FR2942671A1 - Saxophone e.g. alto saxophone, has circular openings mounted on top portions of shafts, respectively, where openings, shafts and plates of B-flat bass and B-bass are replaced by rectangular compensation openings - Google Patents

Abstract

The saxophone has circular openings mounted on top portions of shafts, respectively, where weight of the saxophone is less than 1.9 kg. The circular openings are closed by respective plates of a B-flat bass and a B-bass, where the plates are actuated by keys of the B-flat bass and the B-bass, respectively. The openings, the shafts and the plates of the B-flat bass and the B-bass are replaced by rectangular compensation openings (41). The compensation openings are arranged at the rear of a bell (102).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a saxophone which is lighter than a saxophone of known type, and better adapted to the morphology of a small person with small hands. The invention more particularly relates to an alto saxophone for children.

State of the art The saxophone is a wind musical instrument, comprising a body, a breech, a flag and a jar. These four pieces are usually made of brass. The body is generally conical and pierced with a plurality of circular openings of different diameters along its entire length. These circular openings are surmounted by chimneys on which rest the valves, more commonly called trays. Each tray is provided with a circular buffer capable of cooperating with the edge of the chimney to seal the circular opening to which it is assigned. The trays are actuated by means of keys, which are each composed of a rod, a tip, a round and a control lever. The control lever is actuated by the player either directly or via a key, which is generally in the form of a circular disc, connected to the control lever, on which the player puts a finger and supports. The breech is the lower and angled part of the instrument. The pavilion is the part that goes up by flaring out. In the same way as the body, the yoke and the horn comprise a plurality of circular openings. The body, the breech and the flag are generally connected to each other by brazing. The jar is a conical and curved tube, which is fixed, generally in a removable manner, to the body, and which carries the beak at the other end.

There are several types of saxophones of different size and sound; the alto saxophone and the tenor saxophone are the most popular. They typically have between 19 and 22 circular openings.

Although, historically, different mechanisms have been proposed to operate the keys and valves and different arrangements of circular openings have been used, the shape of the instrument and the arrangement of the circular openings of the saxophones are nowadays relatively little variable. one manufacturer to another. A typical alto saxophone is shown in Figure 1.

With these instruments, designed for adults, children encounter three problems in particular. The first problem is related to the mass of the instrument: the instrument is quite heavy, its mass is typically between 2.3 kg and 2.7 kg. However, this tires the player and incites him to a position of the arm and the body which is not suitable for maintaining a good air column. According to the state of the art, the lightening can be obtained by making certain components, such as the roof, lighter material than brass, for example plastic. However, this solution has the disadvantage that these instruments then no longer have the same acoustic quality. In addition, plastic is more fragile than brass. The use of metals lighter than brass faces the problem of welds or solders which are much more difficult to achieve with light alloys than with brass. Patent application FR 2 668 287 describes a titanium saxophone, but the welding of this metal, used in aeronautical construction and chemical engineering, does not fall within the traditional competence of a musical instrument maker.

The second problem is related to the size of the instrument: the position of the keys of the instruments according to the state of the art poses a problem to the small arms and hands because some fingerings are inaccessible or require extensions or particular movements which can harm the fluidity of the game

The third problem is related to the fragility of the instrument: the beginner, by negligent or abrupt handling during assembly, storage or use of the instrument, may damage some of its components, such as the octave key of the jar or trays near the flag.

The problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to present a saxophone of modified form which is lighter than a traditional saxophone, which can be played more easily by people with small arms and hands, and which remedies the fragility of some components.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a saxophone both light and robust, while having good acoustic qualities and can be manufactured and repaired easily, with the traditional techniques of wind instrument factors. Another object of the present invention is to provide a saxophone both light and robust, which is easily manipulated by a beginner, while having good acoustic qualities.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The first object of the invention is a saxophone of the alto or tenor type, comprising a body, a cylinder head and a horn, and comprising a plurality of circular openings surmounted by chimneys each of which can be closed by an actuated plate. by at least one key, and comprising a mechanism formed of a plurality of keys, levers and rods, said saxophone being characterized by the fact that the opening, the chimney and the tray of the B flat and the opening , the chimney and the plate of the serious Si are replaced by at least one opening of compensation. Advantageously, the latter can be arranged at the rear of the pavilion. It can be shaped like a rectangle with rounded corners.

