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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.

The clarinet can be divided into five main parts:

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.


Figure 1: The clarinet family.
Figure 2: Main parts of clarinet.

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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

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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).






2.

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

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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 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 players mouthpiece. The teacher will help
decide which reed strength works the best for ones 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









Reed case:
Having a good reed case can ensure longer lives for the reeds.

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

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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.






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.





Figure 4: Thumb Rest

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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 ones 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