How To Choose A Clarinet
It's a very exciting time to buy your first Clarinet, but first...
Maybe you’ve chosen to start learning the Clarinet? There is a multitude of information to grasp, so we’ve put together this simple ‘Beginner’s Guide To Learning Clarinet’ series to assist you in heading in the right direction.
Things you need to consider before buying your first Clarinet
Choosing your first clarinet may seem overwhelming when there are so many different brands, models and price points available, but here are a few helpful things to consider:
- What sort of budget do you have? Remember, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for – so try to have the largest budget you can afford.
- What type of music do you want to play? Having a £4000 professional model wooden clarinet is probably not the best instrument for you if you’re planning to play in a marching band!
- What type of clarinet do you want to play? Bb clarinet is the most common for beginners but it’s important to know there are several different types of clarinets.
Types of Clarinet
Whether you want to play Brahms or Beiber, there are many types of clarinets, such as the A, Bb, Eb, Alto and Bass clarinets. Here is the difference between each one.
A Clarinet
Bb Clarinet
Eb Clarinet
Alto Clarinet
Bass Clarinet
A Clarinet
The A clarinet is a common instrument in classical and orchestral music. They are primarily used by intermediate and professional players together with the Eb clarinet.
Bb Clarinet
The most common clarinet to start on is the Bb clarinet. This is also a standard instrument in bands and orchestras together with the Bass Clarinet.
Eb Clarinet
Eb clarinets are smaller than Bb and A clarinets and have a much higher range.
Alto Clarinet
The alto clarinet has a basic range from low Eb to altissimo C. It sounds 4th higher than bass clarinets or a 5th lower Bb clarinets.
Bass Clarinet
The bass clarinet is much larger than the Bb clarinet, and it has a much lower range.
Wood VS Plastic
Most beginning clarinets are made of plastic. You may be tempted to buy the least expensive clarinet when you’re starting out, but opting for a slightly more expensive clarinet with a reputable brand name may actually save you money in the long run, as they will require fewer repairs.
Wood
Intermediate to professional clarinets are most commonly made of grenadilla wood. Wooden clarinets have a beautiful sound and flexible dynamic range, but they can be prone to cracking.
Plastic
If you are a beginner and are planning to use your clarinet in school ensembles, it may be best to buy a plastic clarinet.
Will I need any accessories?
New clarinets come with a stock mouthpiece but you can achieve a far better result if you purchase an additional mouthpiece.
You will need reeds in order to make a sound on the clarinet! Reeds come in different strengths and most beginners start with a 2-2.5 strength reed.
How To Choose A Clarinet - Summary
As a beginner, it’s always advisable to start with a plastic Bb clarinet and then work your way up to the other types. If you have the room and budget, go for a beginner model with a reputable brand name. And also, don’t forget to buy reeds!
Hopefully, that helps you make up your mind about what type of instrument to buy. Now you’ll need to do some research over which exact model to go for. If in case you need any additional advice, you can always reach out to our like-minded Ted’s List community over at Facebook.
About the Author
Sonia Sielaff
Sonia Sielaff is Eflat/Sub Principal clarinetist of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a position she’s held since 2017. She’s a faculty member of the Clarinet Maestro Festival and Play With a Pro. A versatile musician, Sonia has performed with the band Heart at Royal Albert Hall, and performed for royalty at Buckingham Palace.
Originally from Minnesota, Sonia holds degrees from University of Southern California, Glenn Gould School, Michigan State University, and Lawrence University. Apart from playing clarinet, Sonia loves baking, speaking Norwegian and nature walks with her dog Sophie.
www.soniasielaff.com
Other posts by this author
Originally from Minnesota, Sonia holds degrees from University of Southern California, Glenn Gould School, Michigan State University, and Lawrence University. Apart from playing clarinet, Sonia loves baking, speaking Norwegian and nature walks with her dog Sophie.
www.soniasielaff.com
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