How to Choose a Clarinet

Benny Goodman popularized the clarinet during the Age of Swing. It is an excellent instrument on which to learn the basics of music. It is a very reasonable financial investment and provides social contact in bands and orchestras, and the skills learned can be used to play the saxophone and flute as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Chamois Cloth
• Clarinet Cases
• Clarinet Cork Grease
• Clarinet Reed Cases
• Clarinet Reed Trimmers
• Clarinet Reeds
• Clarinet Stands
• Clarinets

1. Know that the finest clarinets are made of ebony, Mozambique grenadilla or rosewood.
2. Choose a specially formulated, plastic material called "resonite" for school-quality clarinets.
3. Examine the closure or "seal" of the keypads against the holes in the sides of the clarinet. The seal should be airtight. Any air leakage will adversely affect the clarity of the tone production.
4. Test the low and high registers of the instrument.
5. Listen for accuracy of pitch changes.
6. Press every chrome-plated key to be sure it moves with ease.
7. Feel the tension or lack of it when pressing these keys. Springs are adjustable to keep keys open or closed.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a "drop cloth" with a string and metal weight attached to a small chamois. This is drawn through the instrument to keep it dry.
• Use the best reeds for performances.
• Buy a good reed container to fit into the clarinet case.
• Invest in a reed trimmer. This will extend the life of a reed significantly.
• Exercise care when assembling the instrument parts.
• Utilize a special "clarinet cork grease" to aid the assembly of the instrument.
• Visit the Web sites of the Selmer Company, which makes excellent clarinets, and Patricola Brothers, one of the best Italian clarinet makers.
• Avoid bending the "bridge" keys when assembling the two parts of the central barrel.
• The long, tubular structure and the keys are easily damaged if the clarinet is knocked over when set down vertically on the flared bell. To avoid this, purchase a clarinet stand with conical dowling rods.