Saxophone

music · instruments · jazz

Reed makes the sound. A thin piece of cane called a reed vibrates against the mouthpiece when you blow, creating the saxophone's smooth, buzzy sound.

Brass but woodwind. Even though it's usually made of shiny brass, the saxophone counts as a woodwind instrument because it uses a reed, not buzzing lips.

Many sizes. Saxophones come in different sizes, from the tiny high-pitched ones to big deep-sounding ones, each with its own voice.

Keys and pads. Pressing keys closes soft leather pads over holes, changing the length of the tube and the note you hear.

What's the player called?. Someone who plays the saxophone is called a saxophonist.