A Guide to Clarinet for Dummies

What is clarinet? Clarinet is a single-reed instrument. It has a wide mouthpiece and a cylindrical bore, which has the same diameter all along the instrument (excluding the bell at the end). There are several clarinets in the clarinet family. They range from the tiny E-flat clarinet, to the giant contra-bass clarinet:     

E flat clarinet: the smallest and highest pitch. B flat clarinet: the most common clarinet. Alto clarinet in E flat. Bass clarinet (the low clarinet) in B. Contra-alto and contra bass clarinet (very low).

Clarinet is a transposing instrument. For example, clarinets in B flat sounds one tone lower than written. Figure 1: The clarinet family.

The clarinet can be divided into five main parts:  

  

Figure 2: Main parts of clarinet.

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The mouthpiece: the place where the reed is fixed with a ligature that uses screws. The barrel joint: connects the mouthpiece to the upper joint and is useful for tuning. For example, if the pitch is too sharp, pulling out a little bit between the barrel and the upper joint can lengthen the instrument to lower the pitch. The upper joint: with the keys controlled mostly by left hand. The lower joint: with the keys controlled by right hand. The bell: the place that helps to produce a fuller sound for low notes.

All of the parts are connected with corked tenons. Since the diameter of the bore is standardized for all clarinets of the same type, one will be able to use different parts manufactured by different manufacturers.

Is it difficult to learn? II. Clarinet The clarinet is made to sound by holding it upright in front and blow into the mouthpiece to which is attached a reed. The reed will vibrate against the mouthpiece when air is blown. The player will need to control the vibration of the reed with the pressure of the lips and teeth. Thus, it is probably quite difficult to produce sound if the player has no front teeth at all. However, there is exceptional case too. If the young player who has no front teeth has a smaller lip, he or she might have the ability to grip the mouthpiece and reed properly. Similar to the flute, the players need to have thumbs and arms strong enough to support the instrument out while playing. The standard size of Clarinet in Bb can be quite heavy for young children to support for a long time with their tiny thumbs. Thus, it is usually recommended for children of eight to ten years old to start learning the clarinets. Some of the manufacturers do make student clarinets, where the body is made from plastic and therefore it is very light in weight. Alternatively, the clarinet in C, which is smaller and lighter, is available and ideal for small hand. Young beginners can choose to start learning to play on a C clarinet first and slowly progress to the larger Bb clarinet if they are interested in clarinets. In general, clarinet is particularly easy to start, as the player will be able to make some sound straight away at the first lesson.

How to choose? II. Clarinet Similar to flutes, there are three levels of clarinets in general: student (entry level), intermediate and professional. The difference between the various levels of clarinets is the quality of materials used and the quality of craftsmanship put into the making of the clarinets. 

Materials:

Student clarinets are made of ABS plastic. The material offers similar qualities to a wood clarinet while being more durable and cheaper. However, it actually against the maintenance habits and climate changes that a clarinet player will normally face, which might be an issue for the player to care properly for the clarinet when he or she switches to a wood clarinet. Intermediate and professional clarinets are made of African Blackwood, sometimes called Grenadilla wood, which provides a fuller and richer tone. The natural colour of the wood is very dark brown or black. Sometimes it is dyed black, so that the parts Flute and Music Academy © 2014

will appear to be the same piece of wood. Grenadilla wood clarinet needs more proper care so that it can be used for a very long time. Other materials that professional clarinets are made out of are Ebonite and Rosewood. Ebonite is said to produce darker sound and projection, while rosewood produces a more mellow sound than Grenadilla wood. Some clarinets are made of metal, but it is very rare. The technology nowadays made new composite materials like “Green Line” possible. “Green Line” is a material developed by the famous manufacturer, Buffer Crampon. Their technicians felt that it is necessary to find different alternatives to make their clarinets (and oboes) due to the diminishing supplies of the Grenadilla wood. The “Green Line” material is a combination of grenadilla powder with carbon fibre. It has the same acoustic property as grenadilla wood but is more stable in varying temperatures and most importantly, it does not crack. The key works on a student clarinet are generally made from nickel-plated metal, which in general, is very durable and does not tarnish very easily. However, nickel can create allergies to certain people. On the other hand, intermediate and professional clarinets have silver plated or silver keys. Silver plated keys tarnish easily if compared to nickel-plated keys and need constant polishing. However, silver-plated keys are more suitable to Singapore climate as it is less slippery than nick-plated one. Generally, the number of keys and rings increase for better and more expensive model of clarinets. Also, forged keys are better than cast and welded keys, as they do not break easily. All of the keys must cover the tone-hole tightly; allow no air to go through when they are closed. Also, the keys must be able to open and close quickly. 

Other part of the clarinets:

1. Mouthpiece As mentioned before, mouthpiece is the part that makes the greatest impact on the quality of the sound. A clarinet mouthpiece looks like the end of a cylindrical tube with a flattened end, where a reed is fastened either with a ligature or a cord.

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Figure 3: Clarinet Mouthpiece.

Most students will start playing the clarinet by using a plastic mouthpiece, or the mouthpiece that they got with the instrument. Beginners should not worry about getting the best mouthpiece for themselves in the early stage of learning yet, as a good embouchure needs to be developed first in order to know which mouthpiece suited them the most. In general, different clarinet mouthpieces might have: 

Different bore styles.

Diameter of the bore depends on the type of clarinet it is, as the mouthpiece must have the same bore as the rest of the clarinet. Student clarinets typically have a smaller bore. Larger bore clarinets gives more flexibility in pitch and it is more difficult to control. 

