Clarinet
Quick Facts
The clarinet is a member of the instrument family known as Woodwinds. Other woodwinds include: flutes, oboes, bassoons, and saxophones. These instruments are termed woodwinds because their ancestors were once made of wood. The clarinet uses a single cane reed (Click here to learn more about reeds.) to produce its tone.
How does the clarinet work?
Vibrations are created as the stream of air hits the tip of the reed. The frequency of the vibration is determined by the distance the air must travel before escaping from the clarinet. Tone holes are carefully positioned on the body of the instrument to create the correct intonation for each note. As each key is depressed, its pad (soft felt covered with a thin skin) stops the airflow through that one hole. As the distance the air must travel increases, the tone gets lower.
Although the Bb Soprano Clarinet (pictured above) is the most common clarinet, clarinets come in a variety of keys. There is also the Bass Clarinet, the Alto Clarinet, and the Contrabass Clarinet, just to name a few.
The modern clarinet is a descendant of the Baroque instrument called the chalumeau (similar to a recorder but used a single reed to product the tone).
There are different types of Clarinets?
Another key difference is the material that clarinet body is made out of. Most beginner clarinets are made out of plastic. This makes the clarinet more durable and more affordable for the beginning student. Just a warning though, some beginner clarinets are made of cheaper plastics and can break easily. Due to parts not being readily available, these can be very costly to fix. Intermediate and Professional clarinets are usually made of a high quality, aged wood. Being made of wood, these step-up clarinets produce a richer, fuller tone that is immediately noticeable. These advanced clarinets also require more air to play.
It is generally recommended that a student steps-up from a beginner to a step-up clarinet after approximately 1 year of playing.
What's the difference between Clarinets?
Clarinets can look very similar even to regular players. However, there are some very important differences between certain types and brands of clarinets.
Intonation is one of the key differences. Many brands of clarinets are not made to be played in bands or with other instruments - they do not play in tune with other instruments. An instrument that won't be played with other instruments is less expensive to manufacture, but when it is used in a band it creates frustration to the player, the director, and other band members. If the instrument is going to be used in a school band, please make sure the band director is familiar and recommends the brand of clarinet that you have found.
