- The primary source of sound in a saxophone is the reed, made of cane or synthetic materials. It is affixed to the mouthpiece and vibrates when air is blown into the mouthpiece.
- Fingering the keys over the holes bored into the instrument changes the shape of the column of air in the instrument, producing the instrument's various pitches.
- Sound produced by the vibrations at the reed and through the hollow body of the instrument escape through its bell end.
