curved.
Both shapes fit any music, it doesn't matter.
I do play a curvy because i find them cool, but also because the ergonomics (the way you hear yourself, miking, etc...) are a bit easier, and similar to an alto, which answers your question.
Make sure you choose a confirmed brand, as the curved design can be an additional challenge on intonation. Yanagisawa is a safe choice, I'm less familiar with the asian makes.

PS: Japan is also part of Asia, no ?
PS': Well, I meant... rest of Asia...

 

[Dave Dolson]

Is the curved soprano a jazz instrument? Look up Bob Wilber . . . DAVE

 

[hgiles]

Theres a guy in my town known for his curved soprano! He plays some great jazz on it!

 

[bandmommy]

Is your alto a jazz instrument?

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

My answer is simple. YES.

Why? Because you can.

B

 

[mascio]

is your alto a jazz instrument?

lol.

 

[Enviroguy]

Most notable modern soprano players have played the straight versions. So today, the straight soprano can more or less be considered the standard type. When most people think of a soprano sax (whether they know what it's called or not) they think of a straight sax like Kenny G or John Coltrane played.

A curved sop is just as real and legitimate. But audiences will often either think it's just an alto (those with no concept of proportion) or they will wonder why you are playing such a "little" saxophone.

My primary axe is a straight soprano but the curves I've experienced play well or even sometimes even better. So in the end, I think the audience perception I mentioned is probably the main real factor to consider. Beyond that, just get the type you personally like best.

 

[Grumps]

I wonder why it is that we often get the urge to buy something upon visiting here?

BUY BUY BUY ORDER CREDIT CARD BUY
New MOUTHPIECE YOU NEED TO SWITCH REEDS call now
NEW HORN SHINY SAXOPHONE
YOUR HORN IS NO GOOD, BUY ANOTHER
BUY BUY BUY

 

[Enviroguy]

I wonder why it is that we often get the urge to buy something upon visiting here?

Yeah. And Paul's the walrus too. :bluewink:

 

[Tony aiello]

Ok mates! I find that for warmth and tonal diversity, a straight sop is the way to go! Especially for someone that has just begun to play sop! Curved horns , I believe, are better in a sax section! More focused sound! I play a curved sop , ! If your embouchure is under control and you know how to make the best of various reeds, a curved sop can also be diverse!
Good luck
And spend loads of time with your horns!

 

[bstrom]

There is also the Saxello to consider. It's straight but with a somewhat curved neck and bell. I've known a couple of great players that swear by them. Especially the Borgani. Good luck putting it on a stand though.

 

[Jazzaferri]

Saxellos rule

 

[denkii]

Does anyone know where I can get a cheap curvy like the Venus's? I've been interested to switch to sop sax from clarinet haha but I don't want to dive into something that I might not enjoy.

 

[super20dan]

only get a curved if you can stand all the "what a cute little sax comments"

 

[hakukani]

It's better than the 'oh, I love your metal clarinet' comments....

 

[Carl H.]

It's better than the 'oh, I love your metal clarinet' comments....

I confuse people by playing a Black soprano sax and a metal clarinet.

 

[Dr G]

Does anyone know where I can get a cheap curvy like the Venus's? I've been interested to switch to sop sax from clarinet haha but I don't want to dive into something that I might not enjoy.

So it's better to buy a lesser instrument that you will not enjoy??

If you're going to give soprano a fair shake, at least buy/try a decent instrument.

 

[dexdex]

So it's better to buy a lesser instrument that you will not enjoy??

If you're going to give soprano a fair shake, at least buy/try a decent instrument.

A curvy even more.

 

[hakukani]

There was a thread a couple of years ago where the discussion was about whether curvies are more likely to have intonation problems, and that curvies were more 'resistant' horns.

I've since decided that I can suck as much on a curvy as on a straight horn.