A pocket saxophone is a two-octave woodwind instrument that is small, lightweight, and inexpensive. The pocket-sized instrument has the appearance of a small clarinet without the keys. Musically, the small instrument imitates the tenor saxophone’s rich, deep, and vibrant sounds.
The pocket saxophone can produce subtle musical shadings as well as the vibrant power of a larger instrument. It has the same intonation as the much larger tenor sax and can play in a two-octave chromatic scale. The pocket saxophone, unlike the tenor sax, can only play in the key of “C.” Surprisingly, this instrument plays two octaves lower than similar-sized flutes.
In comparison to the 23 keys on a tenor saxophone, the pocket saxophone only has nine note-producing openings. The pocket instrument’s keyless appearance appeals to beginners who might otherwise be intimidated by the many keys of a clarinet or saxophone. The mouthpiece, which contains a reed and ligature, is attached to the slim and keyless body of the small woodwind instrument, similar to a tenor sax.
The small instrument has proven to be a portable, easy-to-use, and inexpensive saxophone or clarinet alternative for both experienced and inexperienced musicians. The small instrument, unlike the much larger saxophones, is less than 13 inches (33 cm) in total length, compared to the tenor saxophone’s 32 inches (81.3 cm). The pocket saxophone is even smaller than the clarinet, which measures 26 inches (66 cm).
Another advantage of this small instrument is its lighter weight, which allows for greater portability. The durable lightweight injection-molded-plastic material used to make a pocket saxophone weighs about 3 ounces (85 grams). Because of its small size and weight, the pocket saxophone can easily be carried or stored in a backpack or large purse.
This instrument is not only simple to use and transport, but it is also very inexpensive. The final price will be determined by availability, model, and market conditions. New pocket instruments can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 USD (USD).
Pocket saxophones are similar to bamboo saxophones in terms of size, price, and appearance. The casing material and the key are the two most noticeable differences between the two types. Bamboo saxophones are mostly made of the wood that gives the instrument its name, but they can also be made of other types of wood. The bamboo saxophone, unlike the pocket saxophone, can play in three keys: C, B flat, and D. The bamboo saxophone is slightly more expensive than the pocket saxophone.