Instrument Index

The Saxophone is a rare instrument in Arabic music, despite the fact that it can produce good maqam scale intonation. It never went mainstream the way the Arabic Accordion did and was mostly used to add an innovative sound to Arabic orchestral arrangements.

The principal pioneer of the Arabic saxophone is Samir Surour (Egypt) whose background was in military brass band music. Surour played on quite a few Umm Kulthum songs then went to record a series of solo instrumental albums under the name ‘Ashiq el-Sax (The Sax Lover).

Explore other Arabized instruments:

• The Arabic Accordion
• The Electric Guitar
• The Arabic Org
• The Oriental Keyboard
• The Arabic Piano
• The Trumpet