A saxophone is a very popular and unique-sounding woodwind instrument. It’s used in various genres of music.
There are different and interesting facts related to saxophones. So, I made a list of these facts that I knew and researched.
14 Fascinating Saxophone Facts
Here are some saxophone facts you might find interesting. It’s always good to know more about your favorite instrument.
1. Invention
The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax in the early 1840s in Belgium. He patented the instrument in 1846.
2. Hybrid Instrument
Adolphe Sax created it to combine the clarinet and brass instruments. The goal was to connect these two musical families.
3. Saxophone Family
The saxophone belongs to the woodwind family, despite being made of brass. This classification is based on its method of sound production using a reed.
4. Variety Of Sizes
Saxophones come in various sizes, from the tiny sopranino to the huge contrabass. The most common types are soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone.
5. Material
Saxophones are commonly made of brass. But they can also be crafted from other materials such as bronze, silver, or even gold plating.
6. Jazz Instrument
Jazz made saxophones popular during the early 20th century. It became one of the genre’s signature instruments. There are many great saxophones for jazz.
7. Mouthpiece Variations
The sound of a saxophone is greatly affected by the design of its mouthpiece. Various shapes and materials can create a variety of tones.
8. Transposing Instrument
Most saxophones are transposing instruments. It means that the written pitch differs from the sounding pitch. For example, tenor saxophones are pitched in B flat, sounding a major ninth lower than written.
9. Popularity In Pop Music
Saxophones became popular again in the 1980s and 1990s. Musicians such as George Michael, Bruce Springsteen, and Kenny G used it in their songs.
10. Extended Techniques
Pro saxophonists often use techniques such as multiphonics, altissimo register, and slap tonguing. This expands the sonic possibilities of the instrument.
11. Coltrane’s Unique Practice Routine
John Coltrane, one of the most influential saxophonists, had an intense practice routine. Sometimes it involved playing a single note for hours to explore its nuances.
12. Saxophone Olympics
The World Saxophone Congress is a global event held every few years. It brings together saxophonists from around the world for performances, masterclasses, and competitions.
13. Eddie Harris’ Experiments
Eddie Harris, the jazz saxophonist, was an innovator in experimenting with electronic effects. He was the first to use Varitone, producing a range of synthesized sounds.
14. Saxophone As A Lead Instrument
The sax is often thought of as a background or solo instrument. But it can also take the lead and grab attention with its expressive sound.
Conclusion
I hope you found an interesting and new fact about saxophone. I’m sure there are many other facts and I’ll add them when I learn a new one.
