How to Design an Alto Saxophone

Creating your own alto saxophone requires designing for the appropriate playing level.

Alto saxophone is a type of woodwind instrument that makes sounds out of air blown into long tube. It consists of a mouthpiece, neck (long curvy part), bell (opening) and keys (on top of the neck). An alto saxophone requires less air than other larger types of saxophones such as tenor or baritone, thus making it a popular choice for children and beginners. Designing a saxophone involves researching and completing the appropriate neck, bell area, keys and mouthpiece based on the type of player -- beginner, intermediate or professional. Musical instrument vendors supply parts and materials needed to assemble your own saxophone.

Instructions

1. Determine the overall weight desired for the saxophone. For young children, students and beginners, the saxophone should be light and portable. The saxophone should also be made of a durable, lightweight aluminum instead of heavier-weight brass that a professional would use.

2. Choose a "free blowing" saxophone body for a beginner. The saxophone needs to be able to have air flow through it in a free manner. As opposed to their professional counterparts, free-blowing saxophones for beginners are easier to play and won't tire the player out from blowing hard. Also, consider the curvature depth of the saxophone body (neck) and the overall diameter. Players with smaller hands need a saxophone body that is smaller in circumference. Use the measurements of saxophones used by different players as a benchmark. Talk to music store employees and to music teachers to get more information.

3. Consider the dimensions of the neck (long part with keys on top). For young saxophone players, the neck is shorter so that the keys are closer together and easier to reach. Also, research the width of the bell area (opening at the bottom of the neck). The width of the bell area changes the sound of the saxophone. For younger and beginner players, choose a bell that is not too wide or heavy.

4. Choose sturdy, strong keys to place on top of the saxophone's neck. Purchase pre-made keys made of nickel plating that are lightweight and suitable for children, students and beginners. If you assemble your own saxophone, make sure that there is no air leakage and that the keys are positioned tightly onto the neck of the saxophone.

5. Design the mouthpiece for the saxophone. The mouthpiece is a plastic piece that holds the wooden reed into place. The mouthpiece should extend out slightly and on a tilt from the top of the neck. It should be removable and lightweight. Mouthpieces must also be sturdy or else they will be prone to cracking. Purchase a medium ligature recommended for the type of player. The ligature is typically a metal ring that holds the reed onto the bottom of the mouthpiece. Vendors such as Mouthpiece Express and Jody Jazz specialize in saxophone mouthpieces.

Tips & Warnings

• After choosing the most suitable parts of your saxophone, assemble the saxophone on your own or consult with a professional instrument store or professional. The Alto Sax Site at: http://www.altosaxophone.us/alto_sax_assembly.html has advice on assembling a saxophone.

References

• World of Saxophones: Saxophone Designs
• The International Saxophone
• Saxophone: The Saxophone Buyer's Guide 2000
• Taming the Saxophone: All About Mouthpieces
• Saxpics: Saxophone Construction
• "The Cambridge Companion to the Saxophone"; Ingham, R.;1999