Alto Saxophones
In the family of woodwind instruments, the alto saxophone is a variety of the saxophone invented by Adolphe Sax. Of the ten sizes in the saxophone family, the alto is the 3rd smallest. The alto is also the second most common size of saxophone, and is the type most commonly included in classical compositions.
Because of its prevalence, the alto saxophone is the most common choice for beginners learning to play the saxophone. The second most common saxophone used by beginners is the tenor; teachers often suggest either an alto or a tenor for a beginner depending on their physical size, as well as their preferences.
The saxophone had to wait many years before its potential was recognized. It gained its reputation in American jazz movement, and since been become more and more popular.
Notable alto saxophonists include jazz musicians Charlie Parker, Johnny Hodges, Cannonball Adderley, Lee Konitz, Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, Anthony Braxton, Phil Woods, and Paul Desmond, and classical musicians Marcel Mule, Sigurd Raschèr, and Eugene Rousseau. The alto saxophone is included in classical music more often than the tenor. The alto has great versatility and is used commonly in jazz, blues, pop, concert, funk, marching bands, and rock music.
Some companies that currently produce saxophones are Buffet Crampon, Cannonball, P.Mauriat, KHS/Jupiter, Selmer, Yamaha, Leblanc/Vito, Keilwerth, and Yanagisawa. New alto saxophones range in price between US$200 for lower quality student models to over US$7000 for professional models. Used models can be much lower, unless looking at vintage alto saxophones.
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