Is a Saxophone a Woodwind

Is a Saxophone a Woodwind

What meets the eye is a gorgeous metal pipe that produces the most sensational sounds when you behold any saxophone being played by a skilled individual. Many people are surprised to find that the saxophone is a woodwind instrument. The sax fits the class of instruments as a woodwind due to the fact that saxophones were once made from wood. 

Some people believe the wooden reed affixed to the mouthpiece of a sax is the reason for the classification. However other woodwind instruments such as flutes are not played with a reed. Music made on the saxophone sounds magical to some, let’s discuss the science behind this! 

How Sound is Produced on Sax

It boils down to the fact that woodwind instruments create sound when the user blows wind through the mouthpiece. The user hold the mouth in a form known as an embouchure.  Brass instruments, for example a tuba, which resemble the outside metal appearance of the typical saxophone, get their sound when lips rapidly flap and buzz a musical flare while pushing air from such vibrational activity!

 Sax is the Man

 

Time Magazine did an article on Adolphe Sax which explained how his invention of the saxophone was not a viral sensation initially.  Plagued by several harmful mishaps as a lad, the Belgian born, Sax overcame them with this single contribution to the music world today!

The article goes on to elaborate how orchestras, military bands, and most music venues accept the saxophone into the musical myriad of instruments.  However, Sax himself was not alive to relish in this accomplishment of his invention.

Beginner Saxophone For You

Beginner Saxophone For You

It Begins Here

Whenever the word “beginner” is usually attached to something it suggests a need for guidance. Recently Darryl “Soul Sax” Murrill created a YouTube video on his Smooth Jazz Saxophone Lessons channel in which he guides his audience with a review of a beginner saxophone by Glarry. He actually gives the horn a positive review and states that the saxophone is ready to be played out-of-the-box!

Beginner Saxophone Price

Murrill describes the Black & Gold Student E Flat Alto Sax as being a cheap saxophone with, at the time of recording, a price tag of $239.99.  For many that may not denote cheap or a beginner price.  However, when you consider Darryl’s own saxophone, Cannonball Big Bell Series 25th Anniversary Alto Saxophone, you may have a better understanding of his perspective.

 Beginner Saxophone Sound

Soul Sax plays the cheap sax like he usually does from the low tone notes all the way to the high altissimo range notes. He states that this beginner saxophone sounds stuffy to him. He then demonstrates on the same horn by playing with his own personal mouthpiece, the Jody Jazz Super Jet Mouthpiece.  Soul Sax states that the sax projected better with a professional mouthpiece, in his opinion!

Glarry Beginner Saxophone Extras

neck strap

mouthpiece

reeds (10)

backpack straps (2)

cork grease

white gloves

shining cloth

pad saver

Conclusion

Murrill provides a real, in your face, review of this beginner or starter saxophone. He feels its appeal is not just the gold and black outer appearance, but that it presents with a sound that is impressively solid, despite the cheaper feeling pads! He is not a fan of the case, but feels it would protect the saxophone just fine. For his taste, the sound and feel is not suitable at a professional level. At a beginning stage of learning to play a saxophone, Soul Sax feels that this saxophone will be dependable and durable. 

Darryl has no endorsement* with this beginner saxophone, but simply offers guidance to many who consult with him on the purchase of their first saxophone.  His reputation is a trusted one, and he desires to provide an objective yet truthful review of this product.   

*While no endorsement with Glarry Saxophones exists if a purchase is made using Darryl “Soul Sax” Murrill’s affiliate link, Soul Sax will receive an affiliate commission.