Saxophone mechanism

The body of the saxophone is composed of the main conic tube in pierced brass. The holes are blocked by pads, activated by keys interconnected with a complex mechanism of rods. On the neck and the body, we find the octave key, which allows us to change register. The mouthpiece is equipped with a ligature and reed.

1. How does a saxophone work?
2. How does the saxophone produce sound?
3. What are saxophone buttons called?
4. What is inside a saxophone?

How does a saxophone work?

Sound is produced by an oscillating motion or air flow (like AC electricity). In the saxophone, the reed acts like an oscillating valve (technically, a control oscillator). The reed, in cooperation with the resonances in the air in the instrument, produces an oscillating component of both flow and pressure.

How does the saxophone produce sound?

The sound of a saxophone is generated by vibrating the reed attached to the mouthpiece, which the player puts in his mouth. Instruments that make sound in this way are called reed instruments.

What are saxophone buttons called?

The keys on the bell are called bell keys. The body usually has a high-gloss brass lacquer or clear-coat lacquer finish. Some saxophones are either nickel, silver or gold plated. Thumb rest - It is a hook-shaped piece of plastic or metal where you place your right thumb to support the sax.

What is inside a saxophone?

The saxophone consists of four fundamental parts: the neck, the body, the U-shaped bow, and the round, flared bell. Along the length of the instrument, there are 25 tone holes.