We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Woodwinds

  • The oboe is a double reed instrument in the woodwind family and an essential member of large ensembles such as orchestras, bands as well as smaller chamber ensembles. The best oboes in 2022 recommended here are all manufactured by reputable brand names, built from high quality materials to facilitate great sound production, accurate tuning and smooth key response. For more help selecting the right oboe for your needs, check out our buyer’s guide provided below.
    February 05, 2016
  • Invented by Belgium native Adolph Sax, the saxophone is classified as a woodwind instrument due to the reed situated in the mouthpiece which is used to produce sond. Today, the four most commonly played saxophones are the soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones.Since its invention in the mid-1800’s, the saxophone has become a staple in wind and small ensembles, bands, solo performances, the occasional orchestra piece, and more. All of the best saxophones in 2022 featured on the following lists are manufactured by reputable brands, feature durable construction, and manufactured with quality materials which facilitate exceptional tone production and intonation. For more help selecting the best saxophone for your needs, you can check out our buyers guide below.
    February 05, 2016
  • B-flat soprano and bass clarinet are the most commonly played members of the clarinet family, finding their way into orchestras, wind ensembles, jazz bands, small ensembles and solo performance. The best overall clarinets in 2022 we’ve listed here are manufactured by reputable brands, built of high-quality, industry-standard materials designed to facilitate great sound production, accurate tuning, and smooth key action. Each clarinet comes with a case, mouthpiece, ligature, at least one reed and a cleaning swab, though performers will most likely want to customize their mouthpiece setup. For more help selecting the best clarinet for your needs, check out our buyer’s guide below.
    February 03, 2016
  • A member of the woodwind family, the flute is one of the world’s oldest known musical instruments, with early examples dating back over 35,000 years. Each musician’s personal preference and experience level will be a determining factor in selecting a flute with a wide array of choices in terms of brand, metal combination and tone colors.The best flutes in 2022 provided on these lists serve as a great starting point for finding a suitable instrument. They’re all produced by reputable brands using craftsman-level manufacturing techniques with each instrument built from high-quality, industry-standard materials to facilitate great sound production and accurate intonation. For more help selecting the best flute to meet your needs, check out our buyers guide listed below.
    February 03, 2016