Soprano sarrusophone

The soprano sarrusophone is a high-pitched member of the sarrusophone family of keyed metal conical bore double reed instruments. It is pitched in B♭ with the same range as a ergonomically modern soprano saxophone. The timbre is similar to that of the oboe, although louder and less refined, more like a shawm. Although used in wind bands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it is today extremely rare, as few original specimens survive. They were made in the late 19th and early 20th century principally by their inventor and Parisian instrument maker Pierre-Louis Gautrot, and his successor Couesnon & Co. [fr]. Instruments are also known from manufacturers Evette & Schaeffer, Distin & Co. of London, and Orsi of Milan.^[2] New instruments can still be made individually to order from Orsi.^[3]

Soprano sarrusophone

Soprano sarrusophone by Distin, c. 1865
Woodwind instrument
Classification	Wind Aerophone
Hornbostel–Sachs classification	422.112 (Double reed aerophone with keys)
Inventor(s)	Pierre-Auguste Sarrus (concept) Pierre-Louis Gautrot (patent)
Developed	Mid 19th century
Playing range
Soprano sarrusophone in B♭ sounds a major second lower than written.[1]
Related instruments
Oboe Soprano saxophone
Builders
Orsi (on request) Historical: Couesnon & Co. [fr] Distin & Co. Evette & Schaeffer Gautrot Orsi
More articles or information
Sarrusophones: Soprano Alto Tenor Baritone Bass Contrabass