Clarinets

Choose a clarinet according to its tuning, keywork system and your playing level. The Bb model is standard for tuition, wind bands and jazz; the A clarinet is used mainly in orchestral repertoire, while the bass clarinet fulfils a lower role. As a beginner, you primarily need airtight keywork, a suitable reed and a mouthpiece that does not create unnecessary resistance.

The material changes maintenance and behaviour

An ABS clarinet withstands school use and environmental changes well. A wooden instrument can offer a different response but is more sensitive to temperature, humidity and cracking; you need to play in a new instrument gradually. In a cold space, first allow it to acclimatise in its case.

The Boehm system and tuning must match the school's requirements

The keywork differs between systems, so follow your teacher's and textbook's recommendations. When testing it, play through the lower register, the transition across the register key and the upper notes. If some notes do not sound without excessive pressure, have the pads and joints checked.

Reed, mouthpiece and ligature

You need to assess these three parts together. A softer reed is easier to play in, but one that is too soft closes under stronger airflow; suitable mouthpieces differ in tip opening and facing length. After playing, remove the reed and let it dry flat.

Moisture must not remain in the instrument

Disassemble the sections without force, pull a swab through the body and lubricate the corks only with the designated grease. For additional aids, see wind instrument cleaning and maintenance. Do not scrub the pads with a wet cloth.

The case must protect the keys from pressure

Store the clarinet disassembled in the recesses intended for each section. The mouthpiece and reeds belong in a separate ventilated compartment. When assembling it, do not press on the long keys; twist the sections by their solid parts and align the bridge keys without force.

Start with the tuning and system required by your teacher; then check that the keys seal properly and that the mouthpiece and reed are suitably matched.