A second object of the invention is a saxophone as described above, comprising a jar comprising an opening, a chimney and an octave plate, said octave plate being actuated by an octave lever located on said jar, said lever being mounted on said jar so as to be pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said jar, and said octave lever being actuated by an octave key located on the body of said saxophone, said jar being characterized in that said axis comprises two rotational support means located laterally on either side of said jar. Said rotational support means may be journals or rods.

A third object of the invention is a saxophone as described above, characterized in that its mechanism is designed so that the key of Sol # is the only key to be operated by the left finger of the player. This Sol # key can be attached to both the Sol # Tray and the Do # Tray located near the Pavilion. It may be in the form of a spatula whose upper end is at a distance of not more than 15 mm from the spatula of the acute wrench, and preferably at a distance of between 13 mm and 15 mm.

A fourth object of the invention is an alto saxophone as described above, the body, the yoke and the horn are made of brass, and whose mass is less than 2.1 kg, and preferably less than 1, 9 kg. A last object of the invention is a jar intended to be mounted on a saxophone type alto or tenor with an octave key, said jar having an opening, a chimney and an octave plate, said plate of octave being actuated by an octave lever on said jar, said lever being mounted on said jar so as to be pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said jar, and said octave lever being actuated by a octave key located on the body of said saxophone, characterized in that said axis comprises two rotational support means located laterally on either side of said jar.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIGS. 1 and 6 schematically show an alto saxophone according to the state of the art. Figures 2 and 7 schematically show an alto saxophone according to the invention. FIG. 3 schematically shows two different views of a jar according to the invention. FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically show two different views of two jars according to the state of the art.

List of marks used in the figures: 1 Chimney and tray of the bass B 61 Hold of the key of Re 2 Chimney and pan of the bass Si 62 Guard of the keys of Si and Si b serious 3 Chimney and tray of the Do # 63 Ring for cord 4 Re 70 Fireplace and Tray Rod 5 Chimney and E 71 Tray Si Heavy Plate Tray 6 Chimney and Fa # Tray 72 Si B Bass Tray 7 Chimney and Fa Tray 80 Treble Wrench 8 Fireplace and floor plate # 81 Key of Si b 9 Chimney and floor plate 82 Side key of Si b 10 Chimney and plate of La 83 Side key of Do 11 Chimney and top of Si b 84 Key of middle E 12 Chimney and top of If 85 Key of the plate of Fa 13 Chimney and plate of Si b 86 Key of the plate of Si 14 Chimney and plate of Si 87 Key of the û Do 15 Chimney and plate of Mi 88 Key said second key of Fa sharp 16 Chimney and plate of F # 89 Key of Ground 17 Chimney and plateau of Fa 90 Key of C serious 18 Chem Si + The 91 Key of Mi b 30 Chimney and octave plate 92 Side key of F # 31 Octave lever 93 High E key b 32 Octave key 94 Treble key 33 Trigger pin octave 100 Body 35 Octave lever ring 101 Cylinder head 36 Treble clef # 102 Horn 37 Bass clef 103 Jar 38 Bass clef key 104 Cork tip for spout 39 C # key 105 Metal tip 40 Circular opening 106 Spout 41 Compensation aperture 107 Ligature 50 Key 108 Reinforcement 60 Inch hook Detailed description of the invention According to the invention, the problem is solved by the removal of the plates 1.2 (visible on the figures 1 and 6) located on 102. In saxophones according to the state of the art, these trays 1,2 are normally in the open position; open circular openings (i.e. not closed by a tray) contribute to sound accuracy for all instrument notes. The closure of these two plates 1,2 allows the emission of two corresponding to the serious Si and B flat. These two notes are the most serious accessible to the instrument. They pose difficulties for beginners because the corresponding sounds are difficult to transmit, and the actuating mechanism trays, actuated by the little finger of the left hand of the player, is relatively complex given the distance of the circular openings by report to the instrumentalist's hand. Therefore, these two notes are rarely used in music scores accessible to beginners.

