Sopranino Saxophone

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The sopranino saxophone is the second smallest saxophone in the saxophone family, fitting between the soprano saxophone and the very small soprillo saxophone. The sopranino saxophone is a straight cylindrical aerophone like much of the highest ranging saxophones created by Adolphe Sax but the sweet high range of the sopranino in Eb is difficult to play and is rare unless being used in addition to other saxophones.

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History of the Sopranino Saxophone

The sopranino saxophone is a member of the saxophone family which bears the unique history of having all been invented by one person, the father of the saxophone, Adolphe Sax. In the 17th century, The Serpent was the most common wind brass instrument ancestor which later developed into the ophicleide (invented by Jean Hilaire Aste). These mid-century designs gave way to the invention of piston-valve based instruments in the 18th century, that have become the foundation of modern brass instruments. The saxophone, however, is not a brass instrument as it has a wooden reed which makes it a woodwind instrument. Belgian inventor Adolphe Sax patented the saxophone and its 14 variations in Paris during a boom that also saw the invention of the euphonium and bass tuba. Sax wanted to create a hybrid that was made of brass but had the soothing sound of woodwind instruments. The sopranino saxophone is one of the least common saxophones and was not adopted by popular music like its tenor and alto counterparts, however it continues to be mass produced today.

Inventor: Adolphe Sax

Where to Buy

£500 - £11,000

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How to Play

Just like many of the other high-pitched, the sopranino saxophone is known to be difficult to play, it is roughly two thirds of the size of a soprano saxophone.

In Popular Music

Sopranino saxophones are uncommon in popular music though they may have been used in 'Gaucho' by American rock band Steely Dan that features several saxophone sounds. Also 'A Change Is Gonna Come' by Sam Cooke.