Notes on this instrument

Made famous by jazz saxophonist Roland Kirk, who called this instrument his “Manzello”.

King introduced the Saxello in 1924, offering a solution for the dilemma concerning soprano saxophones.

The curved soprano was problematic in the bow area and uncomfortable to play, whereas the straight soprano, with a superior sound, was uncomfortable to play, according to King. This was the solution. You will note that there are no tone holes in the bell.

I personally find it a delightful, yet quirky instrument, which is not that easy to play in the bottom register. In any case, you have to use an original mouthpiece with this saxophone. I have tried many different soprano mouthpieces, and find the differences in response between mouthpieces with this instrument extreme.