Soprano Saxophones: One piece vs. Dual-neck and Straight vs. Curved?

There are Tons of difference between curved and straight sopranos....The curved sop is harder to be in control of in my opinion. They also have a more raspy, jazzy tone to them which makes them best for jazz. I have never liked playing a curved, but when i hear someone play a curved sop that has been playing it long enough to be able to understand where to control it, it could sound great....It just matters on if your chops can handle the control of them. I also heard that they can be badly out of tune, even with the old Selmer that are supposed to be one of the best.

I have a straight dual piece soprano that sounds great. I can always control it well and its almost never out of tune. Maybe that could be the case because I've been playing sop for 5 years, but it's always been an easy instrument for me. I have only played a single piece sop twice. I'm not sure that I like the way it feels, it kind of feels like its a bit longer than a normal sop. I also have liked using the curved neck so it seems a bit more easier to plant my mouth on. So that could be another reason I don't like single piece sop. If you know how to care of your sop necks you won't get the octave key problem like every one is telling you. I have had my sop for 5 years and nothing has happened to them.

There are several difference between the curved and straight sopranos. First, I can't stand the curved ones because it is uncomfortable to hold. The keys are so scrunched together. One benefit of a curved soprano is by far projection. It projects with its bell out like all other saxes. The straight sopranos project downward, and usually need 2 microphones to capture it fully.

There is no more risk at bending a double necked soprano's octave key spring than on an alto or tenor. It has the same function. Proper care will prevent anything from happening.

Finally, you said not to recommend brands, so I won't. However, I will recommend that you try the soprano with a tuner in front of you before buying it. You have to tune every octave. If the pitch is more than 15 cents off, I highly recommend not getting it, as you will sound like a dying duck trying to lip it up or down. Hope this helps.