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Types of Saxophones
There are four sizes of saxophone that I own and play: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Baritone.
I'd own more if cost weren't an issue.
The saxophones are presented here in order of highest pitch to lowest.
The photos are not of my own particular saxes, and are not in scale to each other.
The normal written range of the saxophone is about 2 1/2 octaves from low B-flat to ledger-line F
on the treble staff.
Achieving notes above that range (known as "altissimo")
requires technique normally unique to the player and the horn.
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Sopranissimo (B-flat)
Plays exactly one octave higher than the B-flat Soprano.
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(No photo available)
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Sopranino (E-flat)
Plays exactly one octave higher than the E-flat Alto.
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(No photo available)
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Soprano (C)
Plays exactly one octave higher than the C-Soprano.
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Soprano (B-flat)
Plays exactly one octave higher than the Tenor.
This is the thing that Kenny G plays (unfortunately).
The sound is about as close as you can get to a snake charmer.
This is normally used for the main melody.
The one displayed here has two removable necks, as does my own.
One is slightly bent, which allows for easier posturing.
The other is straight, and some argue that the straight
neck provides better intonation.
Sopranos are also offered by some companies in fully-curved varieties
similar in appearance to the alto (see below).
The Soprano can be held without a neck strap, but I wouldn't recommend it.
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Alto (E-flat)
Plays exactly one octave higher than the Baritone.
This is the thing that David Sanborn plays.
Like the Soprano, this is normally used for the main melody.
This is my sax of choice.
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(No photo available)
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Tenor (C) AKA "C melody saxophone"
Plays exactly one octave lower than the C-Soprano and one whole step higher than the B-flat tenor.
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Tenor (B-flat)
Plays exactly one octave lower than the Soprano.
This is used in the song "Tequila" by the Champs, and most rock 'n' roll music from the 1950's and 60's.
Normally used for harmony, backup, and solos.
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Baritone (E-flat)
Plays exactly one octave lower than the Alto.
This is used in Elvis Presley's "Return To Sender".
Normally used for rhythm sections and keeping the offbeat.
Unlike the other types of saxophones, the Baritone normally comes
with a low-A fingering. This is usually beneficial because
low-A on an E-flat instrument translates to concert C.
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Bass (B-flat)
Plays exactly one octave lower than the Tenor.
I have NO idea who actually plays one of these,
but I'm told it's an amazing playing experience
completely unlike any of the other saxes.
Basses are so heavy that they normally are played on stands.
The one pictured here, a Selmer Super Action Series II, is yours for only $18,995.
But you can get a cheap Orpheo brand for $4,045.
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(No photo available)
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Contrabass (E-flat)
Plays exactly one octave lower than the Baritone.
This beast is 6'4" tall and weighs about 45 pounds.
Like Basses, Contrabasses are so heavy that they normally are played on stands.
You can get a Contrabass saxophone from L.A. Sax for only $39,000.
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Contrabass Tubax (E-flat)
Don't got the elephant lungs for a Contrabass?
This is an alternate version of the normal Contrabass
marketed as the "Tubax"
that requires less air and uses Baritone mouthpieces.
Contrabass Tubaxes are normally played from a seated position,
while the instrument stands on the ground.
You can get a Contrabass Tubax from Benedikt Eppelsheim Blasinstrumente for only EU 14,805.
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(No photo available)
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Subcontrabass Tubax (B-flat)
Plays exactly one octave lower than the Bass.
A conventional Subcontrabass saxophone is just about impossible to build,
but an alternate model based on the Tubax is being sold by the manufacturer of the same.
Subcontrabass Tubaxes are normally played from a standing position,
while the instrument stands on the ground.
The lowest note of a Subcontrabass is just above the lower limit of human sound perception,
at a proud 24.6 Hz.
Subcontrabass Tubaxes have been sold on special order from
Benedikt Eppelsheim Blasinstrumente for EU 16,000.
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