Reed instrument

Reed instruments are musical instruments; they are members of the woodwind family. The performer produces tones on these instruments by blowing air past a cane reed, which vibrates. Pitch is changed by opening or closing holes in the body of the instrument. There are two categories of reed instruments: single reeds, such as saxophone and clarinet; and the double reed instruments, oboe and basson.

Single reed

The saxophone and clarinet feature a mouthpiece, commonly made of machined hard rubber or metal, with a flat cane reed nearly covering a small opening. The reed is shaped so as to be quite thin at the tip. The player places the reed over their bottom lip, puts a small amount of the mouthpiece in their mouth, and blows air vigorously past the reed into the mouthpiece. Articulation, or starting tones, is accomplished by lightly touching and releasing the tip of the reed with the tongue. Subtle manipulation of the muscle pressure provided by the player's bottom lip modifies the intonation of individual notes.

The saxophone family most commonly includes the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. The instruments are made from laquered brass, with leather covered pads to cover the tone holes.

The soprano clarinet and bass clarinet are the most common clarinets. Student model clarinets have plastic bodies and plated metal keys. More expensive instuments are made form dark, dense woods such as grenadilla, with silver plated keys.

Double reed

Tones are created on the oboe and bassoon with a double reed. Two curved pieces of cane are attached to make a small eye-shaped opening through which air is blown. The player forms their lips and jaw (this formation is called an embouchure) so as to press on the reed with top and bottom lip, much as one might squeeze a straw. Air causes the two reeds to vibrate against each other and produce a tone. Pitches are changed through a fairly complex system of keys and pads which cover and uncover tones holes placed along the length of the instrument.

The oboe and its close cousin the English horn, as well as the bassoon, are constructed from plastic or wood.