The inventors consider that these two notes are not indispensable on the instruments of study for beginners; they have therefore removed the two plates 1, 2 with their rods 71, 72, their keys 37, 38 and actuating mechanisms, as well as their guard 62. This entails, of course, the loss of the two most serious notes of the instrument, but has the advantage of lightening the instrument. In a very preferred embodiment of the invention, the openings previously served by the plates 1, 2 are not left open, but these openings are moved to the rear of the jar. Indeed, it is not desirable that the player, and especially a child, can introduce, intentionally or accidentally, his fingers or his hand in these openings whose edges are quite sharp, because that generates a risk of cut or of other injuries. Moreover, it hurts the aesthetics of the instrument.

According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the circular openings corresponding to the plates 11, 2 are replaced by one or more openings 41 called compensation openings, arranged on the surface of the horn 102 and located at the rear of the horn 102 (see FIG. Figure 2). This allows to obtain not only the same technical and acoustic effect as the open circular openings 1.2, but also a return of its more powerful and more balanced for the player. This is of no interest to the instrumentalist who has an excellent level, but helps the beginner, who therefore hears better the sound he produces with his instrument.

Said compensating aperture 41 may have different shapes; its area is advantageously similar to the cumulative area of the two circular openings it replaces, and preferably differs no more than plus or minus 5% of this cumulative area. Its location relative to the longitudinal axis of the horn 102 is preferably similar to that of the holes it replaces. It is preferred to arrange a single compensation opening 41; it may have the shape of an oblong hole. In a variant, it may be two substantially circular compensation openings.

In an advantageous embodiment, the compensation opening 41 is in the form of a rectangle with dimensions of approximately 90 mm × 20 mm, the corners being rounded. This compensation opening 41 is advantageously located at the rear of the roof (seen from the front of the player), and its longitudinal axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument. The lower and upper edges of the compensating aperture 41 are preferably at the same height with respect to the longitudinal axis of the horn 102 as the upper edge of the holes of the deep groove and the lower edge of the groove of the groove she's replacing.

The suppression of the trays 1, 2 also simplifies the game of the little finger of the left hand which no longer has to operate the two corresponding keys. On the other hand, the plates 1, 2 and their mechanism, if present, are frequently damaged by imprudent handling of the instrument, even taking into account their protection by a guard 62, since they are located at one place very exposed of the instrument: their removal concerns not only an element of little use for the beginner, but also a fragile element of the instrument.

In a second aspect of the invention, the shape of the key of Sol # 36 is modified, as illustrated in FIG. 7. This key, actuated by the little finger of the left hand, is the key closest to the opening of the pavilion. In saxophones according to the state of the art (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6), the key of Sol # 36 is in the immediate vicinity of the keys 37, 38 which actuate the plates 1.2 of the flat B-flat and the B-flat. , deleted according to the invention, as well as the key of Do # 39. The latter can open the trays of Sol # 8 el Do # 3. The construction of these keys 36,37,38,39 is complex because it must be possible to operate them in isolation or simultaneously. According to the state of the art, these keys are actuated by a key system comprising a plurality of close-up keys and at least one, and often a plurality, of rotary rollers. This key system according to the state of the art, which is visible in Figure 6, incorporates the key of the ground # 36. Such key system is described for example in the patent application FR 2 418 509 Its actuation involves both pressure movements and horizontal sliding of the finger, which is complicated for a beginner. According to the invention, this key system is removed by attaching the key of the Sol # 36 not only to the plate of the Sol # 8 but also to that of the Do # 3 located in the immediate vicinity of the flag 102. This does not affect the accuracy or the homogeneity of the sound, and does not change the fingering of the player. Thus, according to the invention, the key of the Sol # 36 is therefore alone, in an unobstructed area, and its mechanism is designed so that the key of the Sol # 36 is the only key to be operated by the operator. auricular of the player. Thus, it can be given a spatula shape that brings it closer to the position of the left little finger of the left hand of a player with small hands. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the key of the ground # 36 has the shape of a spatula whose upper end is less than 15 mm from the spatula of the key of Fa aigue 80, while according to the state of the art, this distance (here called distance D) is generally greater than 19 mm and typically between 20 mm and 23 mm. It is preferred that this distance D be between 13 mm and 15 mm, which is perfectly adapted to the small hands of a child.

