Clarinets
A clarinet is a musical instrument that has been used for centuries. It can be used in bands, orchestras, or as a solo instrument. There are many kinds of them available in various materials and for differing skill levels.
How do clarinets work?
This instrument is a part of the woodwind family. It is designed as a straight, cylindrical tube with a flared bell. It works by using a single-reed mouthpiece, which produces the sound alongside using the keys. The trick to mastering this instrument has to do with its three main registers, since the tone can vary greatly. The Bb clarinet is a prevalent type, which has a warm, rich tone. They can be made of various materials and have the largest pitch range of any other woodwind.
What are they made of?
Historically, these instruments have been made from rubber, hard plastic, metal, ivory, and wood. Basic models, used by beginners or students, tend to be made of plastic resin, while professionals tend to use wooden clarinets. The invention of Resonite by Selmer helped produce hard plastic models. The mouthpieces are either made of a rubber or plastic. The keys and ligature are mostly made of metal, plated in nickel, gold, or silver.
What types of clarinets are there?
One prevalent form is the Bb, or B-flat, clarinet. This is the type can be seen in bands or orchestras. Another popular choice is the Bass clarinet, which is much larger and produces a deep, mellow sound. There are also alto and Eb clarinets, which produce brighter or darker sounds, respectively.
Which brands make clarinets?
There are many companies worldwide that make them, including Yamaha, Nuvo, Buffet, Mendini, and LeBlanc. Some of these companies have been making music-related products for centuries. The brand you choose could be determined by your level of play. Some brands are more suitable for students and beginners, while others are suited to a professional.
What types of Bb clarinets are there?
Bb clarinets can be divided into three main categories when it comes to suitability for musicians. They can be suited for either beginner, intermediate, or advanced players. The main differences in these levels are the material, tone, and quality. Instruments made of more durable materials tend to be used by beginners, while music played by advanced musicians are usually made of wood. Young students can typically be considered beginners, while advanced players are usually at college level or above.