The History of the Saxophone
The Inventor of the Saxophone
The saxophone was created by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian instrument maker, in the 1840s. It falls under the woodwind family and is classified as a woodwind instrument. Its design takes inspiration from the flute, while its reed is similar to that of the clarinet.
At first, major classical orchestras rejected the instrument, thinking it was too loud. However, the French composer Hector Berlioz, a friend of Sax, supported his innovative creation.
« He's a guy with a sharp, clear, and determined mind, showing incredible perseverance and talent. He’s a thinker, an acoustics expert, and when the situation calls for it, he can also be a founder, a turner, and an engraver. He knows how to think things through and take action; he comes up with ideas and makes them happen ». — le Journal des débats du 12 juin 1842
The 7 Instruments of the Saxophone Family
Today, there are seven instruments recognized in the saxophone family, spanning a wide range of pitches and keys:
It's important to mention that instruments in C and F were developed in the past. However, they've since vanished or are no longer being used.
Looking for your next instrument? Browse our full collection of Saxophones.
A Legacy Shaped by History
The time of its discovery and development is really tied to history. The First World War had a big impact on the skilled workers who made it. Craftsmen and manufacturers, mostly from Europe at the beginning, were hit hard.
Then, in the late 1920s, Henri Selmer, a French manufacturer, took over Adolphe Sax's workshop and started managing the instrument's development.
American Innovation and Popularity
American instrument makers saw the saxophone's huge potential. With the assistance of some European artisans, they started producing and refining the instrument. Soon, popular brands began to emerge in the market, such as Conn, Martin, and King.
At the start of the 20th century, American music began to grow its repertoire. Military music embraced the instrument. View Clip: Military Music and the Saxophone
Global Expansion
The instrument gained so much popularity that Asian manufacturers started to take an interest in creating their own versions of the Sax. It all began in Japan with Yamaha and Yanagisawa, followed by several manufacturers in South Korea.
The Types of Saxophone in Popular Music
Popular music has really taken to the saxophone, showing up in all sorts of styles like blues, jazz, big band, bebop, rock, disco, funk, pop, and beyond. The saxophones that get the most play are soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone.
The B♭ Soprano Saxophone
The B♭ soprano saxophone has a conical or curved shape and is quite delicate, producing a sound that blends elements of both the clarinet and the oboe.
- Sidney Bechet – Tiny Blossom (Listen)
- Bradford Marsalis – Roxanne (Listen)
- Kenny G – Summer Vibes (Listen)
The E♭ Alto Saxophone
The E♭ alto saxophone has a curved shape and is often seen as the go-to solo instrument.
- Charlie Parker – Confirmation (Listen)
- Gerry Rafferty – Baker Street (Listen)
- FKJ – FKJ & Masego - Tadow (Listen)
The B♭ Tenor Saxophone
The B♭ tenor saxophone is known for its distinctive curved neck shape.
The E♭ Baritone Saxophone
The E♭ baritone saxophone has a curved shape with a high bell and a double twist on the upper tube, producing a soft, warm sound despite its large size.
The Saxophone Today
The saxophone quickly rose to become one of the most beloved instruments globally and is often confused with a brass instrument. It expresses itself across all musical genres, breaking through time and styles, and its unique sound captivates everyone.
Long & McQuade sells a wide variety of Saxophones in all of its pitches and keys. With free shipping and over 100 stores across Canada, you can be sure to find a saxophone for you with one of our educated experts.
