All You Need to Know About Clarinet - From Buying to Maintenance

Clarinet is one of the finest and youngest woodwind instrument that you know and hear of. It is a single reed instrument and has a cylindrical design. There are various materials used to design the reed. You have synthetic and plastic used to make this instrument, and both the materials are highly desirable. While it appears to be similar to an oboe, it has a wider mouth piece and full length diameter, which makes it different.

Buying a Clarinet requires a clear understanding of whether you need a beginner level instrument or somewhat mature instrument.

• • What would be the material that suits your purpose and needs when it comes to buying a Clarinet. This would be the first thing to consider, immediately after you have decided whether you want to go for a beginner level or an advanced level instrument

  • The material check done, you might want to decide the budget that you are ready to spend for the Clarinet. This would be based entirely on the research conducted on Clarinets, and the available types in the market. Make sure you don't go beyond the set budget when you actually set to buy the instrument

  • Would you want to go for a first hand instrument or are you ok with investing in a second hand instrument. This would also determine how and where you should purchase

  • Finally, you should always research on the providers of the instrument. There would be offline shops that you can go and research. You can even see the clarinet and know which will work for you.

Once the Clarinet purchase part is done, you might want to research on the clarinet maintenance. You can ask your teacher or seek information online on the ways in which you should ideally maintain the instrument.

• • There are many keys on the Clarinet. Make sure you oil each key with a light oil at least once a year. You can make a DIY oil by mixing three oils. You can use the oil applicator and put a drop at a time in the rod connection

  • You should always dust the keys before you apply oil to them and swab the clarinet regularly

  • You should make sure you dry the excess water from the tone holes and keep the pads as dry as possible

  • Make sure the cork joints are greased regularly so that there is no wear and tear around the instrument. In case the cork is compressed, you can always use the dental floss

  • Make sure you check the Clarinet for the leaks and adjustments on a yearly basis

  • You should always carry the Clarinet with the mouth piece, especially when traveling

  • Avoid keeping the clarinet near the heat

Investing in insurance is an important consideration when you are buying the Clarinet. The Clarinet insurance helps with long life and smooth maintenance of the instrument. If you don't have time for regular service, you can always get the insurance to pay for service visits at the instrument shop.