Type of soprano sax.

[impulse]

I`m just about to buy a soprano sax but have heard some comments on curved necks verses straight necks and other differences. I`ve been playing alto/tenor for 2yrs. but am at a loss as to what I should be looking for with my first soprano sax. I can`t support much weight with my right thumb so any comments would be appreciated.

 

[Linky Lee]

I think straight sopranos with curved necks are best after balancing out all the things to do with sound and ease of use etc.

They allow the soprano to be straight (better than curved IMO) but because the neck is curved it doesn't have to point out as upright as a straight necked soprano. This allows for less weight on the thumb and more for the strap.

I like ones with curved bells at the bottom as well, points more outwards for better projection.

All of this is my opinion though and I know many people on here would disagree, especially Bob (he likes his 'cute' saxes 😛 ).

Many sopranos now come with 2 crooks, one of each type. Nice.

 

[Bobby G]

He's right, I do prefer the compactness of my curved soprano. One thing I find easier is that it balances better than a straight sop (I have a straight necked straight soprano, it's fine for about 10 Mins then the right thumb discomfort sets in as a strap on this type of sax is not good), and also because of the angle of the bell it's easy to hear and adjust your sound.

My advice is that old favourite, try various types and makes and see what suits you.

Cheers, Bob

 

[jambo]

I would Recommend A decent Tiwanese Made student soprano, such as Elkhart, Earlham, Blessing, Artimis or Trevor James

Check out this thread, It may be of interest

http://www.breakfastroom.co.uk/index.cgi?fid=01&topic_id=1169226973

Also, Sax.co.uk have a good selection of products and info. Clickon the sax catologue, ang go on 'My First Soprano SaX'

 

[Bobby G]

I have an Artemis curved soprano, relatively cheap but works fine. It also has tjj engraved on it, so I suspect it's like the Hanson Gulf models, i.e. not actually made by Hanson, or in the case of my Artemis, Trevor J James.

The straight soprano with an angled bell, I think that is known as a saxello, and I suspect is not very common. They would be good for playing while sitting down, you could rest it on the chair between your legs. I believe Roland Kirk played one. Griff's got one, that's its bell end, so to speak, in his avatar.

Personally, I prefer a soprano when it sounds more 'small-sax' like than the so-called 'snake charmer' sound. John Coltrane takes it pretty far out, but at the other end of the scale Johnny Hodges soprano style was purely a higher-register extension of his alto style. A few weeks ago, Pete was selling an old curved soprano and he put up a sound clip; if you can find it, you'll discover how gorgeous a soprano can sound.

Cheers, Bob