In 1922 Selmer manufactured the Modele 22 series of saxophones, however the roots of the invention of the saxophone run much deeper. The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax in the early 1840s. Sax was a Belgian instrument maker who wanted to create a new family of instruments that would bridge the gap between woodwinds and brass instruments. His goal was to design an instrument with a tone that was as rich and powerful as brass instruments, but with the agility and flexibility of woodwinds.
Sax experimented with different designs and materials until he settled on a family of saxophones in different sizes and pitches. The first saxophone he invented was a bass saxophone in the key of C, which was larger and had a lower pitch than the modern baritone saxophone. Sax also invented the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, which quickly gained popularity and became a prominent instrument in military bands, orchestras, and jazz ensembles.
The saxophone was introduced to the United States in the mid-19th century and quickly became popular among military bands and in the emerging jazz scene. It became a signature instrument of jazz, and many of the great jazz musicians of the 20th century, such as Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Sonny Rollins, were saxophonists.
Today, the saxophone remains a popular and versatile instrument used in a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, classical, pop, rock, and more. It has also influenced the development of other instruments, such as the clarinet, which was redesigned to resemble the saxophone in the early 20th century.