The Shape of Sax to Come (and Gone)
Music technology changed a lot after World War II. Postwar introductions included the solidbody electric guitar, electric bass, seven-inch single, multitrack tape, transistors, and much more. On paper, it would seem like an ideal era to launch a new affordable alternative to the venerable brass saxophone.
London-based Italian inventor Hector Sommaruga thought so, anyway. He patented a basic design for a plastic alto sax in 1945 and built a non-working prototype a year later. With backing from John E. Dallas & Sons Ltd and
