Everything About the Saxophone

The first accessible, complete book about the saxophone in English

Surprisingly little has been written about the saxophone for a general audience. There are a number of academic works, but an accessible and complete book for the player who wants to know more than their lesson book tells them did not exist. Until now.

Everything about the Saxophone tells the story of one of the world's most beloved instruments - from Adolphe Sax in his Parisian workshop in 1840 to the saxophone in the twenty-first century. It explains how the instrument is built, how it produces sound, and what mouthpiece, reed and ligature do. It covers the great names in jazz, daily practice, and the world of the amateur player.

Throughout the book, practical advice is woven in that most players never find anywhere else: on breathing, reed selection, maintenance, intonation, and more. Knowledge that experienced saxophonists spend years picking up - brought together here in one place.

What you will find in this book:

• The history of the saxophone from 1840 to the present day
• How the instrument works: acoustics, mechanics, construction
• Mouthpiece, reed and ligature: what they do and how to choose
• The great saxophonists: from Coleman Hawkins and Charlie Parker to John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Jan Garbarek and Candy Dulfer
• Jazz, classical, wind band and street band: the saxophone in every world
• Practical tips on maintenance, breathing, intonation and reed rotation
• A list of essential recordings for alto, tenor, soprano and baritone saxophone
• Glossary and guide for further reading
• Fingering chart for all saxophones at the back

Who is this book for?

• The amateur saxophonist - alto, tenor, soprano or baritone - who wants to understand what they are doing
• The beginner who wants to know what they are getting into before buying their first saxophone
• The music lover who enjoys jazz but has never played
• Anyone who knows a saxophonist - as a birthday gift, holiday gift, or simply because it is a beautiful book

Different from other music books

Most books about the saxophone are lesson books, sheet music or academic works for conservatory students. This book is none of those. It is written for anyone who wants to know more about the instrument they play or admire - without prior knowledge, without notation, and without it becoming a study. Accessible, rich in facts and anecdotes, and directly useful in practice.

About the author

Martin van den Hout has been playing tenor saxophone for 37 years. He performs in wind orchestras and street bands in the Netherlands. He still plays with great pleasure.

Ideal gift for saxophonists, jazz lovers and music enthusiasts. Suitable for players of alto, tenor, soprano and baritone saxophone.