The soprano saxophone is not as widely used as the alto and tenor saxophones. Nevertheless, it still comes in the top four as one of the most commonly used saxophones. The other is the baritone saxophone.
The soprano saxophone is pitched in the key of B-Flat and plays an octave above the tenor saxophone. Some sopranos are pitched in the key of C, but they are not very common.
In the mid thirties curved sopranos were very common. That has changed. Most sopranos are either straight, or straight with a slight bend in the neck or bell. Sometimes both the neck and bell are slightly bent. Perhaps it’s their straight nature that give them such a clarinet or oboe-like quality. Curved saxophones tend to have a richer, more “saxophone-like” quality.
soprano saxophone
If you are a beginner, the soprano sax may not be the best instrument to learn on. It is generally considered to be one of the most difficult saxophones to learn and master. You’d be better off starting with an alto saxophone. But for more advanced players, if you have not given much thought to this instrument you certainly should. You will have lots of fun with it.
It is particularly popular in Jazz music. Popular players include Jazz musicians like Sidney Bechet, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, and Joe Farrell. They also include smooth Jazz saxophonists like Kenny G and Dave Koz.
Learn about other types of saxophones, like the alto, tenor and baritone.