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There have been many changes to saxes over the years. The most notable changes are the extension of the range. The lowest note on most early saxes was B natural. The bell was extended and an additional key added to provide a Bb. Baritone saxes now often go down to A. At the top end, early saxes only had keys to high F. Most modern saxes have high F# keys.

Very early saxes had two octave keys, while by 1920, just about every sax had a single octave key that toggles automatically between two keyholes.

Other changes involve the size and shape of the bore, improved octave mechanisms, articulated G# keys, and changes in the pinky clusters that make the mechanism easier to operate. Those are harder to recognize and are not as important to amateur players.

Finally, there's the change in finishes. Engraving got more and more intricate through the 1950's after which cost saving became more important. Most early saxes were silver plated, but as better lacquers became available, lacquered brass became the standard.

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11y ago

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