The Saxophone Family
Adolphe Sax has made about fourteen saxophones which were divided into seven different types: sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass, and contrabass. The ones that were pitched in F and C were originally meant to be in orchestra's, and those that were pitched in Eb and Bb were for bands. Only four of the saxophones are most common today ( soprano, alto, tenor, baritone).
Bb Soprano Saxophone
The soprano saxophone is one of the four most common saxophones today. It has a straight conical tube just like the smaller sopranino. The soprano saxophone is used in jazz bands as a melody instrument with the clarinet and trumpet. This sax is the second highest pitched in the saxophone family and it has the same/similar key work to the rest too. Sometimes the soprano saxophone has a slightly curved neck and some manufacturers include a straight and a curved neck in the case of a soprano sax. The soprano saxophone resembles the clarinet and often plays similar parts or the same part as the clarinet in a band. The main difference between the soprano saxophone and the clarinet is that it produces a louder more penetrating sound at the higher end of a scale. Also it sometimes plays parts the oboe would play because of its similar tone. This saxophone may be seen in jazz bands, military bands, chamber groups (quartets)
Eb Alto Saxophone
The alto sax is the second smallest in the four most common saxophones, it is larger than the soprano but smaller than the tenor. It shares the same upturned bell characteristics as the baritone and tenor, and is usually played in the front of the saxophonist. The small size of the alto and the easy ability to make a sound is why many beginners are inclined to choose this saxophone as their instrument. Therefore, it is one of the top choices for a beginner. The alto saxophone is very common among different bands today. For instance, you may see it in jazz bands, swing bands, marching bands, military bands, chamber groups (quartets), and rock and roll bands. In fact, this saxophone has been involved in the evolution of jazz.
Bb Tenor Saxophone
The second largest saxophone in the four most common is the tenor saxophone. This saxophone is very similar to the alto except the fact that it has a curved neck and is larger. It also shares the iconic curved shape of most saxophones (except the soprano and sopranino). The tenor saxophone requires more air than the alto sax but less than the baritone. This is also one of the saxophone choices that are better for beginners. With a tenor saxophone you play it on the side just like the baritone saxophone. You will see a tenor saxophone most times in bands that contain saxophones (military bands, jazz bands, swing bands, and saxophone quartets). Often in concert bands it plays the melody line, but there are a few exceptions. In jazz bands, tenor saxes are often referred to as "Jazz Tenor's" as they are commonly featured in elaborate solos.
Eb Baritone Saxophone
This large saxophone is also in the four most common saxophones today. It is usually known as the " Bari Sax" and it weighs 6-7 kilograms! That's right 6-7kgs! The reed is twice the size of an alto's and the Bari sax is often held in a harness. It is more popular in classical music than orchestral music, and you may often see it in military bands. It often plays the bass line in a band.
Saxophones that are rarely made
Sopranino Saxophone
Curved Soprano Saxophone
Bass Saxophone
Contrabass Saxophone
Sub contrabass Saxophone