“Which type of saxophone should I start on?”

I like students to start on the Alto Saxophone. This is because the alto is easier to hold, more lenient towards embouchure (mouth shape), easier to develop good posture, generally easier to blow and the cheapest to purchase. Need I say more? But yes, I totally agree that the Tenor sounds cooler!

“What do I need to start playing the saxophone?”

This is a question I get asked a lot and many people are put off beginning to learn due to the expense of buying a sax. I began playing on an “Earlham” Alto Saxophone, I loved it and I made by all accounts a very good starting sound. Earlham Saxophones as of this moment, are selling second hand on eBay for £150 including postage. So, you would have a perfectly good student instrument and if you felt the need to upgrade at a later date you could sell the saxophone for around the same price. Bottom line: Contrary to popular belief, taking up the saxophone isn’t as expensive as initially thought.  The other option is to loan a saxophone, there are even companies (such as Sax.co.uk) that will post the saxophone to you. Such companies usually charge you a hire fee (often around £30 per month) and then give you the option to either return the instrument or buy it minus any loan fees paid.

Here is a list of items I think you should have to get started:

• Alto Saxophone – (Do stay clear of cheap Japanese imports and do a quick Google check first) this should also include a Mouthpiece, 4C’s are standard and fine to start with.
• Music Stand – This is a prerequisite, playing from music that is resting on an arm chair isn’t ideal for posture or breathing!
• Saxophone Strap – Try to get a strap that has resistance in the neck so that the saxophone stays static while you are playing. Stay clear of “bouncy straps” you’ll know what I mean when you have one. It’s like playing Sax while bungee jumping, not wise.
• Reeds – Saxophone players spend much of their time shaving, changing, repositioning, replacing and snapping their reeds. I encourage people to get a few 2 or 2.5 “Vandoren Traditional” (Blue Box) reeds. Many shops give Rico 1.5 reeds with loan saxes, which in my opinion don’t offer enough resistance for the average beginner.
• Lessons – Do invest money into some good quality tuition, learning the right way from the beginning will save you much time and effort.
• Tutor Book – There are lots of these around Abracadabra, Learn as you play, Saxophone Basics to name just a few. Most tutors will recommend a different one and each book progresses in a slightly different way but each of the above will start you on the right foot.
• Cleaning tools – Pull through, pad saver. These help to remove moisture from inside the saxophone and help to cut down the amount of bad smells or sticky keys. Take a little time after you have played to clean your saxophone, your playing will benefit from it

If you’d like anymore questions answered please feel free to contact me.

Daniel Christian – danchristian.net