hello, I`ve decided i want to start playing saxophone. so i guess this is the right place to ask questions

ok, allow me to start from the begining.
im 17 years old now, and I`m playing the piano for the last few years, and for about an year also the guitar, and the thing is that I`ve come to realise that i like it that much(the guitar, i love!! the piano). and i really want to play the saxophone. and there a few things I would like to ask.

what are the differences bitween alto sax and tenor sax(if you can a link to an article would be great)?

what are the prices for beginner saxophones?

what should i prefer, to start with a teacher right away or to investigate a bit by myself before taking a teacher?

well, thats all i thing, thanks!!

i only noe
alto sounds higher than tenor.

i only noe
alto sounds higher than tenor.

Well i`m 16 now and I`ve played 5 years Alto Sax and 1 year Tenor Sax. I recommend you start with Alto to learn all the techniques (which can sometimes be tricky) and that you switch to Tenor later (the sound is much warmer, there`s more love in a Tenor Sax). At least that is what I think is right ...

- Enric

COOL, thanks.. tommorow first thing in the morning im gonna go to the music store, sell my guitar and buy an alto sax..

BTW, can you explain the differences bitween the two kinds? alto and tenor that is. and the different key in alto sax?

thanks again

Amit

Alto is basically smaller than a Tenor. Also, a C played on a piano
sounds like an Eb on an Alto Sax and it also sounds like a Bb on a
Tenor Sax. Well I guess that`s it ...

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Did you buy your horn yet? If not, then wait. Rent first. Before buying always get a player to check it out - even if it`s new. I play tenor. For 15 years it`s been the love of my life. I don`t really like the alto. Try them both and see what you prefer. Good tenor players include: John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Dexter Gordon, SonnyRollins, Joshua Redman, etc. Good alto players include Charlie Parker, Lee Konitz, Cannonball Adderly, Kenny Garret, etc.
The sax is a beast for tone in the beginning. Practice and you`ll sound good in a few months. Good luck.

yeah.. i did get my sax, an alto sax, used.
i realise it might have been a mistake, but i was relly eager to get it. I got a little disaponited though, seince getting the instrument was much easyer than getting a teacher, its been a few weeks now that i have a sax, yet i cant play cause still havent found a teacher..
but its ok, ironically now I`m not hurrying anywhere.
anyway, mistakes are the best way to learn, and this is not such a bad mistake. In the worst case I`ve lost some money.

thanks for the response. I`ll be smarter in the future

Hey, don`t be despondent!! It`s your first instrument in hopefully a lifetime of playing. My partner surprised me with a student tenor on Christmas day - I`d never played a note before but I`m not troubled by those who say you should start on alto , etc etc. Tenor is what I`ve always wanted and what I`m absolutely loving getting to know. If you`re passionate about playing and prepared to put in the hours, you`ll do fine.

I`m lucky enough to have friend (alto) who can help me on embouchure and tone to get me started, but I got going on Christmas Day - sounded "unusual" but I was grinning anyway. Until you find a teacher, you could have a look on the net - I found www.saxlessons.com really helpful and encouraging. Also good are www.ryanfraser.com and http://www.bobrk.com/saxfaq/

Happy saxing!!

Im not disapointed. i know what i bought. im waiting, no hurry.

I`ve been to those sites already, and i can play some tone but thats it.
and there is alot more that i dont know, esspecially how to keep and take care of the instruments and part..