Forum of the Saxes

sista · Joined: 18 Jul 2005 Posts: 26

how much harder or easier to play is the soprano sax than the alto sax? I play alto

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Altosaxophonerules · Joined: 25 Aug 2005 Posts: 130 Location: Canada

I'm not sure, considering I have had more experience with Alto than Soprano. I think it is sorta hard to compare because when learning how to blow the alto sax in the upper register, devolping your emobouchure and etc. , the experience from the alto sorts of switches over to soprano and you'll be playing with ease not trying to figure out how to hit the notes. (except for the high register)
But when playing the soprano without ANY experience at all with any sax, it will be much more different because you are starting with no experience with anything.

JPSaxMan · Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2005 7:25 pm Post subject:

THE biggest issue with soprano is it's intonation. People can laugh at Kenny G all they want but man he knows the soprano inside and out. No intonation problems (except he can be consistently sharp, but it's not like his low register is flat and his high register is sharp) in his playing that I have yet to hear.

If you think alto is hard, wait till soprano. Intonation in an inexperienced player (less than 6 months) can be so horrendus, it's unbelievable. Now honestly, I have no personal experience with soprano. But my one friend out in Seattle has been playing tenor for 10 years if not more...he got a soprano, and he said it himself, "My intonation is so fluctuant...from note to note....such a consistent embouchure is needed."

So that is a must, plus I just learned that the upper register (I asume A and up) is harder to hit. I dunno how true this is, but it might be something to consider.

Stick to alto, learn alto down to a T, then maybe pick up a soprano, or maybe try tenor or bari just for the experience. Mr. Green

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Altosaxophonerules · Joined: 25 Aug 2005 Posts: 130 Location: Canada

Yes, if you are really getting a soprano, don't get a chinese cheap horn. Many cheap horns when playing the soprano tend to be sharp or flat.

Gandalfe · Joined: 19 Sep 2005 Posts: 33 Location: Seattle, WA

Playing soprano is not difficult--playing it well is the hardest thing I have tried to date. It's all about the intonation and sound quality. If you can figure it out, you will most likely find it improves your playing for alto, tenor, and maybe bari.

That said, I love to play clarinet duets with my wife, the clarinetist. Her intonation is spot on, always has been. So when I'm off, I know immediately and maybe, with time, I will be able to make the adjustments without even thinking about it.

I purchased my soprano, an Antigua Winds 590BC, from Kessler's Music for a great price (under a $1000). No one can believe what I paid for it and how nice it sounds. I toy with the idea of subbing for an oboe in our band because we don't have one. Right now a flute covers the oboe music. They are both in the same key.
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sista · Joined: 18 Jul 2005 Posts: 26

thanks for the info, cause I'm trying to decide between tenor and soprano
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Altosaxophonerules · Joined: 25 Aug 2005 Posts: 130 Location: Canada

Want do you want to play, tenor or soprano?

Jacob · Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 3:14 pm Post subject:

Start with tenor and add soprano once you are proficient on the tenor.
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altosax4ever · Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 1:00 pm Post subject: Actually, i've always thought...

Actually, I've always thought it was easier to play than the Alto, especially higher register notes.
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Jacob · Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 1:26 pm Post subject:

altosax4ever,

You're right, alto is the easiest to play on, and that is why most beginners start on it. It doesn't take much air to make a sound come out of it. It's the most popular saxophone amongst young students, especially in band. However, the alto, alongside tenor, is one of the hardest saxophones to sound good on.

Every instrument has their difficulties. Alto is generally a great starting point before learning another kind of saxophone, due to the fact that it is right in the middle in terms of range.

The tenor has helped my alto playing, and the soprano has helped my tenor playing.
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