THE CLARINET GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND BEGINNERS
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:
The clarinet can be divided into five main parts:
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?
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 8yo years old to start learning the clarinets. However, we also have the Clarineo (C Clarinet) which allows Young beginners as young as 5yo to start learning the clarinet.
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?
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 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, Buffet 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.
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. 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:
2. 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
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…
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.
How much am I looking for?
These are the entry clarinet brands that are available and recommended by Flute and Music Academy:
Student Range (Below $1000)
Nuvo Clarineo: Plastic body and keys. Key of C. For 4.5 – 10 years old
Buffet Crampon/ Prodige: ABS Resin Body, Silver-plated keys, 17Keys/ 6 Rings, Leather Pads
Yamaha/ YCL-255: ABS Resin Body, Silver-plated keys, 17Keys/ 6 Rings, Synthetic Pads
If you can spare a little bit more, a basic wood clarinet would last you a longer journey, starting with Buffet Crampon's E12F or E13
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).
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.
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?
- Clarinet
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 8yo years old to start learning the clarinets. However, we also have the Clarineo (C Clarinet) which allows Young beginners as young as 5yo to start learning the clarinet.
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?
- Clarinet
- Materials:
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 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, Buffet 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:
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. 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.
- Different length of the lay or facing.
2. 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:
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…
- Reed case:
- Cork Grease:
- Swab (Microfibre):
- Mouthpiece Cushions:
- Thumb Rests Cushions:
- Neck Straps:
- Metronome and Tuner.
- Music Stand.
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.
How much am I looking for?
These are the entry clarinet brands that are available and recommended by Flute and Music Academy:
Student Range (Below $1000)
Nuvo Clarineo: Plastic body and keys. Key of C. For 4.5 – 10 years old
Buffet Crampon/ Prodige: ABS Resin Body, Silver-plated keys, 17Keys/ 6 Rings, Leather Pads
Yamaha/ YCL-255: ABS Resin Body, Silver-plated keys, 17Keys/ 6 Rings, Synthetic Pads
If you can spare a little bit more, a basic wood clarinet would last you a longer journey, starting with Buffet Crampon's E12F or E13
