What is a woodwind instrument?

The woodwind family unit of instruments is a subset of the more general category of air current instruments. Inside the woodwind family unit, there are 2 main types of instruments: reed instruments and flutes. The reason reed woodwind instruments are identified as "woodwind" is based on the manner they produce their sound which is by splitting the thespian's air stream on a abrupt edge, such as a reed. Many people are confused by the name woodwind, thinking that these instruments should be made exclusively from wood. However, they tin can be made of any material such equally wood, contumely, cane, argent, gilded or platinum.

Woodwind instruments are incredibly popular with beginner and professional players as well equally hobbyists. Many young band students starting time their musical careers on a woodwind instrument and will proceed to play several inside the family.

Y'all can hear woodwind instruments featured in all types of music, from classical and orchestral pieces to jazz to blues to rock & roll and nearly everything in betwixt.

Examples of woodwind instruments

The woodwind family of instruments includes these 6 major instruments:

  1. Flutes and piccolos
  2. Saxophones
  3. Clarinets
  4. Oboes
  5. Bassoons
  6. English horns

Also included in this category are recorders and modern electronic wind instruments, plus dozens of accessories for woodwind players.

Shopping for woodwind instruments

The woodwind family of instruments is broad and contains thousands of models from hundreds of manufacturers. If you lot're shopping for a woodwind musical instrument, be certain to do your research and sympathize your playing level and style. You'll also need to understand your budget, as the price range for these instruments is broad. Hither's a full general overview of the major types of woodwind instruments with some tips for buying.

Flutes

Flutes are the oldest of all instruments that produce pitched sounds rather than only rhythm. Originally fabricated from wood, clay or reeds, they are now usually made of silverish, gold or platinum. Flutes are played by holding the musical instrument sideways with both hands and blowing across a pigsty in the mouthpiece, much like blowing across the acme of a canteen. The player's fingers open and close the keys, which changes the pitch. Flutes generally play melodic parts of a composition. Learn more almost buying a flute.

Piccolos are like flutes, only about half the size. They are played in the aforementioned style and flute players often learn both instruments. Piccolos have the highest range of any of the woodwinds and the high piping sound tin be heard in marching bands or pulsate corps as well every bit in some orchestral pieces.

Unmarried-reed Instruments

Clarinets are known every bit single-reed instruments, because they use i reed, fastened to the horn past a ligature, to produce sound. Clarinets come up in a number of different sizes, and the standard Bb clarinet is just over 2 feet long. Clarinets tin can play both melodies and harmonies, expressing a dark, rich audio in their lower notes, while the upper part of the clarinet's range is bright and resonant. The clarinet is played by holding it upright, blowing through the mouthpiece and reed, and using the hands to alter the pitches past opening and endmost the keys with your fingers. See our clarinet ownership guide for more than details.

Saxophones, also single-reed instruments, are relatively new, invented simply 150 year ago.  They are of import instruments for jazz and blues styles of music, but also have been incorporated into classical works.  Saxophones can range in size and pitch from soprano to contrabass.  Alto and tenor are the most pop types, but if you lot learn to play ane, you lot can easily larn to play all of them.  The saxophone is played in the same manner equally the clarinet. Learn how to buy the correct saxophone for you lot.

Double-reed Instruments

Double-reed instruments include oboes, bassoons and English language horns. Double-reed instruments use two precisely cut, pocket-sized pieces of cane spring together at the base. The finished, bound reed is inserted into the instrument and vibrates as air is forced between the 2 pieces (causing the air within the instrument to vibrate as well).

Oboes expect like to clarinets and are played the same way.  The tones produced past the oboe are just beneath those of the flute.  They produce a broad range of pitches, from haunting soundsouth to warm, velvety smoothen notes, which brand the sound of the oboe memorable. The instrument is an important member of orchestral woodwind sections and is often featured in solos. Acquire more about ownership an oboe.

Bassoons are the largest member of the woodwind family and with the lowest pitch, similar to that of the cello. The bassoon is a long piping, doubled in half, made of wood, with many keys. The bend in the pipe makes it possible for musicians to play it comfortably. If information technology were directly, the bassoon would exist around viii anxiety long! Bassoons nigh often play harmony, but occasionally can be heard in melodies. Check out our bassoon buying guide for aid selecting a bassoon.

English Horns are not English and are not horns! This instrument, closely related to the oboe, as well uses a double reed, and is played in the same style. It's longer than an oboe and its tube is a chip wider. At the lesser end of the English language horn it opens out into a rounded bell shape, which gives information technology a warmer, fuller sound. Considering it's larger, the English horn too has a lower pitch range than an oboe. An oboe player will often play English horn if it is needed.

Buying from Woodwind & Brasswind

No matter what blazon of woodwind instrument you're looking for, Woodwind & Brasswind has been meeting the needs of students and professionals for over 40 years. Each purchase is backed past Woodwind & Brasswind'due south 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, giving you 45 days to decide if the instrument is right for you. Contact us if you need any help buying a woodwind musical instrument.