Single-reed instrument
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.
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:
| Range | Clarinet | Saxophone |
|---|---|---|
| B♭ Soprano | Soprano | Soprano |
| E♭ Alto | Alto | Alto |
| B♭ Tenor | Bass | Tenor |
| E♭ Baritone | Contra-alto | Baritone |
| B♭ Bass | Contrabass | Bass |
Note that if one was to compare clarinets to their saxophone counterparts while considering their approximate lowest (concert) pitch†, the order would shift:
| Lowest Pitch | Clarinet | Saxophone |
|---|---|---|
| ~A♭3 | E♭ Soprano | B♭ Soprano |
| ~D♭3 | B♭ Soprano | E♭ Alto |
| ~A♭2 | E♭ Alto | B♭ Tenor |
| ~B♭1 | B♭ Bass | E♭ Baritone |
| ~A♭1 | E♭ Contra-alto | B♭ Bass |
| ~B♭0 | B♭ Contrabass | E♭ Contrabass |
- †The lowest possible pitch of each clarinet and saxophone is dependent on its manufacturer and model (the pitches used are typical of professional instruments).
List of single-reed instruments
Modern
Historical
Traditional
- European
- Middle Eastern
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