Wooden tenor saxophone

How do you combine an interest in music with a degree in wood engineering? For Theresa Jensch, it's quite obvious: she is building a saxophone out of wood. In her research project at HNEE's Department of Wood Engineering, she wants to find out how the instrument works physically and use this knowledge to build a wooden version. She has already made two wooden prototypes and can produce two tones an octave apart on one of them.

"The tones sound softer than with the metal version," observes the HNEE student, who plays the tenor saxophone herself. In the next step, she now wants to integrate the mechanics, which involves milling suitable holes. Her aim is to produce the wooden saxophone in such a way that the intonation corresponds to the original metal construction and the instrument can be used musically to the same extent as the original. It should harmonize with other instruments.

There is currently no wooden tenor saxophone on the German market that meets this quality standard. However, the HNEE student is familiar with wooden alto saxophones that can be played without keys. "In non-European countries, most wooden saxophones are made from tropical woods," says Theresa Jensch, who has so far used softwood for her prototypes. When the first playable prototype is ready, local woods with the highest possible density, such as fruit trees, will be used.

The budding wood technician is currently interested in working with experienced instrument makers who would like to support her with her project. Once the holes have been made, which is scheduled for the summer, she is looking for help with the mechanics.

Contact:
Theresa Jensch
HNEE student at the Department of Wood Engineering
6th semester
E-mail: theresa.jensch[at]hnee.de