COMPLETE BEGINNERS GUIDE

The thought of buying a saxophone when you have no idea where to start can fill potential players with dread and lead to you deciding to put off doing something that has been a dream for many years.

Here at the Saxophone Factory we have compiled a foolproof guide to help you decide which route is best for you.

CHRISTMAS PACKAGE

Did watching Julian Smith on 'Britain's Got Talent' make you think that you'd like to start learning to play the coolest instrument on the planet ? This package neatly bundles together everything you'll need to get started.

Reeds From £1 Each

Prestini reeds for £1 for alto and Soprano and only £2 for tenor reeds. Clearance line while limited stocks last. Ideal for schools, teachers or just plain cheap practice reeds !!!

STEVE GOODSON SAXOPHONES---0% Finance Available

The most exciting range of saxophones to hit these shores in years. All created by the worlds leading saxophone designer Steve Goodson. Four ranges of saxophones that redefine excellence to every level of player from the student beginner to the legendary Tom Scott.

Classic Sax

The Saxophone Factory is pleased to offer a real and very rare collectors item, a 1950’s acrylic “Grafton” alto saxophone of which only around 3000 were ever made.

Saxophone history has been remarkably free of developmental detours, a testament to the genius of Adolphe Sax and his original design. One of the more interesting mis-steps was the Grafton saxophone, constructed in England between 1950 and 1967 of acrylic, and utilizing a unique mechanism. Today, these instruments are highly prized by collectors.

The Grafton was developed by Hector Sommaruga, an Italian living in London. The instrument takes its name from the street (Grafton Way) where his shop was initially located in the late 1940’s. The decision to manufacture a saxophone from plastic was based upon the relative cheapness of the material rather than an improvement in tonal characteristics. Provisional patent specifications (#’s 604,407 and 604,418) were applied for on September 14, 1945, and a non-working prototype was first shown in 1946.

The instrument was conceived to have a plastic body, bell and key guards, a brass neck (a plastic one would break in attachment) and a mechanism which incorporated a unique springing system. Many of the posts for attaching the mechanism were cast as part of the body. The moulding was subcontracted to the engineering firm of Dc La Rue utilizing a plastic compound developed by Imperial Chemical Industries.

Hector lacked the necessary financing to complete the project, and he was able to obtain the backing of Geoffrey Hawkes (of the firm Boosey and Hawkes) and John E Dallas. The instrument was finally offered for sale to the public in 1950, at a price of 55 pounds, about half the cost on a conventional saxophone at the time.

The Grafton was used by prominent saxophonists Ornette Coleman (who encountered considerable mechanical failure with the instrument) Rudy Vallee and of course Charlie Parker who used the Grafton only outside the United States due to a conflicting endorsement agreement

The plastic construction meant that effectively the Grafton was a failure in its’ time, for the followingreasons: (1) the plastic construction just didn’t sound like other saxophones and was not compatible with section playing. (2) The design of the mechanism gave a very unfamiliar “feel” to players. (3) the plastic body was very prone to cracking and the key guards snapped off easily. (4) Repair technicians were unfamiliar with the instrument and the necessary parts (particularly the unique springs) were not readily available.

Because of this there are very few Grafton saxophones around and in particular in a totally restored condition like this example; the overhaul was carried out by Roy Wood who is the only surviving Grafton employee and there is a letter of authenticity to accompany this one which is priced at just £3000

Derek Nash Signature Models

Exclusive to The Saxophone Factory! The all-new Signature range from international recoding artist Derek Nash, designed in New Orleans with Steve Goodson Saxophones offer the advancing student a higher specification model with many pro-level features.
Included are two crooks; one 92% Rose Brass for a darker classical sound and the other 83% Brass for a brighter jazzier sound.

ABOUT US

We are established as one of the leading suppliers of quality instruments and tuition in the UK.

We are not beaten on price or quality of service.

Our aim is to make sure you choose us as the supplier of all your musical requirements and return to this site many times.

Interest Free Finance Deals

The Saxophone Factory can now offer 0% finance deals on all of our new and used saxophones. Call us on 01202 590101 for more details !!

USED SAXOPHONES

A selection of quality used saxophones.

Hot News From The Saxophone Factory

What's new pussycat ? It's in here !!

Akai EWI 4000S Wind Contoller/Synthesiser Akai EWI

The EWI4000S is Akai’s new, state of the art Electronic Wind Controller. This one of a kind instrument contains an industry first internal sound source. With multiple functions the EWI4000S pushes the envelope of MIDI/Synth capabilities and is available at an affordable price.

INTEREST FREE CREDIT AVAILABLE

Interest free credit is now available on all Steve Goodson Saxophones. Some of the best saxophones in the world now available with the best finance deals in the UK !

SOME E-MAILS

YAMAHA....0% Finance Available

Through constant innovation and technological leadership, Yamaha has grown to be the world's largest and most successful maker of quality musical instruments.

This is a range of quality saxophones at great prices

SELMER PARIS....0% Finance Available

Always committed to serving the needs of students, music educators, amateurs, and professionals,

Selmer has grown steadily over the years, becoming the industry leader recognized for craftsmanship and quality. Our story is both unique and fascinating.

SELMER USA....0% Finance Available

The Selmer USA models are the ideal choice for beginners and those with a smaller budget

YANAGISAWA....0% Finance Available

Technology and Experience are two critical elements for making a musical instrument.
Our engineers have a thorough knowledge of making saxophones and have been doing so for half a century.

Our technology combined with our experience has given birth to rich sound that is extolled all over the world.

We pride ourselves in satisfying the demanding needs of the players.

EARLHAM....0% Finance Available

Earlham Saxophones are reconised as one of the best Student, step up and middle range saxes in the UK.

They are renowned for their tuning, sound and friendly fingering layout and are preferred and recommended by Teachers and players all over the country.

SAXOPHONE REEDS

All the leading brands of reeds for your choice of saxophone are held in stock ready for dispatch to you

BOOKS

A vast selection of books to cover education, enjoyment and the ambitious intermediate player

ACCESSORIES

Everything you need to go with your saxophone