The clarinet is a newcomer among woodwind instruments. It was invented by the Nuremberg instrument maker Johann Christoph Denner at the start of the eighteenth century. The name "clarinet" originally meant "small trumpet" ("clarino" means trumpet). The clarinet consists of five major parts that structures the instrument: the mouthpiece (A), the barrel (B), the upper joint (C), the lower joint (D), and the bell (E), in that order. Clarinets are made with a variety of different materials. However, in the modern music era not only is the music itself different from the era of classical music, but the requirements of the musicians are also different. The most used material for clarinet making, would be Grenadilla, which features a higher density than boxwood, making it easier to support with the body while performing, thereby allowing more air volume. It is the most suitable material for what musicians look for in a clarinet in this day and age.
SOME GUIDANCE BEFORE BUYING A CLARINET
Professional level clarinets aren’t friendly for learners. They are tough to play because they aren’t tuned to the more common Bb key, and students might easily feel discouraged. There will be a lot of trial and error while we are still learning, which can lead to chipped reeds and other learner-related damage.
Clarinets are available in several different styles and sizes of the bore (the inside dimensions of the clarinet). In general, students usually use smaller bore clarinets as they are easier for them to play in tune. Larger bore clarinets are often used by jazz players who need to bend notes and produce a big sound that projects adequately in a band setting as they are more flexible in pitch.
We should buy our reeds, it is best to shop from different brands and beginner sizes, and not an entire box of one type. This way we can test several before settling on one we find easiest to play with.
Another accessory is the important part to look at is the ligature. Without it, we cannot put the mouthpiece together.
The clarinet itself comes in five pieces - barrel, upper joint, lower joint, and bell - that we have to join before playing, and disassemble to stow the instrument away after use. With so many options available, shopping for our first clarinet can be an exhausting process. There are a lot of manufacturers who make very cheap clarinets. They are inexpensive and provide an introduction to the clarinet. But not much more. They are often a bit vulnerable to intonation problems and don’t sound as good.
INSURANCE
Owning a musical instrument comes with great responsibilities. It also involves protecting our instrument against disaster, theft, or damage.
Clarinet insurance helps us cover the costs of a replacement instrument if ours is lost or broken, as well as any accessories (like a bore or a ligature). We must maintain at least some level of clarinet insurance to avoid the need to cancel a concert or appearance if something happens to our instrument. If we frequently travel with our instruments or ship them out to be displayed in museums, insurance becomes a necessity. Clarion Associates, Inc provides the best musical instruments insurance. Not just for clarinets but other musical instruments as well. They understand the needs of musicians and have a unique policy to satisfy their needs. They have affordable and convenient insurance plans and excellent customer service.
Purchasing a new clarinet is a big decision with many factors to consider. Brand is not as important as one might think. Once we have a solid handle on the right reeds for our instrument and technique, it's worth our while to master care and maintenance practices so that we can keep them in good shape.