Woodwind Instruments

Find the Perfect Pitch with Woodwind Instruments!

Whether you're an experienced musician or a parent picking out the first clarinet or saxophone for their aspiring mini maestro, our collection of woodwind family of instruments will blow you away! With note–worthy brands including Alta, John Packerr and Silverstein, Harvey Norman is the place to buy the best wind instruments, online.

What are Woodwind Instruments?

Originally crafted from wood, woodwind instruments are now also commonly made with metal or plastic. Often referred to as reed or blowing instruments, they have a long, thin column that produces sound when air is blown through the mouthpiece while using the fingers to open and close the holes to change pitch. Fun fact — this is actually where the 'wind' in 'woodwind' comes from!

How Many Woodwind Instruments Are There?

The woodwind family includes four main instruments, listed below in order from the highest to the lowest notes:

• Flutes
• Oboes
• Clarinets
• Saxophones

Looking for brass instruments? You can't trump our selection of trombones, tubas, trumpets and French horns!

Which Woodwind Instrument is Good for Beginners?

Learning how to play an instrument is an invaluable skill that can take years to fine tune! Consider your hand size, age, skill level, budget and time when choosing a woodwind instrument. Here are some common starting points for kids and aspiring musicians alike:

• Flutes — With designs specifically made for novices, these flutes are lightweight and relatively easy to play.
• Clarinets — The clarinet family includes quite a few models, but it is recommended that beginners learn on a single reed.
• Bass clarinet — Not only do they play some of the lowest notes, the Boehm system also makes for easier fingering and key work.
• Saxophones — Small and light, Alto saxophones are often the first choice for beginner sax players. Jazz fans may like the John Packer Saxophone — Baritone, however its size and weight makes it better suited to more experienced musicians.

What is the Most Difficult Woodwind Instrument to Learn?

Some instruments can be quite the treble makers! With a double reed and challenging key system, oboes are regarded as one of the most difficult woodwinds to master. Are you up for the challenge?

From reeds and rucksacks to microphones and mouthpiece covers, music accessories shouldn't be overlooked — your instrument deserves all the bells and whistles!

If woodwind instruments just aren't your forte, our online range of pianos, guitars, and drum kits can't be beaten! We know one thing for sure... you'll hit all the right notes with our musical instruments. Explore the complete range for sale exclusively online.