Saxophones vs clarinets: Which is better for the Jazz?
To ask which is best is inevitable that the opinion in the matter. However, the saxophone is more central to the jazz clarinet. Of course, some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time were clarinetists (Benny Goodman), but the instrument itself is not a basic component of jazz is the saxophone.
Adolph Saxe invented the saxophone to be the most versatile instrument in the world.
In the hands of a good saxophone player, you can take the power of a trumpet, a clarinet tone soft, sweet timbre of a French horn and a number that rivals the trombone. One could argue that the sax does not conform to classical music, but that argument is mainly based on the fact that the instrument did not exist in classical times. This is the realm of the clarinet. Wood or hard rubber construction makes for a soft tone that fits the genre well.
Just as one can argue that the sax does not conform to classical music, the reverse may be an argument for the clarinet. This was, of course, at the time that jazz originated, but it was not very common. Moreover, the tendency for bands to play jazz loud drowns clarinet without any electronic amplification. For these reasons, the saxophone is a more practical instrument for jazz.
I guess it comes down to that aspect of jazz that are wondering about. The sax is definitely more audible, and has a tone more suited to playing in a jazz band. Evolved along with jazz and is probably the most perfect instrument for jazz. However, if the question concerning the implementation solo instrument that is better is certainly debatable. The clarinet offers a contrast of tones that helps out as a single instrument in a recording without overshadowing the rest of the band. I will always have a bias toward the saxophone, clarinet, but it is certainly a wonderful tool for solo jazz performance.
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