Adolphe Sax patents the saxophone (1846)

Adolphe Sax, a Belgian instrument maker, patented the saxophone on 28 June 1846. The patent was granted for a family of instruments designed for orchestral and military band use. Sax had constructed various sizes in the early 1840s, aiming to combine woodwind agility with brass projection.

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Background and detail

Background. Adolphe Sax invented the saxophone in the early 1840s. He constructed several sizes, ranging from sopranino to subcontrabass, though not all were built. The instrument was designed to combine woodwind technical ease with brass projection, making it suitable for military bands and orchestras.

Patent Details. Sax applied for and received a 15-year patent for the instrument on 28 June 1846. The patent encompassed 14 versions of the fundamental design, split into two categories of seven instruments each. The instrument was intended for use in orchestras and military bands.

Instrument Design. The saxophone is a single-reed woodwind with a conical body, usually made of brass. Sax's original keywork was simplistic, based on the Triébert-system oboe for the left hand and the Boehm-system clarinet for the right, making certain passages difficult to finger.

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