How to Make a Saxophone Using PVC Piping
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Time to read 4 min
The saxophone is an instrument in the woodwind family, usually made of brass, that produces sound when a reed on the mouthpiece vibrates inside the instrument's body. Whether you’re experimenting with new ways to make music, or you want to create an instrument you can carry around and practice on without the worry of damaging it, this PVC saxophone is the perfect solution. We’ll show you how you can make your own DIY saxophone using PVC piping.
Materials Needed
- ¾” PVC Pipe (31” in length)
- ¾” PVC Elbows (4)
- 1 Plastic Funnel
- Flat plastic about 2” square or rectangular shape
- Tape
- Hacksaw or PVC Cutter
- File
- Scissors
- Hot Glue Gun
- Drill
Step 1: Cut the Pipe
Take the 31” of ¾” diameter PVC pipe and cut a 16” section, a 4” section, a 5” section, a 3” section, and a 1” section.
Step 2: Making the Reed
The reed is how your PVC Saxophone will make sound. So, this step is very important.
Using the 4” section of pipe, draw a diagonal line about 30 degrees on one end. Use the hacksaw or PVC cutters to cut along your drawn line. Use the file to round off the edge a little bit. You’ll be putting your mouth on this end and you don’t want to get hurt. This will also make it easier to play.
Cut out a “tongue” from your firm plastic the size of the opening of your diagonal PVC cut. Leave a little bit of a tail to tape it to the pipe. Tape it down toward the bottom of the diagonal cut so that the top part is free and there is a little gap. Put the reed in your mouth and breathe. You should be able to hear and feel some vibrations.
Step 3: Drill the Holes
On the 16” length of pipe, drill 6 holes. They can be spaced out about 1” between each hole.
Step 4: Assemble the PVC Saxophone
Take your reed and insert it into a 90-degree elbow with the open end of the elbow pointing down.
In the open end of the elbow, insert the 16” length of pipe.
On the open end of the 16” pipe place a 90-degree elbow so that the open end is pointing away from the reed.
In the open end of the elbow insert the 5” length of pipe.
On the open end of the 5” length of pipe, place a 90-degree elbow so that the open end is pointing up.
In the open end of the elbow insert the 3” length of pipe.
On the open end of the 3” length of pipe, place a 90-degree elbow so that the open end is pointing away from the reed.
In the open end of the elbow insert the 1” length of pipe.
The shape of your saxophone has been formed.
Step 5: Add the Cone
Take your funnel and cut off the spigot end so that the cone will fit just inside or flush with the open end of the 1” length of pipe. Use the hot glue gun to connect the cone with the 1” pipe.
Play the sweet sound of music! After the hot glue has dried, you’re all set and ready to make some music. If you want to create different sounds, you can shorten the 16” length of PVC pipe with the holes. This will allow for a different sound. You can choose to prime and cement the fittings for a permanent saxophone or you can just push the fittings together.
Materials & Cuts: Requires 31 inches of ¾" PVC pipe cut into five segments (1", 3", 4", 5", and 16"), four 90-degree elbows, a plastic funnel, and flat rigid plastic.
Mouthpiece & Reed Creation: Uses the 4" pipe cut at a 30-degree angle with a taped flat plastic "tongue" that vibrates to produce sound when blown into.
Assembly & Bell Construction: Assembles the body using the elbows to form the saxophone's curved shape, drills six finger holes on the 16" section, and hot glues the funnel to the end to serve as the bell.
FAQs
What materials and tools are needed to build a DIY PVC saxophone?
You will need a 31-inch length of ¾” PVC pipe, four ¾” PVC 90-degree elbows, a plastic funnel, a small piece of flat plastic (for the reed), tape, hot glue, a drill, a file, scissors, and a hacksaw or PVC cutter.
How do you make the reed for the PVC saxophone to produce sound?
Cut a 30-degree diagonal angle on one end of a 4-inch PVC pipe section and file the edge smooth. Then, cut a tongue-shaped piece from your flat plastic to match the diagonal opening and tape it at the bottom, leaving a slight gap at the top so it can vibrate when you blow into it.
Do I need to glue the PVC pipe fittings together?
No, gluing is optional. You can simply push the PVC fittings together for easy disassembly or travel, or you can use PVC primer and cement if you want to permanently secure the instrument.
Mark Ligon
Mark Ligon is the marketing manager at PVC Fittings Online, a supplier of commercial PVC and CPVC pipe, fittings and valves. Ligon enjoys educating businesses on the parts of piping systems so managers can make informed decisions. He can be reached at webmaster@commercial-industrial-supply.com.
