What is a clarinet? How much do I need to spend for my first clarinet? Buying a pre-loved instrument – good or bad?   What's the bamboo thing at the top    What is a ligature?   How do I look after my clarinet? Other accessories Upgrading the mouthpiece & ligature I’ve played the saxophone is it easy to play the clarinet? What is the best brand?

Yamaha Clarinet  Fingerings  Chart Click Here to View this file (pdf )

 

Fantastic!! You or your child has decided to take up the clarinet. 

 

Finding an instrument can sometimes seem a little daunting when you’re first beginning, but there are many options for each individual and finding the right instrument can be made easier with a little background information.  We do recommend when starting to play an instrument for the first time, that it is important to have at least a couple of lessons with an instrumental teacher that suits you.

 

 What is a clarinet?

 

The clarinet belongs to the woodwind family.  This is because it is traditionally made of wood and uses the breath (wind) to produce a sound.  Other woodwind instruments include flute, oboe, bassoon and saxophone (although the saxophone has always been made of metal).

 

 

How much do I need to spend for my first clarinet?

 

For a good beginner clarinet look to spend at least $400 to $500 on a second hand instrument and $650 to $900 on a new one. 

 

Buying a pre-loved instrument – good or bad?  

 

There are always going to be both bargains and lemons when buying second hand.  Distinguishing between these can be difficult when you don’t know what to look for.  We recommend that you buy from a certified second hand dealer that specialises in musical instruments or a music teacher.  They will know what they are selling and know a price that suits that instrument.  Also, if attached to a repair shop, they will fix any problems with it, and not let you wait to find them. 

 

If buying privately – like Ebay or the weekend shopper, look at the brand and the condition of the clarinet.  If the previous owner has paperwork to show of professional servicing, they are more likely to have looked after the instrument.  Make sure all the keywork is working and that there are not too many damaged pads.  Although, having said this, expect to pay around $70 to $150 on top of the cost of the instrument for a service and clean. 

 

Buying second hand works for a lot of people – particularly when they don’t know whether they like the instrument or not.  Spending a little more and getting a quality instrument will help prevent later problems.  Just remember the age old saying, “you get what you pay for.”  

 
 

 

What is that bamboo thing on the end of the mouthpiece?

 

This is the reed and is what produces the sound of the clarinet through vibrations against the mouthpiece.

 

When starting out, students play a #1½ (the softest reed) and move up as the teacher recommends.  The reason we start out soft is because our embouchure (the shape of our mouth) has not built up the muscles to sustain the reed’s resistance.  As our embouchure develops, the strength in resistance needs to be heightened. 

 

There is quite a variance of price in clarinet reed.  Generally the cheaper ones start at $2 each and move up to about $5 each.  These prices depend on the brand and quality of the reed.  When first beginning, the cheaper reeds are adequate to play with.  This is because they tend to be a little softer to play with and also that beginners tend to break their reeds frequently.  Once the initial period of breaking them is over and tone production is being focused on, a higher quality reed is recommended to help produce a better sound. 

 

Reeds generally come in a box of 10 for most brands.  Some may be in a box of 5.   However, we are happy to sell reeds singularly although recommend keeping at least 3 or 4 at a time.

 

What is a ligature? 

 

The ligature holds the reed on the mouthpiece.  These are generally made of metal when first beginning and are replaceable if broken.

 

There are many different types available later when upgrading.  These can be metal or leather, and may also look back-to-front.  They vary in the way they hold the reed on, thus changing the vibrations of the reed, which alters the sound and the way it responds.

 

How do I look after my clarinet?

 

There are a couple of things that will protect and elongate the life of your clarinet. 

 

Cork grease should be used regularly on the corks of the instrument.  They should never feel dry as this will lead to the corks ripping and then the need to be replaced. 

 

A pull thru should be used every time after playing.  This will limit the moisture from getting into pads.  There are many types of pull thru – silk, chamois, cotton etc.  Each teacher and player likes something different.  Basically it needs to be non-abrasive (so it doesn’t scratch the inside of your clarinet), doesn’t leave any fluff or dust inside the instrument (this damages the pads), and absorbs as much as possible.  It’s also handy to have one that is washable so you can wash it every now and again. 

 

Never leave your instrument in the car for the day.  The heat will damage the instrument.

 

Bore oil may be necessary if the instrument is wooden, however please ask one of our staff for more information on this. 

 

We also recommend that you get your instrument serviced annually.  This ensures that it is always working at optimum levels.  If something is not working between services, always bring it in to be repaired.  Have a look on the repair page or talk to one of our repairers if you have any questions about your instrument.    

 

Other Accessories

 

• Thumb rest – this is good to have as it helps protect the thumb from getting sore.
• Neck strap – this is recommended for anyone that is particularly small and needs help holding the clarinet up.  Also, if your right forearm is getting sore, it may mean that you are tensing your arm. A neck strap will help relieve this.  If something is continually sore whilst playing talk to your teacher or one of us about it.  Pain should not be something you associate with playing the clarinet!
• Reed case – this holds your reeds in and keeps them flat.  To start with, one that holds 4 reeds is suitable.  It is good to rotate reeds each time you play.  This elongates the life of the reed. 
• Mouthpiece patches – these are sticker cushions that are put on the mouthpiece to protect it from teeth marks.  It also feels nicer to play with. 
• Clarinet stand – this is to stop your clarinet falling over when practising or at band.  Ones that fold up are easier to transport to school.  However you can also get heavy ones for home practise. 
• A decent tutor book – your teacher will usually recommend a suitable book for you.
• Music stand
• Metronome – not generally needed in the first year, but will later help to learn and keep in time.
• Tuner – also not generally used in the first year.  It helps to keep in tune. 
• Upgraded mouthpiece – please see below.
• Music bag – keeps your music protected from being scrunched up. 

 

Upgrading the mouthpiece & ligature

 

Once you’ve played the clarinet for a couple of years and are keen to continue playing, or the teacher recommends that you upgrade the mouthpiece and ligature, you should come in and try a handful of mouthpieces and ligatures. 

 

An upgrade in mouthpiece is the first time one generally becomes aware of the sound they are making.  With tiny variances in the chamber of the mouthpiece and with more precise detail than a student mouthpiece, some will make blowing easy while others will have more resistance.  This will alter the sound each time. 

 

Often teachers will recommend a specific mouthpiece, yet with time and convenience permitting, we recommend that it is a useful learning experience to come and try a couple out.  This will make you aware of the different timbral (sound) qualities you can make and also decide to consciously make.  For each individual, something different will work.   That is why there are so many to choose from. Teachers are encouraged to come in with their students and find something that suits both player and teacher.

 

If I’ve played the saxophone is it easy to play the clarinet?

 

The answer to this is both yes and no.  The fingerings on the saxophone and clarinet are not identical but quite similar.  One does need to cover the holes with their fingers on the clarinet although it is not so vital on the saxophone. 

 

The embouchure is also generally more relaxed on the saxophone so it may be difficult initially to play in tune on the clarinet.  It may be useful to get a lesson or two on the clarinet from a doubler (someone who plays both clarinet and saxophone) to help the transition.