Single Reed vs Double Reed Woodwind Instruments

The world of musical instruments is vast and there are countless interesting instruments in the world.

Every country has its unique musical instrument with a unique sound which makes music more interesting.

Woodwind instruments are one member of a huge family and in itself, it includes various types of instruments.

Here I want to talk about different types of woodwind instruments - single reed and double reed.

Although it might not be obvious, there are important differences in how they work and produce sound.

If you are interested, you can read more about this musical instrument family in various woodwind instrument blogs.

Woodwind Instruments

First of all, let's talk about woodwind instrument types and which one goes in single and double reed categories.

A popular single-reed woodwind instrument includes:

• Saxophone
• Clarinet

On the other hand, double reed instruments are:

• Oboe
• Bassoon

I will talk based on these four instruments to help you understand the difference.

What Is A Reed

A reed is a slender piece of material that vibrates to create sound. The majority of reeds used in woodwind instruments are crafted from Arundo donax or synthetic materials.

Also, there are instruments that have tuned reeds and are made from metal. For example, harmonicas and accordions.

And it's important and interesting how they produce sound. Here I will try to explain in detail:

• Vibration: When a player blows air through the instrument, the air stream causes the reed to vibrate. This vibration is a rapid oscillation back and forth.
• Sound Waves: The vibrating reed interrupts the continuous flow of air, producing sound waves. These waves then pass through the instrument's body.
• Resonance: That vibrating reed creates sound waves that mix with the resonant body of the instrument and the shape and size of the instrument determine the particular frequencies that resonate.
• Pitch: To control the pitch, you can adjust the length of the vibrating air column by opening or closing keyholes or covering and uncovering tone holes.
• Tone Quality: The sound's tone quality or timbre is greatly influenced by the type of reed used, as well as the player's embouchure and technique. The sound can be brighter or mellow depending on the thickness or thinness of the reed, as well as other reed characteristics.

Single vs Double Reeds

Single reeds are made from a single cane and are connected to the mouthpiece. After blowing into the mouthpiece reeds vibrate and create a wide variety of tones, ranging from the vibrant and energetic sounds of the saxophone to the deep and subtle tones of the clarinet.

On the other hand, double reeds are made up of two pieces of cane that are bound together. The sound is produced when both pieces vibrate together. The oboe has a sharp and focused sound, while the bassoon has a deep and resonant tone.

Sound Differences

There are a few important differences in sound between single and double reeds. However, it also depends on the instrument and other factors.

Single-reed instruments like the saxophone and clarinet are famous for their versatility and wide range of tones. The vibrating reed creates a clear and straight sound that can be either bright, soft, or sharp, depending on how the player uses their technique, mouthpiece, and reed.

Double reed instruments, like the oboe and bassoon, have a truly distinct and specific sound. The combination of the two reeds produces a complex and rich tone that is characterized by a unique mix of harmonics. Oboes are known for a piercing and lively sound, while bassoons offer a deep and resonant quality.

Difference Example: Sax vs Oboe

Let's compare the saxophone and oboe, two instruments that showcase the distinct sound differences between single and double reeds.

Saxophones, with their single reed, produce a more straightforward and versatile sound. It's capable of projecting a bright, edgy tone in genres like jazz or a mellower, lyrical quality in classical settings.

On the other hand, the oboe, which uses a double reed, has a focused and penetrating sound. Its timbre is characterized by a unique blend of brightness and warmth, making it a prominent voice in orchestras.

Conclusion

Both types of reeds have a distinct sound and are used in various instruments. This little part makes every instrument unique and gives us the diverse world of woodwind musical instruments. Also, knowing more about how instruments work, will make you a better musician.