Clarinets

Tips for Beginners

The clarinet belongs to the familly of the woodwind instruments and can normally be played by children from the age of eight and upwards. Formerly used in classic orchestras, the clarinet can nowadays be found in several different music scenes, e.g. in jazz or traditional yiddish music.

Systems

There are two completely different systems with instrinctly tied plays: the German system and the Böhm system. The German system was invented and patented in 1825 by Adolf Sax. 10 years later Theodor Böhm introduced the Böhm-system, but German instrument manufacturers were not willing to adopt this system and continued to build the clarinet with the older German system. Böhm immigrated to France where he was able to convince the famous instrument manufacturers Buffet and Klosé about his new system. The French exported the instruments worldwide which made the Böhm-system famous.

Normally the clarinet teacher decides which system should be played. Obviously the German system is preferred in Germany, but the rest of the world is in favour ot the Böhm-system. This can actually be seen in the purchase choice of the instruments. German clarinets are mostly built and sold in Germany and Austria. They are made of high-quality wood and cost around € 800. Böhm-clarinets are also built in the Fareast and cost a lot less. A clarinet with the Böhm-system made of plasitc only cost € 400 and upwards.

How many valves do you need?

The Böhm-system is only manufactured in two versions: with 17 or 18 valves, the 18th only being an s-lifter. To start with, 17 valves are enough. Clarinets built by the German system start with 16 valves and end with 27 (16, 18, 20, 22, 27). But it is advisable to start with a 20-valve instrument.

Care

Clarinets are very sensitive instruments. This can be easily explained: The clarinet is completely made out of wood which means that it expands when it gets warm or wet. Therefore it is important to dry your clarinet thoroughly after every play! The valves are made of silvered nickel and bend very easily: Let your teacher or a specialist show you how to mount and dismount your clarinet. Like a recorder the clarinet is pieced together by cork joints which should be greased regularly.

The Mouthpiece

Learner clarinets usually have the appropriate mouthpiece included. If you use to play on a borrowed instrument and want to buy a new one you will soon realize that a changeover might be a little complicated. The only thing you can do is to test the mouthpiece extensively.

Reeds

Alongside the mouthpieces the reeds are obviously very important for the leadoff feeling and sound of the clarinet. When you start playing the clarinet, you should choose inexpensive thin reeds. At the beginning they will have a very high wearout - what is quite normal. In the course of time you´ll level it out. Your specialist is sure to give you some advice.

What else?

• Don´t save your money on reeds. Biten or played off reeds are difficult to play.
• Bite-reeds can be stuck onto the mouthpiece to prevent dental impression. Keep in mind: mouthpieces are very expensive.
• Get a clarinet stand, ´cause if you have your instrument at hand, you´ll play more often!
• Don´t forget the wipers to keep your clarinet dry!