Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
The saxophone is a single reed (like clarinet) piped instrument with keys, It is flared with the last portion of the pipe curled back onto itself, and ends with a bell. There are about 20 holes in the pipe, which are opened with valves. Saxophones are made from brass. The reed is typically made of reed cane, although nowadays synthetic reeds are commonly used. There are different designs of mouthpieces, with various cavity sizes above the reed, resulting in warmer or in brighter sounds.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Mouthpiece and reed - tenor sax
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax (Belgian, while working in Paris) in 1846. There are nine types of commonlhy used saxophones, ranged from the highest (Sopranissimo) to the lowest (Subcontrabass, but a whole range of other kinds of vartiations on the original design by Mr Sax.
http://www.beginband.com/sndclips.shtml
http://www.jayeaston.com/galleries/Unusual_instruments/Unusual_p_Ab_cbsn.html