October 25, 2009
-
The big fuss-of-a-decision
Soprano Sax
or 
Alto Clarinet?
There have been two instruments I’ve always wanted since I was fifteen. The only things stopping me then was age, money, credit cards (for PayPal access) and Malaysia (of which eBay sellers do not usually post to). Now the barriers are no more! Before leaving Australia, I intend to buy one of the following instruments:Soprano Saxophone ($399)
It is the same instrument Kenny G plays (although he plays all the sax’s, the soprano’s the one you hear him play most of the time) and fully made of brass despite being a woodwind instrument. It is a hundred bucks cheaper than the alto clarinet. This is how it sounds like – Soprano Saxophone.Alto Clarinet ($499)
A nice sleek variation from the regular Bb Clarinet’s, it features a metallic bell and joint much like an alto saxophone. As far as I know, NO ONE in Malaysia has one (unless you go to the MPO or something), which makes owning one uber cool. The alto clarinet sounds like this – Alto Clarinet. Note, that it does sound similar to a Bb Clarinet but the punch-notes which define this instrument are at the end of the clip.If I own a bank, I’d like to have both of them, and I probably would someday.. eventually. But my parents will probably nag me down for getting even just one of them, two for murder. Hence for now, I’d like to buy one and take advantage of the tax reclaims when I leave Australia (you can claim back GST at the airport if you spend $300 or more on a single receipt). The prices above are much cheaper than any listed price one can find back in Malaysia. But my love for both instruments makes it so difficult to decide! I’d appreciate any insight people can give =)
By the way, this is me NOT hinting for a birthday present.
Comments (8)
Er, I don’t think Mum and Dad would mind you buying either one as long as you use it and not just leave it in a corner to collect dust. And besides, if you still have extra money left in your account in Aus, use it la – it’s your own money what. But you can always call Dad to ask him for an opinion on which one to buy, that’s what I always do.
I personally prefer Soprano Sax. Buy it!
alto clarinet…if you were buying an alto sax then that wld be my first choice, but since it’s soprano, go for the clarinet. and aren’t you more adept with the clarinet than sax?
@lynette - didn’t list the alto cause I can just borrow/steal from my BB band. The other two instruments i want not popular for a marching band so they don’t buy. Actually I play both. But you’re right, so far I’m more inclined to the alto clarinet.
@Jason_BlueLife - Thanks for the suggestion Jason! But still undecided. You send me some US currency then I can buy both =P. Hope it’s going well in the States!
Hmm… alto clarinet is much rarer than soprano sax but soprano sax looks nicer, more portable and more recognizable.
Actually, Kuen Cheng Girls School’s orchestra has a few alto clarinets… so it ain’t totally rare outside MPO… =P
If I had the choice I’d go for soprano sax …
@riddleflake - Size not an issue. It wont leave the house.. unless I feel like showing off on rare occasions. KC has? You sure? Their concert booklet doesn’t say leh. Not the contra alto – which is more common and the size of a tenor sax, maybe even bigger. But aiya. Either way, the alto clarinet still looks damn sexy. But so is the soprano sax. So – stuck. Lolz.
i’m getting a soprano sax go be special and get the alto clarinet lol yeah KC has alto clarinet they use it even in the marching band.
@kennylowZ - Lol. Yeah, might just do that. Nice hearing from you again Low Kent. It’s been awhile!