What sax is right for you?

This is not to do with which brand of saxophone to play, rather which pitch of horn is right for you.

The main thing to take into account is your physical size. Most children start on an alto because it fits their hands well. Some are so small that they go off of the idea and take up something smaller like the recorder. There are a couple of options available to those students and they are, The Alpha sax. This is a full size alto saxophone that weighs less and also has some of the more difficult to reach keys missing. It is suitable for players up to grade 3 as these missing notes are not required. They cost about £400 to buy or rent from £90 a quarter. (personsally, I would buy it and sell it on if I didn't keep playing). The other option is a curved soprano. They are a lot lighter and great for small hands. The main thing to remember about these is that they take a lot of puff to blow even though they are small. These are available to rent or buy.



A lot of adults also start on an alto because the store advises them that the alto is best to learn on. They then discover the tenor and love the tone and depth of sound that it gives and wish they had chosen it instead. My advice is don't be put off by the sales assistant, ask to try a tenor and if you like it then opt for it. This also applies to the soprano. If you decide the baritone is for you, you will more than likely have to buy one as they are very difficult to rent(also very expensive!)

The best way to find out is to either go to a shop and try them out for size, or contact a local teacher and ask if you could try theirs out. (please remember that teaching is their livlihood and that they may expect you to pay for their time, but you will get an unbiased opinion as to what is best for you).

Most teachers are happy to do this. I normally get a couple of contacts a year regarding this subject and I have people come and have a honk before they part with their hard earned cash.