sax

The saxophone, commonly called the sax, is a family of woodwind instruments designed by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s. Made of brass with a single-reed mouthpiece and a conical bore, the sax blends the projection of brass with the agility of woodwinds. It was patented in 1846 and intended for use in orchestras, military bands, and ensembles, though it later found a distinctive role in jazz.

The standard family comprises soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, with additional sizes such as sopranino, bass, and contrabass used in some contexts. The most common models today are the alto in E-flat and the tenor in B-flat; the soprano is often in B-flat or C, and the baritone in E-flat. These instruments are transposing: for example, written C on an alto sax sounds E-flat, while written C on a tenor sax sounds B-flat. They are typically constructed of brass with a lacquered finish, and use a single-reed mouthpiece with a ligature and reed.

In classical music, the saxophone appears in orchestral and chamber music from the late 19th century onward, often serving as a bridge between woodwinds and brass. In jazz, it became central in the 20th century, contributing to a wide range of styles from swing to modern improvisation. Notable players include Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Sonny Rollins. The instrument is also common in concert bands, film scores, and various contemporary genres.