As mentioned, the embodiment in which the distance D is less than 15 mm is suitable for small hands. However, it is not suitable for large hands. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the key of the sol # 36 is made of a sufficiently rigid material to transmit the movement without being deformed, but sufficiently ductile so that an instrument factor can distort it in a controlled manner for to increase the distance D. For example, it can be provided that the key of the ground # 36 comprises a smaller diameter position for deforming said key 36 in a controlled manner. This allows the teenager to continue using the same instrument on which he started as a child.

Other aspects of the invention relate to the octave lever 31 which is located on the jar 103 and which can pivot about an axis 33. According to the state of the art illustrated in FIG. octave 30 is generally located on the top of the jar 103, ie on the opposite side 1u reinforcement 108 which is present on the majority of known jars. This positioning of the octave plate 30 and the octave lever 31 requires certain precautions when mounting and dismounting the jar 103, because the positions of the hand and fingers to catch the jar 103 without the risk of deforming the octave lever 31 are very limited in number, and are not necessarily intuitive given the shape of the object. The octave lever 31 comprises three parts: an upper part, which comprises the plate 30 and the axis 33, a lower part, most often made in the form of a ring 35, and a central part which extends between the axis 33 and the ring 35. The ring 35 ensures the mechanical connection of the movement with a rod actuated by the octave key 32 located on the body 100 of the instrument.

In a third aspect of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3 a and 3b, the support and the shape of the upper part and of the central part of the octave lever 31 of the jar 103 are modified. to avoid that during assembly and disassembly of the jar 103, which includes the octave lever 31 and which must be detached for storing the instrument in its case, the user does not damage the mechanism of said octave lever 31 Indeed, according to the state of the art, the axis 33 of the octave lever 31, always disposed in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the instrument, is either above or below the 103, seen from the player in play position. FIGS. 4a, 4b and 5a, 5b show two jars 103 according to the state of the art, in which the axis of the octave lever 31 is disposed below (FIGS. 4b and 5b) or above (FIGS. 4b and 5b) of the jar. The connection point between the octave key 32 and the octave lever 31 is always below the jar 103, and the connection is made on the jar 103 by a ring 35. According to the state of the art, when the axis 33 is located below the jar 103 (Figures 4a and 5a), the ring 35 surrounds the lower half of the jar 103; when the axis 33 is situated above the jar (FIGS. 4a and 5a), the ring 35 is located below the jar 103.35. According to the invention also (FIGS. 3a and 3b), the octave lever 31 is maintained laterally, on either side relative to the jar 103, with two diametrically opposed rotation support means 33 and advantageously arranged on the same axis which passes through the jar 103 in its diameter. Said rotational support means 33 are advantageously trunnions or rods. By way of example, said rotational support means 33 may be a round head screw, not threaded at its end, which enters a fixing plate which is fixed by soldering on the jar 103. The octave lever 31 may pivoting about said rotational support means 33 to actuate the octave plate. In contrast to the state of the art, two rotational support means 33 are used, and they are arranged laterally with respect to the jar 103. Thus the octave lever 31 is of more robust construction. In particular, it resists better a lateral force that may be exerted on him accidentally by the player who wants to disengage the jar 103 of the body 102 by a rotational movement. Moreover, it is better positioned for easy handling of the jar from above, whereas with the jars according to the state of the art, the octave lever 31 is located either in the palm of the hand ( if the octave lever 31 is located above the jar 103) or under the knuckles of the fingers of the closed hand (if the octave lever 31 is below the jar 103) when one catches the jar 103 from the top. The jar 103 according to the invention can therefore be taken in hand firmly from the top and the bottom during its assembly and disassembly, without the risk of deforming the octave lever 31. This is better for beginners and children who often miss patience and gentleness compared to an experienced instrumentalist. The modification represented by this third aspect of the invention does not relate to the lower part of the octave lever 31; in particular, the ring 35 may have the same shape as in certain jars according to the state of the art. Therefore, a jar according to the invention can replace a jar according to the state of the art without modification of the octave key 32 because the connection between the octave key 32 and the ring 35 can be done the same. as with known jars.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, the key of Si b 81 is removed with its bead wire. Indeed, to play the note of Si b on an alto saxophone according to the state of the art as shown for example in Figures 1 and 6, the player can choose between three different fingerings. According to a first fingering, the player simultaneously presses the keys or keys 86,87 and the side key of the B flat 82. According to a second fingering, he simultaneously presses the keys or keys 86 and 85. According to a third fingering, he simultaneously presses the keys or keys 86 and 81. This last fingering is rarely used, mainly in some sequences of notes typically too complex for the beginner. This fingering involves the tray of the F # 6, which can be operated in saxophones according to the state of the art or by the key 81 via a rod, itself directly by the key 85. The inventors have removed the rod that connects the key 81 (called key Si b) to the tray of the F # 6. Thus, in the saxophone according to the invention, the tray of the F # 6 is operated only by the key 85 which is directly above this tray of the # 6 Fa. This helps to lighten the instrument and simplify its use for the beginner.

