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Size ranges from the highest pitched Sopranino (in the key of Eb) down through the Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Contrabass (rare) and Sub Contrabass (very rare) and alternating in key from Eb to Bb. All are J-shaped with a curved conical bell with the exception of the Sopranino and Soprano sometimes being either completely straight or with a slightly curved neck. The instrument is a member of the single reed family and is a hybrid of the Clarinet and Trumpet. The key system used is modern and easy to play, with rollers to aid the finger movements. Sound is produced by the vibration of the reed due to airflow and the body resonates giving a warm, bluesy tone.
The Saxophone was invented around 1840 by a single man, Aldolphe Sax, a Belgian instrument maker working in Paris. It was not easy for him to get his instrument generally accepted and finance the production at the same time but the Saxophone eventually found its way into military bands, orchestras and conservatoires. This formed the path for the instruments modern popularity where it often takes a leading role in big bands, Jazz, Blues and Pop music. |
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