Parts of the Bb Clarinet

The Bb clarinet has five major parts, excluding the disposable reeds (which vibrate to produce sound) and the ligature (which holds the reed). All modern soprano clarinets have very similar components, but there are many variations in the material, brand, and shape of ligatures and reeds.

Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece is the top part of the clarinet, and is where the reed and ligature are secured. This piece enables the clarinet to produce sound.

Barrel

The barrel is the second piece of the clarinet, between the mouthpiece and the upper joint. Some clarinets have interchangeable barrels of varying lengths to help change the pitch and tone of a Bb clarinet when needed, since clarinets are fairly temperature-sensitive.

Upper Joint

The upper joint is right below the barrel and above the lower joint. The clarinetist's left hand rests on the upper joint during play. The upper joint is also where the register key, which is pressed to play up an octave, is located.

Lower Joint

The lower joint is right below the upper joint on the clarinet and right above the bell. This is where clarinetists place their right hand when they play. In marching bands, a lyre is placed between the upper and lower joints to hold the flip folder and music.

Bell

The bell is the bottommost part of the clarinet and serves to amplify the sound of the instrument. Playing without the bell would not result in a changed tone, but rather a decrease in the volume of the notes played.

References

• Clarinet Characteristics