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The saxophone is a member of the woodwind family but is made of metal, which proves that the distinctive sound of any instrument is created by the internal shape rather than by the material it is made from - a papier-maché saxophone would work quite well, although it wouldn't last long! You hold it in front of you and blow directly into the mouthpiece to which a single reed is attached, just like the clarinet. It is the reed which vibrates to make the sound, rather like blowing a blade of grass between your thumbs. To make the different notes you cover and uncover holes with a system of keys operated by rods and levers.
Saxophones come in several different sizes. The smallest is the soprano saxophone which is straight. Then comes the alto saxophone which has a curved mouthpiece and bell and is usually supported from a sling round your neck. The larger tenor saxophone is the same, while the even bigger baritone saxophone (not to be confused with the baritone horn which is a small tuba and therefore a brass instrument) has its tube coiled to reduce its length.
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