Antoine-Joseph ( known as Adolphe ) Sax ( November 6 , 1814 -- February 4 , 1894 ) was a Belgian inventor , best known for inventing the saxophone . Antoine-Joseph `` Adolphe '' Sax ( 6 November 1814 â `` c. 4 February 1894 ) was a Belgian musical instrument designer and musician who played the flute and clarinet , and is best known for having invented the saxophone .