Anyone ever played a straight soprano sax and if so are they hard.?
-Robert
I played a straight soprano a few times early on including trying out the new Yamaha models in the photo above. (bad photo, I know!)
The soprano lets you play ideas in the upper register without busting a blood vessel on altissimo. Although, altissimo does become easier once you put in some initial work. It does take some initial work though.
However, it is a bit more challenging to get the intonation and sound on it. Especially for a vintage horn.
For me, I prefer the sound of the tenor and alto in most cases.
If you like the sound of soprano, you’ll need to work on getting it under control.
I have been playing soprano more this year after I got one. It’s a vintage horn and took some time to get used to.
The first song I worked on playing was the Cantina Theme by John Williams. For some reason, I thought of that. And also tried some Kenny G tunes on it.
It’s getting more comfortable at this point. Still tends to take a bit more out of my embouchure than alto or tenor. Though, I remember alto did something similar when I first began playing it more.
What’s your opinion on it?
I have played the alto sax, for two years and decided to learn Soprano. I immediately was able to play it and for me there was really, no struggle. It helps that I had experience with an alto and that it’s the same fingerings, just different pitch. I think it’s not harder, per se, but the transition can be difficult. And I agree, I love the sound my alto.
Thanks Jenna,
In general, I wouldn’t say it’s a struggle to play it. But, depending on the horn, they can be harder to play in tune.
And it can feel pretty different than another saxophone.
I played my Alto for 20 years and received a Selmer Soprano for my last birthday (woohooo) and it was not that easy to play. The differences in pitch made it difficult to make the transition when playing with my band. I had to review all the scales and work a little more on getting the perfect intonation. I’ve been using a tuner to help with precision. I think that depending on the character that you want to print to your melody you should decide which one to use.
Thanks Maribel,
I think it’s similar to whether you prefer the sound of the alto or tenor. You might like the soprano best. It does give you easier access to a higher range and a different tone.