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Each clarinet is a lilliputian piece of history. While the clarinet is rooted in ancient single reed "shepherd's instruments" played by the Greeks, the modern clarinet took shape in Europe former in the 18th century. Similar a larger, more complex version of the recorder, the clarinet is a woodwind instrument with a clear, mellow tone common to classical music and jazz. If you're joining the ranks of the clarinet player, learning to gather and maintain your musical instrument is the beginning order of the mean solar day. See Step 1 to learn how to get together the barrel, organize the mouthpiece, and keep your horn in good working club.

  1. 1

    Place and audit the individual pieces of the clarinet. Open the clarinet example and make certain all of the components of the clarinet are in good working condition, clean and ready for use. A basic clarinet will consist of four major pieces that connect past cork-lined joints, every bit well as a mouthpiece, which is made up of several smaller components.[one]

    • The bell refers to the very bottom, cone or bell-shaped part of the clarinet.
    • The lower joint stalk is the biggest piece of the clarinet. Information technology should have metal keys on the right side of the instrument when oriented correctly, with a span key pointing up toward the upper joint. The best way to distinguish between the lower and upper joints is that the upper stalk volition have two cork connections, called tendons, while the lower will accept one lower cork joint and a metal ring around the upper articulation, which marks the center-indicate of the instrument.
    • The upper joint stalk will have keys on the left-manus side of the musical instrument and should be slightly shorter than the lesser joint. Oriented correctly, there should be a bridge cardinal hanging over the connection point at the bottom, and some space between where the keys end and the meridian of the upper joint, where it connects to the mouthpiece. In other words, you'll know you lot have the pieces lined up correctly because there should be no keys at the very top or very bottom of either piece.
    • The barrel is a brusque section of the instrument that basically connects the top joint to the mouthpiece. At that place are no keys on the barrel, and the barrel volition often be stamped with the make proper name of the musical instrument.
    • The mouthpiece consists of the blackness mouthpiece housing, likewise as a metal ligature, which is used to hold the reed in place on the mouthpiece. Many clarinets likewise come with a metallic mouthpiece cover, used to protect the mouthpiece in the example.

  2. ii

    Kickoff from the bell and work your way up. Get-go, you'll desire to attach the bell to the lower joint. Holding the lower section, gently merely firmly push button and twist the bong dorsum and along while you hold the lower joint securely in your other hand.

    • Generally, clarinet players will gather the clarinet by starting with the bell, and then attaching the lower joint, the upper joint, the barrel, and the mouthpiece, in that order, although there's no wrong way to put it together. The clarinet won't sound better or worse if y'all start by assembling the barrel and the upper joint, then outset on the lesser and jump effectually.[2]
    • Still you get together the clarinet, you'll probably want to get together the mouthpiece last, because the reed needs some time to moisten before you play it. For this reason, it makes the about sense to commencement with the bottom.

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  3. 3

    Grease any corks that offer resistance. This will brand your clarinet easier to put together and take apart. Virtually of the fourth dimension, cork grease comes in a tube that looks like lip balm. If yous don't have any cork grease with your clarinet, petroleum jelly can be used equally a substitute, though using actual cork grease is recommended.[3]

  4. iv

    Holding down the bridge keys, attach the upper joint to the lower. Concord each piece parallel to the ground, with the big bridge keys facing toward yous, and line them up. Make sure the bridge keys, two little metallic pieces under the long keys on the side of the upper joint, are perfectly aligned, then apply a gentle pushing and twisting motion to adhere the two sections, aligning the bridge keys, and lowering the upper tab over the lower to fit them together deeply.[iv]

    • Grip the lower joint with your correct hand on top of the piece, just beneath the cluster of keys in the center of the piece, and over the 2 big keys toward the bottom. These keys are relatively flat and can exist pushed down safely while you grip the instrument without risking angle anything.
    • Grip the upper articulation with your left hand underneath the piece by wrapping your fingers under the instrument and effectually the large ring key, which should raise the bridge key when you depress it. This will exist necessary to go the two pieces fit together properly. Carefully line up the span keys and fit the instrument together.
    • To make sure you've aligned the instrument properly, await at the metal bar that runs the length of each section of the musical instrument, supporting the keys. Both segments of that rod should be perfectly lined-up. This means the bridge keys will be lined up as well.

  5. 5

    Adhere the butt. Now comes the easiest part! Attach the barrel onto the top of the horn. The bottom terminate, which attaches to the upper joint, should be slightly larger than the top finish, which attaches to the mouthpiece. Push this small piece downwardly onto the upper joint, twisting gently, and make sure it goes all the style down and fits snugly.

    • The butt is pulled out or pushed in to melody the clarinet, by making the instrument slightly longer or slightly shorter, depending. When you're first starting out, though, push the butt all the way down until yous've got some sense of your horn and the fashion it needs to be tuned.
    • It's common to prepare the mouthpiece and adhere it to the barrel, then screw on that associates to the tiptop articulation of the clarinet earlier attaching the butt, too. One manner is non more than incorrect or more right. It usually just depends on the size of the easily of the clarinet player: some players find working with the tiny mouthpiece as well small and prefer having the barrel to hold onto while attaching the reed.

