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.