Wind & Reed is seeking manufacturing and licensing partners
Wind & Reed has developed a patent-pending acoustic extension designed to expand the lower range of the saxophone beyond its lowest naturally available note.
Known as The Long Tone, the invention extends the instrument’s effective air column through a removable accessory fitted within the saxophone bell. The result is an entirely acoustic approach to producing notes below the instrument’s conventional range—without permanently modifying the saxophone.
U.S. Patent Pending — Application No. 64/112,980
Extending the saxophone’s natural voice
Every saxophone has a physical lower limit determined principally by the length of its air column – the Long Tone builds upon that fundamental acoustic principle.
The accessory uses a tapered section that fits securely inside the saxophone bell and connects to an outward-extending tube. By increasing the length of the resonating air column, the invention allows the player to reach pitches below the instrument’s normal lowest note.
Unlike an electronic effect or synthesized pitch, the resulting sound is produced acoustically by the instrument and extension together. It retains the immediacy, vibration, and tonal character of a real column of air.
A versatile, adaptable design
The patent-pending design encompasses several possible configurations, including:
- Fixed-length extensions designed for particular instruments or pitch ranges
- Telescoping or collapsible extensions that can be compressed for storage and travel
- Modular systems assembled from interchangeable sections
- Fine-adjustment or micro-tuning mechanisms
- Removable straps, braces, or lyre-receiver connections for added support
- Construction in metal, plastic, acrylic, rubber, composite materials, or combinations of materials
The attachment is designed to be removable and to require no permanent alteration of the saxophone. Its tapered insertion section can be adapted to different bell sizes, while the extension’s dimensions can be developed for alto, tenor, baritone, bass, and other members of the saxophone family.
From a modified traffic cone to a patent-pending musical accessory
For years, saxophonist Michael Wilbur performed using a modified traffic cone inserted into the bell of his saxophone. By extending the instrument’s air column, the cone allowed him to reach below the saxophone’s conventional lower range and became a distinctive part of his performances.
Although effective as an experiment and performance tool, a traffic cone was never designed to function as a musical-instrument accessory. Its pitch could not be adjusted with precision, its fit and support were limited, and its size made it awkward to transport.
Michael wanted to create a purpose-built accessory that would retain the acoustic effect while addressing those practical limitations. In particular, he envisioned a device that could be tuned more accurately and compressed, collapsed, or disassembled into a smaller form for storage and travel.
That effort became The Long Tone: a removable, patent-pending extension designed specifically for musical use. Depending on its final configuration, it may incorporate telescoping or modular sections, fine tuning adjustments, instrument-specific fittings, and a support system that makes it practical for performance.
The invention is being developed through Wind & Reed, the Easthampton, Massachusetts vintage saxophone retailer and musical-instrument business founded by Michael Wilbur and David Kutcher.
A new performance accessory for saxophonists
The Long Tone is intended primarily as a specialty performance accessory for saxophonists seeking to expand the acoustic lower range of their instruments.
Its potential includes:
- Instrument-specific models for different members of the saxophone family
- Adjustable or modular models for performers and composers
- Compact designs that can be transported alongside the instrument
- New acoustic possibilities for live performance and recording
The design may support a family of related products with different materials, pitch ranges, adjustment systems, and price points.
Manufacturing and licensing opportunities
Wind & Reed is seeking qualified partners interested in helping bring The Long Tone to market.
We are open to discussing:
- Licensing the patent-pending design and technology
- Joint product development
- Prototype engineering and acoustic testing
- Manufacturing and materials consultation
- Distribution partnerships
- Exclusive or non-exclusive licensing arrangements
An ideal partner may be an established musical-instrument manufacturer, saxophone-accessory company, specialty fabricator, or distributor with the ability to refine, manufacture, and introduce the product to a broader market.
Let’s explore what the saxophone can create
The saxophone has continued to evolve throughout its history through changes in keywork, ergonomics, materials, mouthpieces, and manufacturing. The Long Tone approaches that evolution from another direction: by extending the physical system that creates the instrument’s sound.
If your company is interested in manufacturing, developing, distributing, or licensing The Long Tone, we would be pleased to begin a confidential conversation.
Contact us through the form on this page.
The Long Tone is patent pending. Product configurations, specifications, appearance, and performance characteristics remain subject to continued development and testing.
