Klarinet Archive - Posting 000340.txt from 1994/02

From: Cary Karp <nrm-karp@-----.SE>
Subj: Re: F and C saxophones
Date: Wed, 23 Feb 1994 08:50:57 -0500

On Tue, 22 Feb 1994, Michael B. Favreau wrote:

> Cary,
>
> Any comments on the F alto? Cary and I differ a little in opinion but,
> it is my understanding that saxes were alternately pitched in C/F and Bb/Eb
> with the former being designed for orchestral playing and the latter being
> designed for military band playing. Watch out for them regarding pitch,
> they're pretty old.

Sax's initial idea was, indeed, for there to be an Eb/Bb set for wind
band use and an F/C set for orchestral use. This notion seems to have
been pretty much stillborn but U.S. manufacturers dusted it off during
the 1910's and 20's. C-sopranos and C-tenors from this period are still
pretty easy to come by but F-altos are quite rare. It's no surprise that
Jordan was asked to try and obtain the thing on behalf of several of us.
These instruments are eagerly sought by collectors.

The big problem with both F and C instruments is that appropriate
mouthpieces can be very difficult to locate. Substituting the closest Eb
or Bb mouthpiece rarely provides adequate results, contributing, perhaps
unfairly, to the bad reputation that these horns have. Mouthpieces for
C-tenors ("C melody") saxophones are in current production and several
vaudeville saxophone revivalists have released recordings of the highest
musical quality. The most prominent of these is probably Leo van Oostrom.

If anyone is curious about the historical item, listen to Frank
Trumbauer's recordings on the C-melody. He played with Bix Beiderbecke
and recordings featuring his virtuoso hijinks are therefore quite easy to
find. I don't know of any evidence for the other F and C saxophones
having had any significant musical impact.