The Saxophone: An Overview

The Saxophone is a popular Woodwind instrument made from brass and featuring a mouthpiece that works with a reed. The saxophone is a much debated instrument as it is made of brass but uses the mouthpiece of a woodwind instrument. Overall it is considered a woodwind instrument as the sound created is more similar to that created by a wooden instrument than a brass instrument due to the reed mouthpiece.

The Saxophone was created in 1841 by a Belgian musician and inventor called Adolphe Sax. Adolphe Sax wanted to create a woodwind instrument that would have the power of a brass instrument but still have the credentials and authentic woodwind sound. The saxophone has a single reed unlike other woodwind instruments like the oboe which have double reeds.

What is a saxophone made from?

The main body of a saxophone is made from brass and has been since the instrument was created. Because the sound waves in the saxophone are produced by air vibrating between a reed it is classified as a woodwind instrument. The resulting sound produced is a unique fusion of a brass and woodwind sound. The saxophone has keys which are usually made from metal alloys. The keys on the saxophone usually have key touches which are small circular pads on the keys, made to protect the metal of the keys. These pads are usually made from plastic or mother of pearl – a material commonly used in musical instrument production.

The reeds used in saxophones (and most woodwind instruments) are made from Arundo Donax which is a type of cane. Some reeds have started to be made of fibre glass. These are usually considered acceptable for practise but most saxophonists prefer to use the authentic cane reeds for performance as it gives a better sound.

The set up of the actual mouthpiece is similar to that of a Clarinet. The reed is held in place by a metal contraption which is called a ligature. This fits over the mouthpiece and is screwed on via screws at the side of the ligature. Saxophone reeds are generally wider than clarinet reeds.

What is the saxophone used for?

Generally the saxophone doesn’t have a place in an orchestra and is more suited to marching bands and wind band style ensembles. The saxophone is also a major feature in jazz music with there being many famous jazz saxophonists through the years. The saxophone is a modern instrument and is very popular with children of all ages. It is also one of the most studied instruments in schools.