Saxophone Parts: Different Parts Of The Saxophone

Do you want to play saxophones like a professional musician?

If you are aiming for that, you have to know about all the parts of the saxophone.

Moreover, the saxophone has always been the first choice of the people who are eager to learn to play a musical instrument due to its classy image.

diagram

You can express your creativity when you have all knowledge about the saxophone.

So, you have to know about all of its parts, how to deal with them and how they work.

If you do so, you can fix your instrument when needed.

Furthermore, you can manage the sound variation of your saxophone if you know all about the parts of it.

In this review, we will talk about the parts briefly.

Different Parts Of The Saxophone


Firstly, there are various types of saxophones nowadays. They have different kinds of parts that make their difference among their types.

But there are some common components that an ideal saxophone has.

We have gathered all the information about these parts. Here it is:

Reed


Reeds are the vocal cord of a saxophone. It mimics the functions of a human vocal cord to generate sound that you hear.

saxophone reed

Reed has a direct connection to another part of a saxophone.

​There are some difference in the alto sax reed and tenor sax reed.

Mouthpiece


The mouthpiece is the very first parts you will see in a saxophone. So, you can find it on the neck of the instrument.

saxophone mouthpiece

When you blow air into the mouthpiece, the reed starts to vibrate.

There is a cork so the mouthpiece can fit inside sliding in.

Moreover, this is the place of this instrument where musicians place their lips and blow to make proper sound.

Ligature


The ligature is a clamp that makes sure the mouthpiece and reed are fixed.

It is a joint that helps to generate sound correctly, though this is an indirect action.

saxophone ligature

This part of saxophone does affect the sound. So you have to use the best one and generate this part properly.

Neck


This is the place where mouthpiece is attached. Furthermore, it is the joint between the body of a saxophone and the mouthpiece.

neck of sax

It is a removable part which helps the vibration to enter throughout the body.

And you have to know how to assemble it properly.

Moreover, it works as human neck works. Soprano saxophone has a non-removable neck.

Octave Vent & Key


There is a single hole into the saxophones’ body. This part is known as the octave vent.

octave vent key

Moreover, you can find this part of the saxophone in the neck.

In front of that part, there is a flat key. That key is known as the octave key, and normally this is made of metal.

Body


The shape of the body of a saxophone is conical. It is a tube that is brass made.

saxophone body

There are plates that connect and holds the keys, bells, keys, and other parts of the instrument.

The body is a glossy or clear coating of lacquer finish. Moreover, there are nickel plated, silver plated or even gold plated body.

Bell


This is a part of the saxophone which flares are the bell. This is a part of the body of a saxophone.

It holds the keys of a saxophone. So it is a vital part of this instrument.

Keys


Keys are the part which helps to create melody and various sound. They helps to create good tune on saxophone.

This is made of brass. But sometimes you will see nickel coated keys.

All of them may have a cover of a mother of pearl. There are two types of keys on a saxophone.

The middle and lower part of the keys is known as spatula keys.

Other keys to the bottom right side have their name called side keys.

Tube


The straight part of the body is known as the tube. This is a part which carries the vibration and air throughout all over the saxophone.

Therefore, it plays an important role as a part of a saxophone.

Bow


There is a part of a saxophone that looks like U. Musicians call it the bow.

This part blows out the air that the musician insert. Moreover, it is also a part of the body.

Thumb Rest


It is a part of saxophone that shapes of a hook. It is the place where you put your left thumb.

So that, you can support the instrument when you are playing. It may be made of plastic or metal.

Pads


There are approximately 20-30 holes into a saxophone. That varies on the brand and type of the saxophone.

pads of sax

Pads are the part which covers the holes of a saxophone.

Pressing them, you can produce different sounds and tune.

Rods


When it comes to performance, the saxophone has a part that matters most.

The rod has to be sturdy and durable so you can outcome any difficulties you face while performing.

Therefore, you have to maintain this part carefully.

​Neck Strap


On the back side of the horn of a saxophone, there is an eyelet.

neck strap

The strap has gone through that back part. So you can carry it easily.

It supports the player to play the saxophone without any stress, and the player can move his fingers freely through the keys.

​Final ​Words

When you are looking forward to being an expert on playing saxophone, this is an important thing for you.

Because to be honest, you need to know how to operate the instrument you are playing.

This will make sure to express your interest into that instruments.

Reading this review over the parts of the saxophone will enrich your knowledge about the saxophone.

This may seem odd, but that knowledge may help you to learn quickly. You need to understand how your instrument works.

This will help you in some issues where you will be missing a technician.

When you have all the ideas, you can upgrade your devices.

​You can also replace the parts on your own. So, knowing these things are essential for a proper musician.

Leave a Comment:

1 comment
ABOLARIN says May 27, 2018

Educative,well written,hope we(saxophonist)can keep getting more of this.

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