The saxophone, invented by Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in the early 1840s, quickly became one of the most influential instruments in both classical and jazz music. However, Sax’s initial design was not the only one to take root; several derivative instruments were developed in the years following its invention. These instruments, while often less common than the traditional saxophone, have played important roles in specific musical contexts. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of these early saxophone derivatives, their manufacturers, and their production history.
1. The Saxhorn
Before developing the saxophone, Adolphe Sax created a family of brass instruments called saxhorns in the 1840s. While not technically a saxophone, the saxhorn is often grouped with early saxophone derivatives due to Sax’s role in its creation.
- Manufacturers: The saxhorn was developed and manufactured by Adolphe Sax himself, and was later produced by other manufacturers, particularly in France and England.
- Years in Production: Saxhorns were introduced in the late 1840s and became popular throughout the 19th century. They are still produced today, particularly for use in brass bands.
The saxhorn family consists of instruments of various sizes, similar to the modern brass family, including tenor, baritone, and bass saxhorns. These instruments were praised for their smooth tone and were widely used in military and brass bands across Europe.
2. The Saxotromba
The saxotromba was another brass instrument developed by Adolphe Sax around the same time as the saxhorn, in the early 1840s. The saxotromba was designed to have a brighter and more penetrating tone than the saxhorn and was intended for use in military bands.
- Manufacturers: Like the saxhorn, the saxotromba was initially produced by Adolphe Sax and was later copied by other manufacturers across Europe.
- Years in Production: The saxotromba was produced from the 1840s, but it never gained the same level of popularity as the saxhorn and gradually fell out of favor by the late 19th century.
While the saxotromba did not survive as a mainstream instrument, it played a role in the development of brass instruments during the 19th century, influencing the design of later brass horns and trumpets.
3. The Sarrusophone
The sarrusophone, invented in 1856 by Pierre-Louis Gautrot, was a woodwind instrument that borrowed elements from both the saxophone and the oboe family. The sarrusophone was designed to replace the oboe and bassoon in military bands due to its louder projection.
- Manufacturers: Gautrot’s firm was the primary manufacturer of sarrusophones, though other makers such as Couesnon in France and Orsi in Italy also produced the instrument.
- Years in Production: The sarrusophone was produced from 1856 onward, reaching the height of its popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Production of the sarrusophone continued until the mid-20th century, although the instrument is now rarely seen outside of historical performance contexts.
The sarrusophone family included instruments in various sizes, from soprano to contrabass, similar to the saxophone family. While the instrument found a place in military and wind bands, it never fully replaced the woodwinds it was intended to mimic.
4. The Mellophone
The mellophone is another early brass instrument that, while not directly related to the saxophone, shares some commonalities in terms of design and use. The mellophone was developed as a middle voice instrument, intended to fill the role between the trumpet and French horn in brass ensembles.
- Manufacturers: Early mellophones were produced by a variety of manufacturers, including Conn, Holton, and King in the United States.
- Years in Production: The mellophone was first introduced in the late 19th century and remains in production today, particularly for use in marching bands and drum corps.
Unlike the saxophone, the mellophone uses a brass mouthpiece and has a conical bore, giving it a tone that is more similar to the French horn. Despite its differences, the mellophone is often considered a derivative instrument in the broader family of brass instruments that were developed alongside the saxophone.
5. The Rothphone
The rothphone is a relatively obscure saxophone derivative, designed by Edward Roth in the early 20th century. The instrument was intended to serve as a hybrid between the saxophone and the sarrusophone, with a design that resembled a larger, brass-bodied saxophone but used a double reed like the sarrusophone.
- Manufacturers: Rothphones were manufactured by Edward Roth’s workshop in Germany, though production was limited and never reached mass distribution.
- Years in Production: Rothphones were produced primarily in the early 20th century, around the 1920s. The instrument quickly faded from use and was largely forgotten by the mid-20th century.
The rothphone was used primarily in experimental and avant-garde music, but its unusual design and limited production made it a rarity even during its time. Today, rothphones are considered collectors’ items and are not in regular production.
6. The Conn-O-Sax
One of the most curious saxophone derivatives is the Conn-O-Sax, developed by C.G. Conn in the 1920s. This instrument combined the body of a straight soprano saxophone with a slightly larger bore, allowing it to produce a sound more similar to the English horn.
- Manufacturers: The Conn-O-Sax was produced exclusively by C.G. Conn, a well-known American brass and woodwind manufacturer.
- Years in Production: The Conn-O-Sax was introduced in 1928 but was discontinued by the early 1930s due to lack of demand.
Despite its short production run, the Conn-O-Sax has gained a cult following among saxophone enthusiasts. It was primarily used in experimental and jazz music during its brief existence, but today it is rarely seen outside of private collections.
Final Thoughts
While the saxophone itself remains one of the most popular and widely recognized instruments, these early saxophone derivatives had a significant impact on the development of brass and woodwind instruments in the 19th and 20th centuries. From the saxhorn and saxotromba to the more obscure Conn-O-Sax and rothphone, these instruments reflect the innovation and creativity of manufacturers during the period. Although many of these derivatives are no longer in production, they continue to be of historical interest to musicians and collectors alike.