Alto shouts over a band better and (a la Sanborn), tenor better expresses intimacy and sensuality (it's all relative of course). Alto requires a tighter embouchure, but after a while you can master either. I don't agree that tenor takes that much more air. It depends on your mouthpiece and breathing technique. read more
According to research, the Alto Saxophone is easier to learn. Personally I think the Alto Saxophone sounds better, and is a better size for a Saxophone. I’m not trying to put the Tenor Saxophone down or anything, it sounds quite good as well, but I always imagine the Saxophone to be a bit smaller than that. read more
Rock Alto does not have as distinctive or iconic a sound as Rock Tenor, though. In some ways the tone and style of rock Alto has more in common with Jazz Alto than it has with Rock Tenor. read more
Saxophones are made of metal instead of wood or plastic that clarinets are made of, so they can be a little more durable. They are also more usable in modern music (Dave Mathews Band has a sax player). There are more commonly used types of saxophone, including soprano, alto, tenor, and bari. read more