Woodwind instruments produce sound when air is blown through the tube-like body of the instrument. The length of the vibrating air column is controlled by opening and closing small holes along the side of the instrument with fingers or pads activated by a key mechanism. In closing or opening the finger holes, the player lengthens or shortens the air column, thereby lowering or raising the pitch of the notes produced. Some instruments, like the piccolo and flute, are pipe-like and the performer blows directly into the instrument. Others, like clarinets and saxophones, use a single reed attached to the mouthpiece. The performer blows into the mouthpiece causing the read to vibrate. Single reed instruments have a slightly buzzy sound. A smaller number of instruments, such as the oboe and bassoon, use a double reed which produces an even more nasal buzzy tone quality. Click the Play button for a demonstration.