The History of the Saxophone After Adolphe Sax patented his invention, he envisioned a complete family of instruments. His 1846 patent included 14 variations, ranging from the high-pitched sopranino to the deep contrabass, though the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone would become the most iconic. The world's first saxophone school was established in Paris just one year later, in 1847, initially promoting the instrument's use in military bands. Early on, it also captured the attention of classic