The Structure of the Saxophone
Learn the names of the parts

The saxophone consists of four fundamental parts: the neck, the body, the U-shaped bow, and the round, flared bell. Along the length of the instrument, there are 25 tone holes.

Saxophone components

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The entire display

Select any name to zoom in on the part. Neck Octave Key Cork Mouthpiece Ligature Reed Body Key Pearls Thumb Hook Octave Key (Lever) Bow Bow Guard Bell Key Guard Joint Ring Body to Bell Brace Sliding Outer Tube Butterfly Screw/Neck Screw

Select any name to zoom in on the part.

Though there are 25 tone holes, a person has far fewer fingers, so keys and levers are provided to enable the player to close distant holes simultaneously with others.

The round tone-hole covers are called pads. The largest pad on an alto saxophone is five centimeters in diameter. Of course, this large pad covers an equally large tone hole.

Because a number of parts work together for a single function, a single saxophone comprises about 600 parts.