Saxophones How many saxes does one really need?

[Dr G]

As you wrote, Cappers, you already have a plan. Only you know whether you want to just play around with two horns of various tonalities or do the deep-dive commitment to tenor.

I played s/a/t/b for several years when I was the only horn player in a fusion band. Later I had ‘em all on hand once more when I was scrambling to find gigs in a new area. Once I settled in, I became recognized as a tenor player, and had the luxury of deferring Eb calls to friends that were committed bari or lead alto players - in return, they would forward sub calls for tenor to me.

When I have the choice, as I do now, tenor is all that matters. What matters to you? If you want to buy stuff and try stuff, there are still myriad mouthpieces to explore.

 

[cappers]

I'm sure you could find people on here who have sold an alto because they preferred tenor ...then bought an alto again a few years later.

Yes, that has crossed my mind. I think when I'm 'good' on the tenor I can spend some time on the alto but then realise that time isn't on my side. If I'm lucky enough to keep going for another few years a smaller lighter sax might appeal though.

Playing it again recently, it took a moment or two to adjust to Eb pitch, but I had no trouble once it had locked in, I could hear and recognise notes relativley and intervals.

I need to sleep on it more. No rush.

 

[Targa]

I'm sure you could find people on here who have sold an alto because they preferred tenor ...then bought an alto again a few years later.

Been there done that.
It was a ‘starter’ alto to see if I liked playing then the new one was decent quality to give me the option of the sound, though I still prefer the tenor.

 

[Jeanette]

It makes sense to sell your least favourite tenor but I'd keep the alto for now 🙂

Jx

 

[Trigger]

Keep them all I’m currently up to 40 saxophones but I do regard it as a pension scheme too

 

[Pete Effamy]

I'm sure you could find people on here who have sold an alto because they preferred tenor ...then bought an alto again a few years later.

I sold my clarinets. Mostly an attempt to brush off the old classical life. Ended up buying exactly the same model again.

 

[Pete Effamy]

Keep them all I’m currently up to 40 saxophones but I do regard it as a pension scheme too

Sell 25 and buy a classic car 🚗

 

[Pete Thomas]

How many saxes does one really need?​

 

[mizmar]

I need to sleep on it more

Of all the suggestions, using the 25 as an under mattress is the worst.
Or, indeed, the Vito.

 

[MD0483]

My spare alto (a Vito) is on loan at a local school for kids who want to try the instrument or can't afford one.

 

[cappers]

Of all the suggestions, using the 25 as an under mattress is the worst.
Or, indeed, the Vito.

Princess and the pea!

 

[cappers]

Only you know whether you want to just play around with two horns of various tonalities or do the deep-dive commitment to tenor.

When I have the choice, as I do now, tenor is all that matters. What matters to you?

@Dr G Thank you. I respect what you are saying but I guess at my age and with my goals I'll only 'play around'. My aim is to get competently good on the tenor so that will be my horn for most practice and gigs. I have a stupid sentimental connection with this alto and I will endeavour to play it well but not as first priority.

You have the benefit of many years experience on all horns and have made your choice based on that. The tenor is my instrument of choice but I also enjoy the alto. Played it again today and after a year on the tenor my sound on the alto has definitely improved. Surprisingly I had no problems with my embouchure or adapting to the pitch. It was fun and made for a pleasurable change

 

[cappers]

We have an outdoor gig this Sunday at the Brighton Half-Marathon. Forecast drizzle and breezy. It will probably be crowded with watchers and drinkers; our pitch is on the terrace of a seafront pub overlooking the runners.

I said to Memsa'b Cappers that I wasn't sure about taking my minty 32 along and she replied that it's a good thing I've got a back up or two!

 

[Wade Cornell]

Can be quite a few horns as it depends on which ones you play, if you need back up horns and location. My situation: I play sopranino, C soprano, Bb soprano, alto, and tenor. I live part time in New Zealand and Australia, so full sets in both and back up horns... that = 20. The back up horns are especially important for me in Australia as it's 2,000 Km to the nearest good tech who can do a repair. It can take more than a month before a horn that's sent comes back.

 

[Tuppertn]

Need? Zero.

Want? Just one more.

Whoever dies with the most saxophones wins. I only have 21 so I'm just an amateur.

Hang on...7 tenors, 8 altos, 4 Cmels, 2 sops, and 1 bari. Ha! That's 22. I'm doing better than I thought I was.

 

[Colin the Bear]

It's as if nobody has realised that we have little choice in the matter.

You think you're choosing horns but in fact they're choosing you. 🥹

 

[Wonko]

Need? None. Meaning I would not die without saxophones. I am currently travelling in our camper and my saxophones are at home....
My personal journey as an amateur (late starter):
Started on tenor, bought a brand new YTS32 back in 2001. I still take lessons on tenor.
I have always been a sucker for low tones, so since I found out that a bass saxophone exists,I wanted to get one. People on both forums told me that a baritone is far more interesting because it is more suitable as a melodic instrument. Not sure if I agree with that....
But this, coupled with the fact that I don't have the funds to buy a bass sax, led me to buy a second hand baritone back in 2020. Nice instrument! Love playing it occasionally.
Then about 4 years ago I got myself a Conn 10m (1963, with underslung neck). Fell in love with the rich broad sound of the Conn, the Yamaha is now my backup tenor.
This is the last year that I can take lessons on tenor in our Belgian system. I'll start taking lessons on soprano next year. I bought a R&C curved soprano last year for this. I think the soprano is an instrument that will benefit more from tuition than the baritone. Or rather I will benefit more from that tuition.
I generally play the instrument that I take lessons in. The others are for during the summer for a change of flavour. Or for an occasional performance.....

 

[Tuppertn]

It's as if nobody has realised that we have little choice in the matter.

You think you're choosing horns but in fact they're choosing you. 🥹

The Wand chooses the Wizard, Harry.

 

[Dr G]

When you’ve got more than a handful of horns, it is more akin to a flock of pigeons gathering ‘round your feet.

 

[lig]

When you’ve got more than a handful of horns, it is more akin to a flock of pigeons gathering ‘round your feet.

😀