Soprano

The soprano saxophone was invented in 1840 and is a variety of the saxophone, a woodwind instrument. The soprano is the 2nd in size of the saxophone family which consists, as generally accepted, (from smallest to largest) of the sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass, and contrabass.

Due to the smaller bore of the soprano, it is less forgiving with respect to intonation and pitch. An experienced player, however, will use alternate fingerings or vary breath support, tongue position, or embouchure to compensate. Due to its similarity in tone to the instrument, the soprano saxophone is sometimes used as a substitute for the oboe. The soprano sax is also sometimes compared to the clarinet. It generally has a louder and more penetrating sound than the clarinet in the extreme high notes.

Soprano saxophones are usually straight, but sometimes have slightly or fully curved necks and bells. The fully curved variety looks much like a small alto saxophone with a straighter crook.