[cross_wiber]

(Disclaimer: I play jazz saxophone...)

I think part of the reason classical saxophone is reviled is because the "correct" tone for saxophones in a classical setting is kind of bad (with apologies to my old saxophone professor). In classical music you are expected to play with a particular tone that sounds kind of harsh and honky to me. In jazz, on the other hand, having a unique and identifiable tone - especially on saxophone - is extremely important. At least, it used to be. Compare the sounds of Ben Webster [1] (breathy, rich vibrato, almost cello-like sound in the upper register, as around 2:32 in the linked video), John Coltrane [2] (harder-edged, brighter, more pure), Stan Getz [3] (light, airy, "pretty").

But yes, you have to work at it. Unlike, say, guitar, where you just pluck the string and that's that ;)

[1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meNK2rnXDFg

[2]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je2tpX6Z-QA

[3]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBWr_cjBDhU

[beat]

Oh, I wish good tone from a guitar was as simple as just plucking a string! It's an inherently pretty sound, but control and expressiveness are quite challenging (moreso because two different hands are involved in tone, each doing completely different things that must be coordinated).

As an aside, I've been intensely practicing a particular Miles Davis three-note riff (seven, if you count sounded notes rather than pitches), in part as a tonal exercise. The quarter notes need to be as intense and snappy as possible; the sixteenth notes need to be smooth and flowing. It's a really difficult shift to get the pick from "I'm gonna KILL this note" to "I'm going to gracefully flow these notes" - especially at fast tempos. I have no idea how Miles pulled it off on trumpet.