Saxophones What does it mean , alto sax in low pitch ?

[interinfi]

How is this different from a normal sax ? Can I as a beginner start on such a sax ?

 

[Colin the Bear]

They changed the frequency of A, back in the early 20th century.

There will be a more informed person along in a moment to give you a more informed answer.

 

[Nick Wyver]

Low pitch is what we use now, so it's normal. Beware saxes in High Pitch.

 

[ProfJames]

My wife was high pitched tonight when I got in late!

 

[Greg Strange]

Low pitch A = 440 Hz (A above middle C on the piano); High pitch A = 456 Hz approx.

To play a High Pitch sax in tune with modern instruments you would need a sax neck about 18 inches / 45 cm in length))

As Nick said above avoid like the plague...

Greg S.

 

[jbtsax]

Here you go:

high pitch vs low pitch by Pete Hales

 

[kevgermany]

You'll also find some saxes with the pitch stamped as a frequency. This is often double the standard (e.g. 880 instead of 440). Just divide the stamped on frequency by two. Small variations around 440 (e.g. 435) can be accomodated by the player.

 

[old git]

Glad that Sax wasn't around during the Baroque. To stop the strings folding in fur middle, they plat at 415 Hz. TV must be our most pitch aware member as he sometimes has to cope with these differences.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Baroque? I thought it was Clinton that played sax.