Saxophone

The saxophone, colloquially known as the sax, is a unique and versatile member of the woodwind family, distinguished by its single-reed mouthpiece and conical brass body. Despite its brass construction, it is classified as a woodwind instrument due to its use of a reed to produce sound. The saxophone’s design allows it to produce a rich and expressive tone, making it a staple in a wide range of musical genres, from classical and jazz to rock and pop. The instrument’s pitch is manipulated by opening and closing holes along its body, effectively altering the length of the air column inside. This is achieved through a complex system of keys and pads that the player operates. Saxophones come in various sizes and are almost always treated as transposing instruments, meaning the written pitch differs from the concert pitch. Players of this instrument are called saxophonists or saxists.

History and Development

Invention and Early Development

The saxophone was conceived in the early 1840s by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian instrument maker renowned for his innovative contributions to the world of music. Sax, born in Dinant and initially based in Brussels, moved to Paris in 1842 to establish his musical instrument business. Before creating the saxophone, he had already made significant improvements to the bass clarinet and the ophicleide, which helped him develop the necessary skills and technology for his new invention.

Sax’s ambition was to create an instrument that combined the projection of brass instruments with the agility of woodwinds. He wanted an instrument that overblew at the octave, unlike the clarinet, which overblows at the twelfth. This design choice made the saxophone easier to play across its range, as it allowed for consistent fingerings in both the lower and upper registers.

Having constructed several sizes of saxophones in the early 1840s, Sax applied for a patent on June 28, 1846, which covered 14 versions of the saxophone. These versions were divided into two categories: one set in C and F, and the other in B♭ and E♭. The B♭ and E♭ instruments quickly became the standard, and most saxophones encountered today are from this series. Sax’s patent expired in 1866, after which other instrument manufacturers began making their own improvements to the design and keywork.

Adoption and Evolution

In the 1840s and 1850s, the saxophone gained traction in small classical ensembles, military bands, and as a solo instrument. Saxophone method books were published, and saxophone instruction was offered at conservatories in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, and Italy. The French Garde Republicaine band, which included eight saxophones, significantly contributed to the instrument’s popularity. Despite this early enthusiasm, the saxophone did not become a standard orchestral instrument.

The late 19th century saw a decline in the saxophone’s popularity within classical music circles, particularly in Europe. Saxophone teaching at the Paris Conservatory was suspended from 1870 to 1900, and the classical repertoire for the instrument stagnated. However, during this period, the saxophone began to establish a foothold in the United States, thanks to figures like Patrick Gilmore, leader of the 22nd Regiment band, and Edward A. Lefebre, a Dutch emigre and saxophonist. Lefebre’s collaboration with the brass instrument manufacturer C.G. Conn in the late 1880s led to the production of improved saxophones in the American market, significantly increasing their availability and popularity.

Early 20th Century Growth and Development

The early 20th century saw the saxophone transition from a novelty instrument to a staple in various musical genres. Its early use in vaudeville and ragtime bands set the stage for its prominence in dance orchestras and jazz. The manufacturing industry expanded, with companies like the Martin Band Instrument Company and the Cleveland Band Instrument Company starting saxophone production. The saxophone was promoted for the casual market with the introduction of the C-soprano and C-melody saxophones, designed to play in key with pianos from the same sheet music. However, production of these instruments ceased during the Great Depression.

The 1920s marked the saxophone’s rise in jazz, influenced by the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Marcel Mule and Sigurd Raschèr significantly contributed to the modern era of classical saxophone during the late 1920s and early 1930s, expanding the classical repertoire for the instrument.

Construction and Materials

Body and Keywork

The saxophone’s body is primarily made from sheet brass, chosen for its workability and ability to produce complex shapes. Some manufacturers have experimented with other materials, such as sterling silver, nickel silver, and high copper alloys, to achieve different tonal qualities. The keywork is typically crafted from various types of brass stock. Mechanical parts and keywork components, like rods, screw pins, and springs, are usually made from blued or stainless steel for durability.

Manufacturers apply a finish to the saxophone’s body and keywork to protect the brass from oxidation and maintain a shiny appearance. Common finishes include clear or colored acrylic lacquer, silver or gold plating, and chemical surface treatments. Silver-plated saxophones are sometimes lacquered for additional protection, while gold plating requires an underplating of silver for adherence.

Mouthpiece and Reed

The saxophone uses a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. Reeds are typically made from Arundo donax cane but can also be made from synthetic materials. The design of the mouthpiece significantly impacts the instrument’s tone. Early mouthpieces were designed to produce a “warm” and “round” sound for classical playing. Modern mouthpieces vary widely, with some designed for bright, projecting tones suitable for jazz and popular music.

Mouthpieces are made from materials like hard rubber, plastic, and metals, including bronze and surgical steel. Less common materials include wood, glass, crystal, porcelain, and bone. The effect of mouthpiece materials on the tone of the saxophone has been debated, with many believing that the physical dimensions of the mouthpiece play a more significant role in determining tone color.

Types of Saxophones

Common Types

• Soprano Saxophone (B♭): The smallest and highest-pitched common saxophone, often used in solo performances and saxophone ensembles.
• Alto Saxophone (E♭): The most popular saxophone, widely used in both classical and jazz music. Favored by beginners for its ease of play.
• Tenor Saxophone (B♭): Known for its rich, warm tone, commonly used in jazz, rock, and classical ensembles.
• Baritone Saxophone (E♭): The largest common saxophone, producing deep, resonant tones, often used in jazz and wind bands.

Less Common Types

• Sopranino Saxophone (E♭): Plays an octave higher than the alto, often used in saxophone ensembles and classical repertoire.
• Bass Saxophone (B♭): One of the lowest-pitched saxophones, playing an octave below the tenor. Rarely used in ensembles.
• Contrabass and Subcontrabass Saxophones: Extremely rare and low-pitched, these instruments are primarily used in specific compositions and experimental music.
• C Melody Saxophone: A non-transposing instrument popular in the early 20th century, allowing musicians to read piano music without transposing.

Playing Techniques

Standard Techniques

• Growling: Singing or humming while playing to create a rough, coarse sound. Common in jazz and rock genres.
• Glissando: Bending the pitch smoothly from one note to another. Mastered by saxophonists like Johnny Hodges and Phil Woods.
• Multiphonics: Playing more than one note at once using special fingering combinations.
• Overtones: Producing notes higher than the normal range by altering the air stream.
• Slap Tonguing: Creating a percussive “pop” sound by slapping the reed with the tongue.
• Flutter-Tonguing: Rolling the tongue to create a rapid, fluttering sound.
• Altissimo: Playing notes above the standard range using advanced fingerings and air control.
• Circular Breathing: Continuously blowing air into the instrument while inhaling through the nose.

Maintenance

Cleaning

After each use, remove moisture from the mouthpiece, neck, and body with a cleaning swab. Clean the tone holes and pads with cleaning paper to prevent sticky pads.

Lubrication

Apply cork grease to the neck joint to ensure smooth assembly. Use key oil on the keywork to maintain smooth operation.

Storage

Store the saxophone in a padded case to protect it from damage. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity, which can affect the instrument’s performance.