Forum of the Saxes

JAZZY J · Joined: 28 Nov 2005 Posts: 21 Location: Los Angeles

I play the Alto Sax, and would like to play Soprano also as a double, but many people I talk to about it, say that it requires more air, and ability to play Soprano.

What is the difference between the two? I mean as far as playability.
I know the fingering is the same.

Thanks

JPSaxMan · Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 5:21 pm Post subject:

From what I've heard (and have come to accept), the soprano requires much more chops than alto for intonation, because even if you have a good soprano, the demands for intonation are just so much more demanding. I dunno about air required...that seems like a false statement, but I could be wrong. Alto in general is just easier to learn on. If I were you, I would get to an upper intermediate level on alto before looking at soprano. How many years have you been playing? If you've been goin at it at least 4 years, look at tenor or bari just to broaden your horizons. Then maybe after about 7 or 8 years of still going on alto and with a little bit more sax background on ya (3 years of tenor, bari, or both) take a look at soprano.

These are my words of advice only, are not omnipotent, and someone might have something better. But take them for what they are worth and I wish ya luck! Mr. Green

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JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

altosax4ever · Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 5:36 pm Post subject:

It does require quite a lot more embrochure control, but I wouldn't say that you need experience on either of the lower saxes, since the embrochure required for them is more of an opposite. You must be VERY firm for sop. If you started on alto, it'll be a little easier than if you started on tenor. You probably should, however, be good at alto.

(that's my 2 cents)
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Music IS Life

(and the saxophone is breathing)

JPSaxMan · Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 6:06 pm Post subject:

Yea, as4vr, has a good point. I just said to expose yourself in the more time you need to get better at alto to move to soprano, but I guess it might not make sense to learn the looser (not that much tho) embouchures for tenor and bari when you'll need a firmer one for soprano. You can't have that loose of an embouchure on tenor, btw. But it can't be as tight as an alto embouchure. So...yea, so maybe just stick with alto for a couple years, build up them chops, then when you think you're ready, go ahead and try a soprano. Very Happy

_________________
JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

Tully · Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Posts: 170 Location: Woodinville, WA

Guest · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2005 4:13 am Post subject:

Thanks all, points well taken.

cannonball_phil · Joined: 15 Jul 2007 Posts: 13

I satrted with alto for 4 years then I played tenor in school for ayear and went back to alto for 2 years then I was introduce to the cannonball saxes which I heard from walter beasely and gerald albright were the best saxe they ever use cause it made them feel like they were one with there instrument so I went and bought an alto and it felt like I was plying a tenor and played with it for three years and then I got a soprano on that 3rd year and I felt fine playing it then I went and bought a tenor sax 2 months later, but any way I got to agree with the others that soprano takes a lot of skill and a firm embouchure to play(and Im just a senior in hight school) heck im the only sax player at school who can play a soprano without struggling
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Jazz is my life,it's what I do