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  1. 1

    Prepare the reed by moistening information technology . The thicker half of the reed is called the stock, and to moisten the reed yous need to submerge that part of the reed into one⁄2 to 1 inch (1.3 to ii.five cm) of water. It's usually all-time to start the assembly process by soaking your mouthpiece, so it tin can work while you do the residue of the chore.[5]

    • The capillary action of the reed will pull water from the base to the tip. As the h2o reaches the middle of the reed, where the piece begins, take the reed out and quickly wet the stop into which you blow.
    • Experiment with how saturated you let the reed go, and meet what produces the all-time resonance for you lot. Two minutes before band practise starts is non the best time for this experiment.
    • Many reed players will moisten their reeds by sucking on them. For lots of players, it's a hassle to set a tiny glass of water to soak their reeds in the band room. While this is a common way of moistening your reed, yous do hazard mangling the reeds on your teeth. Some players likewise aren't thrilled about the idea of sucking on a bitter slice of cane. Soaking in water is a more uniform way of moistening the reed.

  2. 2

    Put the reed against the hole of the mouthpiece. Line the tip of the reed vertically with the tip of the mouthpiece. You lot should ideally endeavour to run across a fingernail-width of mouthpiece higher up the reed, for optimum placement. Concur the reed in place with your finger, moving it effectually a picayune with the other until you lot've lined it upwards perfectly.

    • Dissimilar reeds have different "sweet spots." Perfect alignment with the tabular array (hole) in the mouthpiece is not ever all-time. Some players similar to hold it in place with their thumb and try to blow through it, to check the action before attaching the ligature.
    • Never tap the thin meridian border of the reed, and never try not to impact the forepart, because the sensitive pores may get muddy and lose playability. In general, handle the reed as little equally possible.

  3. three

    Hold the reed in place with the ligature. Place the metallic ligature over the tiptop of the mouthpiece, being careful not to bit your reed. There should exist two lines or sets of lines engraved on your mouthpiece, line information technology up evenly betwixt these. Tighten the ligature over the middle of the base, which is the unsliced half of the reed.

    • If yous have a metal ligature, the screws become on the same side of the clarinet as the reed. If yous have a leather 1, the screw goes on the back with leather against the base of the reed. Tighten the screws, but leave them somewhat loose for the best vibration and tone. You want it tight enough to keep the reed secure, but not tight enough to paring or warp information technology.
    • Some clarinets, rather than metal ligatures will have bands of textile or leather used to concord the reed in place. These will sometimes adhere on the dorsum side of the instrument, opposite the reed.

  4. 4

    Gently attach the mouthpiece to the barrel. Oriented properly, the reed should be facing the opposite direction equally the keys of the clarinet. Gently but firmly, twist the mouthpiece onto the butt of the clarinet, completing the instrument.

    • Over again, some players accept different philosophies about when to attach the mouthpiece to the barrel. If you want to attach the mouthpiece to the barrel, and then screw the barrel onto the instrument equally the terminal step, that would exist perfectly fine.
    • Likewise, some players like to attach the mouthpiece span and barrel to the instrument before putting on the reed. It's your choice.

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  1. one

    E'er handle the butt advisedly to avert bending the keys. When removing the private pieces of the clarinet from the example, it'due south important to handle each piece with your fingertips, touching the tendons of the instrument to remove each section, not grabbing it effectually the butt and mangling the keys. Hold it like you lot would a vinyl record, touching the edges.[half-dozen]

  2. 2

    Clean the outside of the clarinet regularly . Keep your clarinet well-maintained and lustrous by using a soft cloth and wiping down the instrument gently after treatment information technology. Gently work your clean fabric over the metal keys as well as in between the keys around the barrel.

    • Even if your easily are clean, the natural oils from your skin tin can break downward and stain the musical instrument over fourth dimension. It's very of import to ever wipe down the instrument, after each use, if you want to extend the life of it equally much as possible.
    • Use a make clean dry out material to wipe downward your instrument. Never use any type of metal smoothen or liquid on the instrument, which can damage the finish and ruin the horn.

  3. three

    Swab the inside of the clarinet as well. Most clarinets will come with pull-through swabs that you can use to clean out the inside of the instrument as well, or you can make your own hands. A swab is basically a string with a small-scale weight (you lot could utilise a paperclip) on one end, which is dropped through the barrel, and a small piece of clean micro-fiber fabric tied to the other end.[seven]

    • After removing the bell and mouthpiece of the horn, drop the weighted end of the swab downwards through the horn. Grab the end and gently pull it through. Run it back through 3-four times, until the within is dry.
    • Cleaning a clarinet is more a drying procedure than a cleaning procedure. Moisture breeds bacteria, bad smells, and tin break down the pads on the instrument over time. Clarinets don't like the moisture that will remain in the musical instrument after a long playing session, making information technology of import that you swab the inside of the clarinet thoroughly after playing it.
    • Every now and and so, leave the clarinet's case open overnight to permit the instrument dry out more than thoroughly. It's probably best to do this at home, in a condom identify, non in the band room at school.

