| Woodwind instruments were originally made of wood & sound was produced from them by blowing air against a thin piece of wood (or reed) which vibrates against the edge of the instrument. Now they are made of other materials such as metal or plastic resin, although professional oboes & clarinets are more usually made of African hardwoods & the professional bassoon,from various maples. Despite being a member of the woodwind family, the saxophone is usually made of brass! |