Saxophone is a Woodwind Instrument in the Single-Reed family. It has a conical shaped body which is usually made of brass. A reed on the mouthpiece of the instrument produces sound due to vibration of sound inside the body.
The effective length of the body is changed by closing and opening of holes on it, to control the pitch. Leather pads are attached to keys which are operated by the player. These close and open the holes on the body. Air is blown into the mouthpiece using the player’s mouth to produce sound. Unlike other reed instruments, Saxophone is slightly complex instrument.
Types of Saxophones
There are different types of Saxophones like Sopranino, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Contrabass, Subcontrabass Saxophones. These are classified as Military Band family. Orchestral family of Saxophones include C Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, C Melody Saxophones. There are others like Sopranissimo and Tubax Saxophones as well.
Construction
Adolphe Sax, a Belgian Instrument maker invented Saxophone in 1840’s. The Body and Key Cups of the Saxophone are made of Brass though other materials are also used. The Buttons are made of Plastic and other components like screws, pins, springs etc. of steel.
The Mouthpiece of Saxophone is single-reed one and each size of Saxophones use a different size of Reed and Mouthpiece.
Saxophones are used in wide range of musical styles such as Classical Music, Military Bands, Marching Bands, Jazz and Contemporary Music.
Let us now watch a basic Saxophone Lesson. Video Credit – Ramon Ocano
