Woodwind instruments use vibrating air to produce different musical sounds with or without a reed. Although they all
were originally made of wood, they may also be
made of metal, bone or ivory and the different
shape and elements of each instrument create
it's unique sound.
The reed is a
thinly sliced piece of cane or plastic that is
held against the aperture of the mouthpiece.
When air is forced between the reed and the
mouthpiece the vibrations create the sound. Examples
of single reed woodwinds are the clarinet,
saxophone, tenor sax, and alto sax. Double
reeds, like those used to play the oboe and
bassoon, are two small pieces of cane joined at
the base; this reed is played between the lips.
 Flutes and piccolos are woodwinds that produce a sound by blowing on an edge. In the orchestra the woodwinds frequently play solos because their tone carries well and can be heard above the many other instruments playing. Click on the "sample sound" to hear an instrument and then click "Back" to return. clarinets
bass clarinets
oboes & bassoons
contra-alto &
contrabass clarinets
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Below are
pictures of the different types of woodwinds and the
brand names we carry. You can also link to the
manufacturer's web site by clicking on their name or their logo to the right.
Piccolos
flutes
Alto saxophones
soprano saxophones
tenor saxophones
baritone saxophones
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