Best
Student
Saxophone
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Overall: Ideal for young beginners or players with smaller hands
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Best Feature: Adjustable thumb rest for comfortable playing
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Intermediate Saxophone
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Overall: An excellent choice for both beginner students and intermediate players
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Best Feature: Gold lacquer finish for durability and aesthetic appeal
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Professional
Saxophone
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Overall: Offers excellent value for money with high-quality features
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Best Feature: Stainless steel springs for precise and responsive key action
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TedScore™: 9/10
The question of the day is…
Is A Saxophone A Woodwind Instrument?
And the short answer – yes!
But why?
The saxophone’s classification can be tricky to navigate, especially because of its construction material. But fear not because we’re here to clarify things and give you the facts you need to know.
So, grab your sax and get ready to rock and roll as we explore whether this iconic instrument truly belongs to the woodwind family.
Get ready for some musical myth-busting!
What is a woodwind instrument?
A woodwind instrument is a musical instrument that makes sound using vibrating air within a tube or pipe.
The name “woodwind” can be misleading, as not all instruments in this family are made of wood. Some woodwind instruments are made of metal, such as the saxophone.
The term “woodwind” originated from early instruments made of wood and used a reed to produce sound. These instruments included the flute, clarinet, and oboe.
Over time, the woodwind instruments expanded to include other instruments, such as the saxophone, which is made of brass but still uses a reed.
Due to its construction and sound characteristics, the saxophone is often not considered a woodwind instrument. However, it’s classified as a woodwind instrument because it uses a single reed to produce sound and uses techniques similar to other woodwinds.
Plus, it’s part of the woodwind section in orchestras and bands.
In terms of sound, saxophones produce rich and warm tones that are distinctive from other woodwinds. They have a versatile range and can be played in various genres, from classical to jazz.
Despite its unique qualities, the saxophone is firmly positioned within the woodwind family.
Difference between woodwind and brass instruments
The main difference between woodwind and brass instruments is the way they produce sound.
Woodwind instruments produce sound by blowing air across a reed or through a mouthpiece, while brass instruments produce sound by buzzing the lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece.
They’re typically made of wood, metal, or plastic and include instruments such as the flute, clarinet, and saxophone, while brass instruments are made of brass or other metals and include instruments such as the trumpet, trombone, and tuba.
Plus, wind instruments generally have a wider range of notes and can produce a wider variety of sounds than brass instruments.
Is a saxophone a woodwind instrument?
Yes, the saxophone is indeed a woodwind instrument!
Although some may debate this fact, the saxophone belongs to the woodwind family due to its unique characteristics and sound production method.
Despite its brass construction, the saxophone is classified as a woodwind instrument because it relies on a reed to produce sound.
The players blow air through the reed, causing it to vibrate and create sound waves. The pitch and tone of the saxophone are controlled by the player’s embouchure and fingerings, similar to other woodwind instruments like the clarinet or flute.
While the saxophone has some characteristics that may resemble brass instruments, such as its shape and use of brass materials, its sound production method firmly places it in the woodwind family.
So, the next time someone asks if a saxophone is a woodwind, you can confidently say, “Yes, it is!”
Why some people may not consider the saxophone a woodwind instrument
It’s a bit surprising, but there are some people out there who don’t consider the saxophone a true woodwind instrument.
Crazy, right?
They argue that while most woodwinds use a reed for creating sound, the saxophone uses a single reed mouthpiece, which sets it apart from other woodwinds like the clarinet and flute.
But let’s face it. Those people are missing out on all the saxophone goodness!
Adolphe Sax created the saxophone in the 1840s specifically to bridge the gap between brass and wind instruments. It combines a woodwind’s rich tonal qualities with a brass instrument’s power and flexibility.
The saxophone family includes various sizes and ranges, from the high-pitched soprano sax to the deep and sultry bass saxophone, making it one of the most versatile instruments.
The similarities and differences between saxophones and other woodwinds
Saxophones and other wind instruments share many similarities, but some key differences set them apart. Here are a few comparisons:
Similarities:
Differences:
Recommended Saxophones for Beginners
DESIGNED FOR: designed for small hands
FEATURES: 33% lighter as some of the usual keys have been removed and redesigned
OTHER INFO: A good alternative to starting them off on the clarinet if they're not quite ready for a full-sized alto.
Trevor James Alphasax Eb Alto Saxophone, Gold
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy to play for children or even adults with small hands
- The saxophone has an adjustable thumb rest and sling hook for a comfortable hold
- Even the case is light-weight - a bonus if your child has to carry their instrument to school.
- Less expensive than some other student models
- Trevor James is a well-known company trusted by musicians
- The range of the instrument only goes to high D, so is only suitable until you reach around Grade 3 standard
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: An excellent choice for both beginner students and intermediate players
FEATURES: Easy blowing for perfect intonation
OTHER INFO: Comes with the popular 4C mouthpiece and ligature set that's easy to play with a quick response
Yamaha YAS280 Student Alto Saxophone
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- The carrying case is light but strong
- Includes everything you need, from a cleaning kit to cork grease
- Although this is a beginner model, the price is slightly higher than some other saxophones on the market. However, it will hold its resale value well
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: A robust student saxophone that many teachers recommend as a good first instrument
FEATURES: The left-hand palm keys have been slightly reduced in size for smaller hands
OTHER INFO: This saxophone has the full range of keys, including a high F sharp key
Jupiter JAS500 Alto Saxophone
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Great value, and well made for the price
- Often used by professional players as a backup instrument
- Adjustable thumb rest for comfort
- Some players might find it hard to produce the tone they want on this instrument
- Jupiter saxophones don't tend to hold their resale value as well as other brands
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Is A Saxophone A Woodwind
Summary
And there you have it! The great debate of whether the saxophone is a woodwind instrument or not has been put to rest.
While it may have some characteristics of a woodwind or brass instrument, the saxophone is indeed a member of the woodwind family. Now, you can proudly claim your place in the woodwind section.
But let’s be real. Who cares about labels anyway? The saxophone is a unique and versatile instrument that can bring joy and excitement to any musical performance.
So, whether you’re playing a classical concerto or a jazz standard, let your saxophone be your voice and express yourself uniquely.
So go forth and make beautiful music with your trusty saxophone, and don’t forget to have a little fun along the way!
Before you go…
Jump into the next article to explore the best saxophone brands to keep an eye on!
Elaine Booth, you’ve done a commendable job articulating the distinctions and similarities between saxophones and other woodwind instruments. However, I believe it’s crucial to emphasize even more the role of the reed in classifying instruments as woodwinds, which underpins why the saxophone, with its single reed, aligns more closely with woodwind instruments, despite its metallic appearance. This misconception often stems from its visual association with brass instruments but understanding the mechanism of sound production provides clear differentiation.
interesting read, didnt know there was much debate on the sax being a woodwind. Ive played clarinet for years and thinking about switching to sax. The similarities you mentioned really help make it seem less daunting. thanks for putting this together Elaine , really helps to understand the bits that make them alike and different at the same time.
i get the differences between brass and woodwinds but still why isnt the sax considered a brass sometimes it looks more brass to me
Hey Elaine , great breakdown on woodwinds! I’ve been on the fence about starting with the saxophone. Curious, based on your sax recommendations for beginners, any personal favorites or models you think stand out for absolute rookies?
but Yamaha YAS-280 comes highly recommended for beginners. Durable and easy to play!