As one of the youngest musical instruments, the history of the saxophone doesn’t go too far back. But in its relatively short life so far, it’s done well to become one of the most popular instruments in the world.
You’ll find it in school jazz bands, occasionally in a classical orchestra, and on the stages of pop artists in front of tens of thousands of audience members. It really is a versatile instrument!
In this post, we’re going to look at some interesting facts about the saxophone to help you learn a bit more about this instrument and uncover what makes it so popular.
1. Its Creator Almost Didn’t Make it
Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, moved to Paris in 1842 and got a patent for his creation in 1846. His journey to this achievement was amazing, given his many close encounters with death from a young age.
At age three, he fell down three flights of stairs and was in a coma for a week. Later, a falling slate tile hit his head, causing another coma. At 10, Sax was found unconscious in a river but woke up hours later. He also fell onto a burning stove near a gunpowder container, which exploded.
He had more accidents though, including falls from heights and ingesting poison three times. It’s incredible that Sax survived all these ordeals and went on to achieve great success in music!
2. Its Premier May Have Been Audio Only
While it’s not known when Adolphe Sax first introduced the world to the saxophone, an early performance at the 1844 Paris Industrial Exhibition is clearly documented.
Sax played a solo for his audience from behind a curtain! He hadn’t registered the instrument yet and was afraid others would copy his design.
3. There Once Were 14 Different Saxophones
Adolphe Sax was the son of an instrument maker and was quite good at it himself. His version of a bass clarinet was so impressive that he was introduced to many other instrument makers in Paris, building his credibility.
He invented several different instruments, including the saxhorn, a type of valved bugle that was the bedrock for the modern euphonium. Never short on ideas, Sax invented 14 different types of saxophone himself.
4. The Saxophone Family Has A Huge Range
The four standard saxophones are the Bb soprano, Eb alto, Bb tenor, and Eb baritone (more commonly called a bari).
The largest standard sax produced commercially is the contrabass. At 6’4” and 45 pounds, the instrument sounds an octave lower than the baritone sax.
Sax made plans for the largest saxophone playable by one person — the subcontrabass sax — which wasn’t physically built until 2013.
The smallest saxophone, at 12” high and sounding an octave above the Bb soprano, is the sopranissimo.
5. There Was A Conspiracy Against The Sax
Adolphe Sax tried to enter his saxophones in the Belgian National Exhibition when he was young. Though his saxophones were recommended for the gold medal several times, he never won because the committee thought he was too young.
In 1841, at age 27, he entered an instrument, possibly the modern alto sax. It was a favorite to win, but a competitor kicked it, damaging it too much to be considered.
As Sax became popular in France, competitors tried to ruin him. They sued him, wrote bad articles about him, and organized boycotts of his instruments.
These competitors eventually formed the United Association of Instrument Makers. They sent saxophones to foreign makers to remove Sax’s markings and rebrand them, claiming his patent was fake.
It was clear they were jealous of Sax’s success, and many started making their own saxophones once his patents expired.
6. It’s The Only Woodwind That Was Never Made Of Wood
The saxophone has a body made of brass, but it’s played with a single reed, which classifies it as a woodwind.
Flutes are also made of brass alloys, but the instrument was originally made of wood. Clarinets, oboes, and bassoons are all still made of wood.
7. It Has A Dynamic Personality
The saxophone is a mix of brass and woodwind instruments, combining characteristics of both in its sound. It has a wide range and versatility, making it important in many ensembles.
Saxophones are best known in jazz bands, where soloists can stand out and sections can support other instruments. They’re also widely used in concert bands, marching bands, military bands, and saxophone-only groups.
Though it’s a relatively new instrument and not often found in orchestras or classical pieces, some classical French composers like Jacques Ibert, Hector Berlioz, and Jean-Marie Londeix wrote beautiful music for the saxophone.
8. It Gained Popularity in Military Bands
In the early 1800s, French military music was declining in quality and popularity. To help bolster its success, the French government created a competition for instrument inventors.
In April of 1845, 20,000 people gathered to hear the finalists. Two bands comprised of various instruments performed the same works, and the band with Sax’s instruments won overwhelmingly.
In August, the French military awarded Sax with a contract for his instruments.
9. The Sax Is Related To The Clarinet
The saxophone and clarinet share several fingerings, but the saxophone’s fingerings are much easier to learn.
The clarinet has a register key that raises the pitch of a note by a twelfth; this means that a clarinetist has to learn different fingerings for notes in high and low octaves.
All saxophones have an octave key; meaning, fingerings for most notes are the same in different octaves.
10. There Are Many Famous Saxophonists
There are quite a lot of people who have played saxophone, including many celebrities. US President Bill Clinton started playing saxophone at age nine.
British comedian Hugh Laurie may be more well-known now as a pianist than a sax player, but he and his son both play the sax too!
Bob Hope sometimes played the saxophone in his comedy acts. Cricket captain Alastair Cook played a solo for the soundtrack of a BBC series.
11. The Sax Has A Lot Of Keys
Saxophones have six parts (reed, ligature, mouthpiece, neck strap, neck, and body), but the only part with keys is the body. Most saxes have 22 keys, though some beginner models might only have twenty.
The left hand, placed at the top of the body, controls 13 keys; and the right hand, placed closer to the bottom, controls 9. Bari saxophones often have a low A key, bringing their total to 23.
12. Reeds Are Made From An Invasive Species
Saxophone reeds are made from a plant called giant cane. Its Latin name is Arundo donax.
The plant can grow up to 10 centimeters per day, making it one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. It is considered an invasive species in many countries outside of Asia.
13. Brass Isn’t All!
Most saxophones are made of brass, but you can also find saxes made of many different materials.
Sterling silver saxophones are sometimes a favorite, but the instrument must be cleaned and polished frequently to prevent tarnishing. Other metal saxes are made of copper or bronze.
There are also manufacturers experimenting with non-metal saxes made of acrylic or polycarbonate.
Summing Up Our Facts About The Saxophone
That sums up our post about some of the interesting saxophone facts we know. We hope you found these fun facts about the instrument interesting and that you learned something new about it!
From its unique history to its versatile sound, the saxophone has a lot to offer. So whether you’re an experienced player or just curious, dive into the world of the saxophone and enjoy the music it brings!
