Need a good, full, well-rounded description of different saxes: experts?

[yz125racr10]

I am a beginner trying to get into playing the sax and have been searching threads tirelessly for info and advice on Altos and Tenors. I am trying to decide which I should start off on. I've heard so much conflicting info on what's easier, what's different, etc. So... What is the better type for a beginner? Why is it better? What is easier and why? What is more popular and in what type of situations is each type played? I just need some good all around information on which is better for a beginner to take up and why.... Can someone please give me some good advice? Thanks.

[cleger]

Motocrosser eh?

There is no right answer to this. Most people start on alto because they are generally easier to find used and don't require large lung capacity. Tenor would be next most popular, slightly larger horn but no reason that an average person couldn't learn on it (I am). Soprano is apparantly tough to learn (hard to get proper intonation) and isn't generally recommended as a first horn, but people have learned on it, let alone the fact that they are generally more expensive. Baritone would be the most expensive to buy of the common saxophones so isn't generally used as a first horn.

I made the choice to start with tenor because I preferred the sound of tenor over any of the other horns. That's where I would start is figuring out what you want to sound like then see if it's practical.

[Sigmund451]

Learning tenor or alto makes litte difference unless your a small child...then the size of the tenor can be a bit of a challenge. Choose what you like... the sound that led to your desire to play. When you know what sound you want to someday make (tenor vs alto), come back with a budget in mind and there will be plenty of excellent advice to be had. Welcome to the wonderful world of sax. (looks like Cleger and I posted at the same time lol)

[yz125racr10]

Sounds good, can anyone recommend two online sources... 1 good example of an alto sound (song, solo, jam) and a good example of the sound of a tenor? Thanks

[Sigmund451]

That wont do it, go to the library and get some cds of tenor and alto players. Should be plenty in the Jazz section, spend some time there. This decision requires more consideration than a sound bite. Especially if you are at all serious about this pursuit.

Tenor:

Dexter Gordon
Sonny Rollins
John Coltrane (most of the time tenor)
Stan Getz
Gene Amons
Bob Berg
Michael Brecker
...and a whole bunch more

Alto:
Charlie Parker (of course)
Paul Desmond (Brubecks band most the time)
Cannonball Adderly

James Carter plays both as a lot do.

Alto players ...help me out...I cant think of others off hand (sorry)

You can also check the page on this site where players post samples.

[gary]

Alto players ...help me out...I cant think of others off hand

Art Pepper
Kenny Garrett
Benny Carter
Ornette Coleman
Phil Woods
David Sandborn
Arno Bornkamp
John Sampen
Donald Sinta

[Dave Dolson]

Alto = Johnny Hodges

Tenor = Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Ben Webster

Soprano = Sidney Bechet, Bob Wilbur, Johnny Hodges

These guys play something even non-jazzers may appreciate (not that others can't/didn't, but I personally find most modern jazzers to be unlistenable; don't bag on me - it is my opinion). DAVE

[Flower Power]

A nice online ressource to the different sounds:

Saxophone Sounds
(It's in German, but should be no problem.)

Gretings
Flower Power

[CrazyMusician]

My suggested listenings, and sorry if I repeat anyone as I know I will be in some cases Some are just too obvious..

Alto:
Greg Osby
Phil Woods
Kenny Garrett
Steve Coleman
Art Pepper
Charlier Parker

Tenor:
Joe Lovano
Michael Brecker
Sonny Rollins
Wayne Shorter
Stan Getz
John Coltrane