Are Professional Saxophones Easier To Play? No, the professional series of saxophones are not easier to be play. On the other hand, I could still say that the answer is yes only that it is dependent on who is playing.
There are three different categories of saxophones that are categorised according to the playing level of the player: beginning (also known as student), intermediate, and professional (also known as performance).
It seems to be the reason that the vast majority of aspiring saxophonists begin their musical careers on an instrument designated for beginners. However, once a student has achieved a particular playing level, it is likely that they will begin to consider upgrading to a stronger horn and will want to consider the option of purchasing a professional saxophone.
On the other hand, they are not sure what their experience would be like when they play on professional saxophones. The question is whether or not it will be significantly more difficult to play given that it is designed for professionals and has new essential features. This is the feature that sets it apart from the saxophones used by students.
The purpose of this article is to provide you with all the information you require regarding professional saxophones, including whether or not the addition of these new characteristics will make the instrument easier or more difficult for you to play.
Before we jump right into that, there are things you need to know first about the professional saxophones, this knowledge will broaden your understanding and will make you understand just what you’re going in for. Enjoy!
When And Why Should You Buy A Professional Saxophone?
A professional saxophone is required once a sax player is deeply dedicated to their instruments, has mastered complex compositions, and is ready to make saxophone playing a major part of their career. Compared to intermediate saxophones, professional saxophones have a better level of performance, tone, and responsiveness.
The quality and facility of the instrument are enhanced in professional models, and new functions are added to help the professional performer realise their full potential.
Who Plays the Professional Saxophone?
A saxophone player or saxophonist is just a musician who plays the saxophone. If you have ever wanted to play the saxophone, you can start as early as the age of eight and you will most likely be playing student instruments.
However, professional saxophone players are those who have mastered and have honed their skills and can perform in all music genres. Jazz, orchestra, rock, Latin, chamber ensembles, and pep bands are just a few of the genres that professional saxophone players can perform in.
What are Professional Saxophones Made of?
Brass is an alloy that consists of copper and zinc, and these days practically all saxophones are made out of brass. Brass is a malleable metal that offers strong resistance to rust and is simple to work with.
Even saxophones that have been gold-plated or silver-plated will still be made of brass underneath the plating. Professional saxophones are mostly made of gold, silver and other fine metals although some still contain brass underneath the coatings.
Finishes of a Professional Saxophone
There is a wide range of finishes available for professional saxophones. Lacquer is the finish that is most commonly used, but many professional musicians prefer to invest in an instrument that has a distinct appearance.
This is especially true for those musicians who will be performing on stage frequently. Unlacquered horns and saxophones can be found, as well as those with a black lacquer finish, silver, gold, vintage finishes, nickel, copper/bronze plating, or vintage finishes.
What Does a Professional Saxophone Sound Like?
By blowing into the mouthpiece of the saxophone, the saxophonist is able to produce sound from the instrument. This causes the reed to vibrate, which then causes the sound to be transmitted through the tubes and out the bell.
Using the keys on the saxophone, the musician can alter the pitch of the notes. You may use words like metallic, brilliant, and forceful to describe the sound of a professional saxophone. The professional saxophone produces a unique melodious tone, thanks to some added features, it’s remarkably beautiful to listen to.
What Are The Differences Between Student And Professional Saxophones
A professional saxophone will have a sound that is fuller and richer, improved intonation, a quicker and more accurate response, as well as added key mechanisms. This makes the instrument relatively easier to play and increases its tonal range significantly. These differences are some of the most notable ones.
The construction and materials used to make these saxophones are likewise somewhat different from those used to make starter instruments. Some are constructed out of superior materials, such as brass that has been annealed.
Ribbed construction provides greater stability to the mechanisms and enables the instrument to better retain fine adjustments. Student models typically do not have ribs, whereas professional models typically do.
Ribbed construction can be found in most professional models. To enhance its appearance, the bell may have more engraving, brass keys could be added, and mother of pearl or abalone key accents might be added.
Are Professional Saxophones Easier To Play?
In addition to having a tone that is deeper, more intense and richer, improved intonation, a quicker and more accurate response, and additional key mechanisms.
This not only makes the instrument relatively easy to play, but it also considerably expands the range of tones it can produce. These features not only make it easier to play, but also sound amazingly better.
However, it also depends on the player’s skill level; since professional saxes demand mastery of play.
Which Saxophone Is The Easiest To Play?
Because it is simpler to learn how to play than the soprano saxophone, the alto saxophone is recommended for players who are just starting out.
A straightforward examination of the dimensions of both the soprano and the alto saxophones reveals that their overall length is approximately 70 centimetres.
However, the alto saxophone has a bend in it, which results in it being approximately 1.5 times longer than the soprano saxophone.
As a result of this bend, the alto saxophone is also heavier. The majority of the alto saxophone’s weight is supported by the strap when it is being played, therefore from the perspective of both performance and maintenance, the alto saxophone is a good instrument to start with.