Different length of the lay or facing.

It is critical that the lay on both sides is applied perfectly symmetrical to avoid uncontrollable swinging behavior of the reed (a lot of squeaks while playing).

Tips: 

Scratches on the sides of the lay must be avoided wrap the mouthpiece with a cloth before keeping it into the case.

2.

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Ligatures As mentioned above, the ligature is the device that holds the reed on the mouthpiece. It plays a part in affecting the tone of the clarinet too, as it controls how much the reed vibrates. A good ligature must be able to hold the reed in place but at the same time letting it to vibrate freely.

Essential Accessories for Clarinetists 

Reeds:

Apart from the clarinet itself, one will need a supply of reeds. The reed is fixed onto the mouthpiece of the clarinet so that only a very narrow opening remains between the tip of the reed and the mouthpiece. The reed will work together with the mouthpiece as a valve that opens and closes. There is a need to replace the reeds regularly, as a chipped reed will make the instrument difficult to play. There are different strengths of clarinet reed, indicated by numbers. Typically there will be numbers like 1-5 in ½ steps – 1, 1.5, 2. 2.5 and so on and up to 5. Usually 1 is the softest and 5 is the hardest. A harder reed typically gives a heavier, thicker and fuller sound. However, it is also more difficult to play low pitches softly with a hard reed. On the other hand, a softer reed makes playing easier but the sound produced is generally lighter and brighter. The strength needed depends on the individual player and the player’s mouthpiece. The teacher will help decide which reed strength works the best for one’s child (Most beginner students start around 1.5 to 2.5) It is important to buy reeds made by trusted production such as Vandoren etc…

Tips:  



If you are allergic to cane, coated reeds are available. These do not sound so good. Synthetic reeds are available too, and they last much longer if compared to cane reed. However the price of a synthetic reed is much higher than a normal cane reed. A good Synthetic Brand is LEGERE, made in Canada

Reed case:

Having a good reed case can ensure longer lives for the reeds. Flute and Music Academy © 2014



Cork Grease:

Cork Grease looks like a lip-balm. It lubricates the corks so that the cork will not be damaged in the process of setting up the instrument together. 

Swab (Microfibre):

Swab is one of the most important accessories for a clarinetist. In fact, it is important for every other woodwind players. Saliva will get inside the instrument after playing. Humidity and weather will also increase the rate of moisture inside the clarinet. Thus, constant swab is needed to prevent the tone holes getting clogged, which eventually will cause gurgle sounds while playing. 

Mouthpiece Cushions:

Mouthpiece cushions are little plastic stickers where one can attach at the top of the mouthpiece. It helps to reduce the sound vibrations from the mouthpiece onto the teeth and to protect the mouthpiece to be scratched by the teeth. 

Thumb Rests Cushions: Thumb rest cushion is very useful especially for young beginners. It can help them to support the instrument, which might be heavy for them.

Figure 4: Thumb Rest



Neck Straps:

Neck strap is another accessory that is very useful for young beginners. Like thumb rest, it can help them to support the instrument too.  

Metronome and Tuner. Music Stand.

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Rent or Buy? We would always recommend the students to buy their own instruments. The reason is very simple; the cost of renting can quickly goes beyond the price of buying a clarinet. Whether to buy a brand new clarinet or a used clarinet is the next question. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, for there are so many factors to consider. A brand new clarinet usually comes with a warranty from the manufacturer, while buying a used instrument means there are certain risks that one might need to bear, although there is a possibility to get good quality instrument with a much lower price. However, it is compulsory for one to purchase a personal mouthpiece and at least one piece of reed right at the start of the lesson for hygiene reasons.

Why buy from Flute and Music Academy? As a woodwind specialist, Flute and Music Academy provides clarinets and accessories of all ranges and top brands at reasonable prices. We do not carry cheap but unplayable clarinets that would be better off as lampshade-stands. We take our core values integrity, respect, expertise and excellence seriously. Buying unknown brand of clarinet from a music shop that has limited support and/or knowledge of winds will be at one’s own risk. We are also affiliated with WindWorks Singapore to ensure that all our instruments are checked by professional technicians.

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How much am I looking for? These are the clarinet brands that are available at Flute and Music Academy: Student Range (Below $1000) Nuvo Clarineo

Plastic body and keys. In key of C. For Young Children from 4.5 years old to 10 years old.

Yamaha YCL 255

Plastic body and metal keys. In key of Bb.

Jupiter JCL 637

Plastic body and metal keys. In key of Bb.

Buffet Crampon B12

Plastic body and metal keys. In key of Bb.

Intermediate Range (from $1200 - $3000) All in key of Bb Yamaha YCL 450

Wooden body and metal keys. Silver-plated keys are recommended for Singapore climate.

Yamaha YCL 650

Better quality wooden body and storage case than Yamaha YCL 450. Silver-plated keys are recommended for Singapore climate.

Jupiter JCL 737 STO

Wooden body and metal keys. Silver-plated keys are recommended for Singapore climate. Metal tenon rings to protect the joints.

Buffet Crampon E12F

Wooden body and metal keys. Silver-plated keys are recommended for Singapore climate.

Buffet Crampon E13

Better quality wooden body and storage case than Buffet E12. Silver-plated keys are recommended for Singapore climate.

Professional Range (from $3000 - $9000) key of Bb (additional A Clarinet only for orchestral playing) Buffet Crampon, Selmer Paris, Yamaha, Leblanc etc…

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