It’s all of it. There’s no key on the sax for ‘hard’ etc. but the material, design and bore make a certain sound more likely. The mouthpiece material and shape helps even more. The strength of the reed helps make a hard, soft, full, airy tone etc. And the player, with his or her breathing, approach, experience and skill controls all of it. Paul Desmond and Charlie Parker and David Sanborn could exchange saxes and you would still instantly recognize who is playing. It’s everything, but mostly the player.

And then there’s alto like Baker Street, and tenor like 50’s rock bands, and ...


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