Why do saxophones have reeds?

Saxophones have reeds because they are woodwind instruments that produce sound through the vibration of a reed, which is a thin strip of material (usually cane) attached to the mouthpiece. When the player blows air into the mouthpiece, the reed vibrates, creating sound waves. This mechanism allows for a wide range of expressive tones and dynamics, making the Saxophone versatile in various musical genres. The reed's flexibility is crucial for controlling pitch and volume.