How to Purchase a Clarinet

Listen to a high school band or even an orchestra and you're going to hear the sound of a clarinet. The B flat clarinet is the most commonly used clarinet. Follow these steps to purchase a clarinet and instead of listening, you can make the music.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find a reputable music dealer to purchase your clarinet. Local music store employees have expertise in musical instruments and can guide you through your purchase. Browse through in-store displays as well as catalogs to see what clarinet best fits your needs.

2. Choose the type of clarinet you're going to purchase. Clarinets can come in wooden and plastic styles. The plastic clarinet is perfect for the first-time clarinet buyer. After a few years on the clarinet, upgrading to a wooden one can be an option.

3. Ask about renting or leasing options, as well as payment plans. If you're testing out the clarinet to see if it's the right instrument for you, renting may be a better decision rather than buying the clarinet outright. Rental payments go directly toward the final purchase price of the instrument.

4. Know what accessories are included in your clarinet purchase. To get started, you're going to need basic reeds, a reed case, a training method book, and cork grease. It's also helpful to have a folding music stand.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're buying a clarinet for your child's school music program, ask the school if they have a music store they use for their purchases because you may get a discount.
• After purchasing your clarinet, make sure to follow the instructions on cleaning and maintenance.
• Avoid purchasing your first clarinet on the Internet because you're not going to know what exactly you're getting.