With today’s selection of soprano saxophones a saxophonist may chose the type best suited to his particular needs.Sound waves behave differently in a straight conic environment than they do in a conic environment that also has a bend or curve in it. Straight sopranos being played with big band sax sections may be aimed straight out by tilting the head back slightly–like the old big band clarinetists. Karina Rascher played a curved Buescher soprano sax with her father, Siguard Rascher, in the famous Rascher Duo and Rascher Quartet. The above is not meant to confine these saxes to any particular role. I like the use of soprano sax to play clarinet lead parts. A single mic on a floor stand, or single “clip-on” may be utilized in the same manner as for the larger saxes.Īnother advantage of the curved soprano is the forward projection of the tone, enabling the curved soprano to play in better balance with a “big band” sax section. The curved soprano saxophone is as easy to mic as the alto or tenor. The tone is different due to the more forward projection from the bell. Contrary to popular belief, curved sopranos do not have any different intonation tendencies than straight sopranos, nor are they more stuffy in the low notes. There are several “clip-on” double mic setups available to remedy this problem.Ĭurved soprano saxes, popular in the 1920′s and ’30′s, are once again available. This allows for very little movement by the player. Micing is accomplished by placing one mic near the bell facing up, and a second mic over the left hand. The straight soprano sax, like the clarinet, is more difficult to mic in a commercial setting, requiring two microphones. I have noticed no difference in response between the two types of necks, only a difference in tone quality due to the angle of projection. The curved neck aims the sound down at the floor, and is preferred by many players for saxophone quartet or classical playing. This allows the bell to be aimed at the audience. Some players prefer the straight neck for playing jazz while standing. Most soprano saxes with removable necks are equipped with both straight and curved necks. This is more comfortable, allows use of a neckstrap, and keeps the bell from hitting the music stand. Many fine soprano saxophones are now available in this original shape.Ī curved neck allows the soprano sax to be held closer to the body, more at the angle the clarinet is held. Larger saxes were curved and looped to enable the players to reach the keys and to allow the instrument to be carried. They may be had straight, straight with removable straight and curved necks, and fully curved (like tiny altos).Īdolf Sax’s original sopranos were straight. Soprano saxophones are now available in a variety of configurations.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |