The reeds of alto (left) and tenor saxophones. They are of comparable dimensions to alto and bass clarinet reeds, respectively.
A single-reed instrument is a woodwind instrument that uses only one reed to produce sound. Examples include clarinets, saxophones, and some bagpipes. In a single-reed instrument, the reed is attached to a mouthpiece that is blown into to vibrate the reed, producing the sound. By contrast, in a double reed instrument (such as the oboe and bassoon), there is no mouthpiece; the two parts of the reed vibrate against one another.
[edit] Comparing clarinets and saxophones
The following is a list of clarinets and saxophones, relative to their range and key of transposition from the opposite family:
Note that if one was to compare clarinets to their saxophone counterparts while considering their approximate lowest (concert) pitch†, the order would shift:
- †The lowest possible pitch of each clarinet and saxophone is dependent on its manufacturer and model (the pitches used are typical of professional instruments).
[edit] List of single-reed instruments
The
ligature,
mouthpiece, and reed of a clarinet. These three components are present in all modern single-reed instruments and tend to be aesthetically and mechanically similar.
[edit] Modern
[edit] Historical
[edit] Traditional
- European
- Middle Eastern
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Single reed instruments
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| European historical |
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| European traditional |
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| Middle Eastern traditional |
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| Central Asian traditional |
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| South Asian traditional |
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