Single-reed instrument

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.

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).

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.

Modern

• Aulochrome
• Clarinet
• Heckel-clarina
• Heckelphone-clarinet
• Octavin
• Saxophone
• Tárogató
• Xaphoon

Historical

• Chalumeau
• Aulos

Traditional

European

• Albogue
• Alboka
• Diplica
• Hornpipe
• Launeddas
• Pibgorn
• Sipsi
• Zhaleika

Middle Eastern

• Arghul
• Double clarinet
• Mijwiz

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