According to the invention these four aspects can be combined with each other freely. In general, the saxophone according to the invention, when it comprises the various objects of the invention in the appropriate combinations, is easier to play for a beginner because some fingerings are simplified, and in particular the use of the left little finger is much simpler. Such an instrument is less fragile because some keys positioned in places particularly exposed to blows or sudden manipulations have been removed or moved. It has fewer parts and less metal, and its assembly is a little simpler than for an instrument according to the state of the art. And finally, this instrument is better for a player with small hands, because some keys, including the key to the ground # 36, have been brought closer to the center of the instrument.

By using all these four aspects simultaneously, it is possible to reduce the weight of an alto saxophone, which is according to the state of the art of the order of 2.3 kg to 2.7 kg, less than 2, 1 kg, and preferably less than 1.9 kg, while using the traditional materials (brass) for the body 100, the cylinder head 101 and the flag 102. The inventors have thus made an alto saxophone which weighs only about 1.84 kg.

The invention has been described here for an alto saxophone, the member of the family of saxophones which is most often chosen for beginners, and especially for children. Each of the aspects of the invention, taken alone or in combination with any other aspect of the invention, may, however, also apply to other types of saxophones, including tenor saxophones.

Claims (10)

REVENDICATIONS1. Alto or tenor saxophone, comprising a body (100), a yoke (101) and a horn (102), and having a plurality of circular openings surmounted by chimneys each closable by a plate actuated by at least one key , and comprising a mechanism formed of a plurality of keys, levers and rods, said saxophone being characterized by the fact that the opening, the chimney and the tray of the B flat bass (1) and the opening, the chimney and the plate of the serious Si (2) are replaced by at least one compensating opening (41). 2. Saxophone according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one compensation opening (41) is disposed at the rear of the roof. 3. Saxophone according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said compensation opening (41) has the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners. 4. Saxophone according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a jar (103) having an opening, a chimney and an octave plate (30), said octave plate (30) being actuated by an octave lever (31) located on said jar (103), said lever being mounted on said jar so as to be pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said jar (103), and said an octave lever (31) being actuated by an octave key (32) located on the body (100) of said saxophone, said jar (103) being characterized in that said axis comprises two rotational support means (33) located laterally on either side of said jar (103). 5. Saxophone according to claim 4, characterized in that said rotational support means (33) are journals or rods. 6. Saxophone according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that its mechanism is designed so that the key of the Sol # (36) is the only key to be operated by the left finger of the player . 7. Saxophone according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the key of the Sol # (36) is attached to both the plateau of the Sol # (8) and the plateau of the Do # (3) located at near the pavilion (102). 8. Saxophone according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the key of the Sol # (36) has the shape of a spatula whose upper end is at a distance not greater than 15 mm from the spatula of the acute wrench (80), and preferably at a distance of between 13 mm and 15 mm. 9. Saxophone according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the key of the Si b (81) and the rod connecting this key to the plate of the F # (6) have been removed, so that that the plate of the Fa # (6) is operated only with the key (85) which is directly above said plate (6). 10. Alto saxophone according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that its body (100), its yoke (101) and its horn (102) are brass, and in that its mass is less than 2 , 1 kg, and preferably less than 1.9 kg.