Clarinets

Choosing the Right Clarinet for Your Style

Selecting the right clarinet depends on your skill level, musical ambitions and preferred genre. Bb clarinets are the most common, ideal for beginners and used across classical, jazz and band settings. Orchestral musicians often also rely on the A clarinet for its slightly richer tone. For a deeper, more resonant voice, the bass clarinet brings powerful low-end depth to concert bands and ensembles. Materials also matter—student models often use durable resins, while intermediate and professional clarinets feature hand-selected grenadilla wood for superior resonance. Whether you’re just starting out or stepping onto the world stage, finding the right clarinet can help bring your unique musical voice to life.

Key Recognizable Clarinet Features

• Common Types: Bb, A, Eb, bass, contrabass
• Materials: ABS resin (student models) or grenadilla wood (pro models)
• Key Systems: Boehm system (most popular); German/Oehler
• Bore Style: Cylindrical
• Mouthpieces: Vary by material and facing
• Ligatures: Standard, inverted or specialty designs
• Popular Brands: Buffet Crampon, Backun, RZ, Yamaha, Selmer, Jupiter
• Accessories: Reeds, swabs, cork grease and cases

What are the pros and cons of different clarinet types?

Bb Clarinet

• Pros: standard for most music styles, widely available
• Cons: may require transposing for some orchestral pieces

A Clarinet

• Pros: preferred in orchestral settings, slightly warmer tone
• Cons: less common, usually a second instrument

Bass Clarinet

• Pros: deep, lush sound, great for ensembles and solo work
• Cons: larger size requires more air support and care

How do I care for a clarinet?

Disassemble and swab your clarinet after every session to remove moisture. Keep corks greased, check pads regularly and avoid extreme temperatures. Store it securely in its case to prevent warping or cracking, especially for wooden models.

What is the best clarinet for a beginner?

A high-quality student clarinet made from ABS resin, like models from Yamaha or Buffet Crampon, offers durability and excellent playability. They’re designed for easy response and solid intonation, helping new players build good technique from the start.

How often should I replace my clarinet reeds?

Expect to replace reeds every 2–4 weeks, depending on playing time and reed strength. If a reed becomes chipped, warped or starts sounding dull, it’s time for a new one. Regularly rotating several reeds extends their life and ensures consistent performance.