99% Invisible Sax Appeal
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Dec 16, 2025 
Jay Coburn, a keen reporter and storyteller, dives into the captivating saga of the saxophone, tracing its origins from the inventive mind of Adolphe Sax to its electrifying presence in jazz. He unpacks how Sax's genius melded brass and woodwind, leading to a musical revolution. The saxophone became a symbol of rebellion in Black American culture, despite facing political backlash. Listeners are treated to unique sax sounds, including a massive subcontrabass and a quirky three-sax novelty. Coburn highlights its emotional depth, versatility, and enduring legacy.
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Perilous Childhood, Musical Apprenticeship
- Adolf Sax survived a perilous childhood full of accidents and near-death incidents.
- He apprenticed in his father's instrument shop and became a skilled maker and performer.
Making Instrument Design Scientific
- Sax applied acoustical science to woodwind design, improving tuning and ensemble harmony.
- His bass clarinet redesign influenced the modern orchestral bass clarinet shape still used today.
Paris Experiments And The Sax Patent
- In Paris Sax developed sax horns and saxotrombas and patented a family of saxophones in 1846.
- The lineup included an S-shaped instrument with a reed mouthpiece designed for marching and power.