Chloe Zhang
There are many reasons why someone might clip plastic to their saxophone. Some saxophonists opt for plastic mouthpieces, resonator pads, or guards to achieve a different sound or tone. Plastic is also used to protect the saxophone from damage, especially in the bow and bell, which are the parts of the instrument that experience most knocks. Plastic is also used to prevent the metal clank when a key is pressed. Some companies even make plastic saxophones, which are cheaper and good for beginners or outdoor use.
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic mouthpieces are lighter than metal ones, reducing the risk of damage to the saxophone's neck
- Plastic is durable and weather-resistant, making it a good choice for outdoor performances
- Plastic parts can be used to change the sound of a saxophone, making it darker or brighter
- Plastic saxophones are cheaper than brass ones, making them a good option for beginners
- Yamaha's Venova plastic saxophone won Japan's Good Design Award in 2017
Plastic mouthpieces are lighter than metal ones, reducing the risk of damage to the saxophone's neck
Plastic mouthpieces on saxophones are a topic of interest and discussion among saxophone players and enthusiasts. Some believe that the material used for the mouthpiece, whether it be metal, hard rubber, or plastic, can impact the sound and playability of the instrument.
While the mouthpiece does vibrate to some degree, it does not have a direct impact on the projection of sound. However, a common stigma suggests that a metal mouthpiece will produce a brighter sound compared to a hard rubber or plastic one. This perception may be influenced by the visual appeal of a shiny metal mouthpiece.
It is important to consider the weight of the mouthpiece, as a heavy metal mouthpiece could potentially damage the neck of the saxophone. Plastic mouthpieces are lighter than metal ones, reducing the risk of damage to the saxophone's neck. This makes plastic a more suitable material choice for mouthpieces, especially for larger saxophones.
Additionally, plastic mouthpieces can be designed with specific profiles, such as a smaller beak profile, which requires the player to change their embouchure and tighten their airflow, resulting in a brighter sound. The use of plastic also allows for innovative designs, as seen with the Yamaha Venova, a plastic tube that can produce a sound similar to a saxophone by utilizing a "split pipe" design.
Overall, plastic mouthpieces offer advantages in terms of weight, durability, and design possibilities, making them a popular choice for saxophone players looking to protect their instrument while also achieving their desired sound.
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Plastic is durable and weather-resistant, making it a good choice for outdoor performances
Plastic is a popular material for musical instruments designed for outdoor use. For example, plastic clarinets have been around for a long time, and plastic saxophones are marketed for outside use and marching bands. The Yamaha Sousaphone, for instance, has an ABS bell and a fibre-reinforced plastic body.
Plastic is a good choice for outdoor performances because it is durable and weather-resistant. Plastic is a lightweight yet strong material, and it is also easy to manufacture. This makes it a cost-effective choice for outdoor instruments, which may be more prone to damage from knocks and bumps.
While plastic instruments may be more durable, they can also be more prone to damage in other ways. For example, plastic saxophones may be more likely to break than their metal counterparts. Plastic is also a less expensive material, which may make it a more attractive option for those on a budget.
In addition to its durability, plastic is also a good choice for outdoor performances because it is weather-resistant. This means that it can withstand changes in temperature and humidity better than some other materials. This is especially important for outdoor performances, where the weather can be unpredictable.
The weather-resistance of plastic also has acoustic benefits. For example, the material can decrease the soft surface area within the bore of a saxophone, which can muffle the tone. This can result in a brighter sound, which some players prefer.
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Plastic parts can be used to change the sound of a saxophone, making it darker or brighter
Plastic parts on a saxophone can be used to change the sound of the instrument, making it darker or brighter. While the mouthpiece does vibrate to some degree, this does not affect the projection of the sound. Instead, the shape of the mouthpiece affects the sound. For example, a smaller beak profile on a metal mouthpiece requires a different embouchure, tightening things up and speeding up the airflow, resulting in a brighter sound.
The material of the saxophone can also influence its sound. Yamaha's Venova, for instance, is a plastic tube that reproduces the sound of a saxophone. This is achieved through a "split pipe" model, where the waveform of a conical saxophone body is replicated by two straight tubes in a "split pipe" design. This design won the top Grand Award in Japan's Good Design Award competition in 2017.
Some saxophone players opt for plastic parts to achieve a darker sound. One saxophonist, for instance, requested that their Zephyr bari be repadded with plastic domed resos, resulting in a darker sound and better projection. Another saxophonist considered switching out their metal resonator pads for plastic to achieve a less bright sound.
In addition to influencing sound, plastic parts are also used for their durability and ease of repair. For example, plastic thumb rests are more durable than their metal counterparts, which are prone to damage.
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Plastic saxophones are cheaper than brass ones, making them a good option for beginners
The saxophone, a single-reed woodwind instrument with a conical body, was designed in the 1840s by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian instrument maker. The saxophone is usually made of brass, but plastic versions are also available. These plastic saxophones are cheaper than their brass counterparts, making them a good option for beginners.
Plastic saxophones, such as the pTrumpet or pBone, are marketed towards entry-level players. While they may not be suitable for band concerts, they are a fun and inexpensive option for those interested in music. These instruments are durable and decent quality, providing an opportunity for beginners to explore and develop their interest in playing the saxophone.
The affordability of plastic saxophones is a significant advantage, especially for those who are just starting out. The reduced cost can make the instrument more accessible to a wider range of individuals, fostering a passion for music and encouraging exploration. Additionally, plastic saxophones can be ideal for outdoor use, such as during marching band performances, as they are lightweight and weather-resistant.
While brass saxophones are traditionally associated with superior sound quality, plastic saxophones have evolved to offer improved playability and durability. The use of composites, for instance, results in instruments that are both light and strong. Moreover, plastic mouthpieces are often prototyped using 3D printing technology, ensuring consistency in design across different materials. This allows players to experience the same mouthpiece in various materials, such as plastic, hard rubber, or brass, and make informed decisions based on their preferences.
In conclusion, plastic saxophones offer a cost-effective and durable alternative to traditional brass instruments. Their affordability, coupled with their lightweight and weather-resistant properties, makes them an attractive option for beginners. Plastic saxophones empower aspiring musicians to develop their skills, cultivate their passion for music, and make informed choices about their instruments as they progress in their musical journey.
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Yamaha's Venova plastic saxophone won Japan's Good Design Award in 2017
The use of plastic in saxophone design is not new. Some Yamaha sousaphones, for example, have an ABS bell and fibre-reinforced plastic body, in addition to a brass valve section. Plastic is chosen for its lightness, weather resistance, durability, ease of manufacture, and accuracy of the bore. Plastic is also used in premium saxophones, such as the Lignatone Baritone and Kohler tenor, which feature plastic guards and stack covers.
While there is a stigma associated with plastic mouthpieces producing a brighter sound, this is likely due to their shiny appearance. In reality, the brightness of the sound is more dependent on the profile of the mouthpiece. A smaller beak profile requires a tighter embouchure, which speeds up airflow and results in a brighter sound. This is why most companies style their metal mouthpieces with a smaller profile.
Plastic instruments, such as the ptrumpet and pbone, are marketed as entry-level instruments but are actually meant for outdoor use and goofing around. They are decent quality and sound good, providing a fun and cheap option for those interested in music.
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Frequently asked questions
Clipping plastic to your saxophone can help to get rid of the metal "clank" when the keys are pressed.
The plastic you should clip to your saxophone is called a plastic resonator pad.
Plastic resonator pads decrease the area of soft surface within the bore, which 'muffles' the tone.
Some alternatives to plastic resonator pads are metal resonator pads and hard rubber resonator pads.
