The clarinet is a fun and rewarding instrument to play, but as with many instrument choices, finding the right one can be daunting. While there several kinds of clarinets, this buyer’s guide focuses on two of the most common, soprano and bass clarinets. These clarinets have prominent roles in orchestras, bands, chamber ensembles and as solo instruments.
Finding the best matched clarinet for a player’s needs often requires testing several options.
When choosing a clarinet, especially beyond the beginner level, the final decision often comes down to personal preference in terms of tone and feel to the player. This buyer’s guide will help point you in the right direction to purchase a clarinet best suited for your needs.
Clarinet Types
B-flat Soprano
The B-flat soprano clarinet finds a place in orchestras, bands, small ensembles, for solo performance and even in jazz, as the most commonly used clarinet. Students typically begin on this clarinet, and the techniques learned transfer to any other type of clarinet.
Bass
Rounding out the lower pitch register of ensembles, the bass clarinet finds its way into orchestras, bands and even jazz ensembles. Much larger than the soprano clarinet, the bass clarinet has curves at the neck and the bell, nearly reaching to the floor when played from a seated position. The bass clarinet is played by resting the instrument on the floor with an adjustable peg.
Clarinet Levels
Student/Beginner
Clarinets for students focus on affordability, reliability and ease of playing. They are typically constructed with a plastic body, as plastic requires less maintenance from beginning players.
Intermediate
A transition level instrument, intermediate clarinets provide some upgrades from student clarinets such as a wooden body while remaining at an affordable price range. For those looking for a long term investment, avoid the intermediate category altogether and simply invest in a professional-grade horn.
Professional
As the highest quality instruments, these types have all the extra features standard for upper level performance, including a wooden body for excellent tone quality. Professional bass clarinets have a low C-key, desired at higher levels of performance, to extend the lower range of the instrument. Manufacturing at this level focuses on optimal sound, response, accurate tuning, and swift key action. Well-maintained clarinets from reputable manufacturers can last decades or even passed down through generations of players.
Features
Body Material
Soprano and bass clarinets can be constructed out of several different materials, based on the level of the instrument, desire of the instrumentalists and clarinet use.
Plastic
Typically reserved for student instruments, plastic clarinets are affordable and durable for beginner players. Requiring less care than wood, student players don’t need to worry about their instrument cracking from weather extremes. Plastic clarinets are also popular for use in outdoor music activities such as marching bands.
Wood
Grenadilla or a similar dense wood producing a dark, desirable sound, is the industry standard beyond beginner instruments. Wooden clarinets require extra care because their wooden body swells or shrinks with changing temperatures and humidity. Without proper care, the body will crack, ruining the instrument.
Greenline
Manufactured from a combination of grenadilla powder, polycarbonate fiber and epoxy resin, Greenline clarinets are relatively new. Offered on some professional level instruments, the density of the material mimics hardwood without the usually susceptibility to weather conditions as their wooden counterparts. For players whose instruments may often be exposed to extreme environmental conditions, greenline clarinets may be a wise choice.
Parts
Mouthpiece
Clarinets include a stock offering, but many musicians customize their mouthpiece. Classical, ensemble or solo performance informs mouthpiece choice, and many players use different mouthpieces for different musical styles. The shape and cut of the mouthpiece alters the tone quality of the clarinet. Differences such as a round or square chamber on the inside of the mouthpiece, or the measurement of space between the mouthpiece and reed, provide different tones and responses.
Ligature
A ligature straps the reed in place against the mouthpiece. Ligatures come in many different designs, such as inverted, single or double screw, and in many materials, including various metals, leather or string. Companies provide their own stock mouthpiece option in most cases, but players often choose ligatures based on personal preference. The material and tightness of the ligature against the mouthpiece affects how freely the reed vibrates against the mouthpiece, contributing to a clarinet’s sound.
Reeds
These are specially shaped pieces of thin wood, attach to the flat surface of the mouthpiece using a ligature. When a musician blows through the mouthpiece, air passes between the slight opening between the tip of the reed and the mouthpiece. The reed vibrates against the mouthpiece, creating the clarinet’s tone.
Clarinet reeds are available in different brands and strengths to provide more or less resistance and various sound qualities, based on individual preference. Reeds are a consumable product and need to be purchased regularly. Clarinetists will want at least 3 reeds on hand, if not more.
Price/Value
While pricing on instruments vary between type, brand and ability level, in general, price reflects clarinet quality. Be wary of instruments significantly less expensive than their peers, as inexpensive clarinets can result in avoidable repairs, poor tone quality or tuning, and the need for quick replacement. Sticking with reputable clarinet manufacturers or through consultation with trusted educators and professionals will ensure you a reliable, long-term investment.