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Clarinets Buying Guide

Whether you buy a clarinet  for a love of the instrument  or are simply looking for a transition piece before moving to something a bit more complex--like the sax  or flute --it's important to know a bit about clarinet anatomy as well as the indicators of quality before making any big investment.

The Parts

While the clarinet family includes the contra-alto and bass models, the Bb clarinet is the most popular.  While it can be used in any genre of music, it is most commonly found in jazz,  swing,  and Dixieland.   The following are the five basic pieces of the clarinet that you will need to know how to assemble:

  • A:  The Mouthpiece :  The reed is attached here.  
  • B:  The Barrel :  Directly below the mouthpiece.
  • C:  The Upper Joint :  Contains the holes needed for playing upper notes.
  • D:  The Lower Joint :  Contains the holes needed for playing lower notes.
  • E:  The Bell :  The sound exits here.

The Make

  • Clarinets are largely made of two materials:  plastic  and wood.   The type of plastic used is specifically engineered for musical instruments, possessing both a flexibility and durability while still retaining certain musical qualities.  The majority of plastic clarinets are intended for entry-level, student use.  Intermediate and professional clarinets, on the other hand, are most commonly made of grenadilla wood fibre (some also contain a carbon fibre and epoxy resin mix).  This gives the clarinet its distinctive sound along with a long shelf life if properly cared for.
  • The key work on a clarinet is commonly plated in nickel or silver, although some high-end models are made with gold. 
    • Nickel plating is durable, shiny and will not tarnish like silver.
    • Silver plating has a very smooth touch and a brighter lustre than nickel.

Things to Consider

Before buying your first clarinet, ponder these questions:

  • What's my budget?  Clarinets are a significant investment, ranging from  £250 to over £700.  Consider renting, buying used, or working out a payment plan to help control costs.
  • What accessories will I need?  The extras that clarinet players often find useful, including cleaning supplies like cork grease and swabs, clarinet reeds, and method books, can add significantly to your overall costs.
  • Does it come with a warranty?  If you feel like you may be rough and tumble with your instrument, so much so that it might need refurbishment down the road, consider purchasing a clarinet with a warranty.

Major Manufacturers

Consider purchasing one of these trusted brands:

Related Products

Clarinet Reeds 

Clarinet Grease 

Clarinet Corks 

Clarinet Swabs 

External Links

  • About.com:  Things to think about before buying your first clarinet.
  • MusiciansFriend.com:  Guides to buying different instruments and accessories.