  4. iv

    Clean the mouthpiece. Some players like to use the swab, while others prefer using Q-Tips or cotton fiber swabs to wipe down the mouthpiece more gently. After removing the reed, thoroughly dry down the mouthpiece, then leave it to air dry for five or ten minutes before putting it in the case. This, in item, is a piece you lot don't want to smell gross when yous get it out to play side by side fourth dimension.

  5. 5

    Acquit the horn correctly. The near unsafe threat to the life of the clarinet? Human fault! It's important to exist very careful with your instrument when it's assembled to make sure yous don't accidentally impairment the horn.

    • When carrying the horn, hold the bottom of the bell in ane hand, and cradle the barrel in your other hand. Never carry it i-handed like a baseball bat, or shoulder information technology similar a rifle. If your tendons are loose, the instrument could potentially slip apart and crusade serious impairment.
    • When setting the horn down, never set it on your chair, the floor, or anywhere else unless you lot're setting information technology on an upright clarinet stand. Never set the clarinet upright on its bong, which can tip over easily and risk dissentious the instrument.

  6. vi

    Play your instrument regularly to maintain the action . A horn needs to be played to make sure it works properly. If you leave it in the example for too long, especially if it isn't dry out, the keys tin can start to gum up, mold tin can grow, and a nasty smell tin develop. Even if yous're not planning on playing for several hours, open upwards the case and the permit the instrument exhale every at present and then. Assemble it, make sure everything is in good working order, and make clean it to maintain the life of the horn.

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Add New Question

  • Question

    How do I know when I tin can terminate using cork grease?

    Ilt Animal jam

    Ilt Animal jam

    Community Answer

    If you play every day, you only need to grease information technology about in one case a week. However, If the clarinet slides together nicely without too much difficulty, you are skillful.

  • Question

    How practice I know if I'g using too much air or too little air?

    I.P.

    If you are using likewise little air, it will be tranquility or not make any sound. If you are puffing likewise much, it will squeak a lot.

  • Question

    I have a wooden clarinet. Is it possible to get scratches removed?

    Community Answer

    Information technology would be possible, just it would impact the timbre (sound) of the instrument and the quality it plays.

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  • It is recommended that in that location should always be some grease on the corks. This will make assembly easier and reduce the chances of damaging the corks and clarinet.

  • For the beginner, choosing a reed can be a fleck daunting, as there are and so many brands. While in that location are many brands you can cull from, ii well-known ones are Rico and Vandoren. Ricos are fabricated using pressed cane; Vandorens, solid pikestaff. Almost beginners beginning with forcefulness 2 or 2 and a one-half (reeds come in dissimilar strengths -- 1 is the thinnest, 5 is the thickest). Neither is really "better" -- either is fine for a beginner, while you lot may want to experiment with different reeds when you have more playing feel.

  • You lot know it is time to go up a size in reeds when a new ane wears out in less than ten hours worth of play or you try to play and the reed does not immediately answer - "hesitant reed syndrome." #iii and below generally exercise not back up the upper registers well (tertiary line B natural and to a higher place). When trying unlike strength reeds, go upward a one-half-step at a fourth dimension.

  • An culling to swabbing is purchasing pad savers, which looks like big, fuzzy piping cleaners. You lot just insert these into your clarinet and close the case. However, be warned that there are many unlike views on these -- some people think they're wonderful and user-friendly, and some think they're ineffective. If you take a wooden clarinet, information technology is advisable that you not use pad savers.

  • All the sound comes from the vibration of the reed. Jerky or careless grooming tin cause poor resonance, difficulty playing some registers, and makes you lot exercise weird things to your embouchure (your mouth's shaping and musculus control) simply to become a tone.

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  • You do not have to utilise cork grease every time you assemble the clarinet, which tin can build upwardly on the clarinet and make a mess.

  • Never stand your clarinet on finish unless y'all have a clarinet stand.

  • Try not to drop your clarinet or clarinet case, as the clarinet can be damaged easily fifty-fifty when information technology is in its example. You should comport the clarinet with both hands with the bottom hand grasping the place where the bell meets the lower joint to prevent the clarinet from coming autonomously at the seams! If yous must carry it with but one hand, put that paw in the bong (fingers, not pollex) and shoulder it like a burglarize.

  • Reeds are paper-thin. Exist very careful with them, as they cleft easily.

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Things Yous'll Need

  • Bell
  • Barrel
  • Mouthpiece
  • Upper section
  • Lower section
  • Clarinet example
  • Cork grease
  • Reed
  • Ligature
  • Polishing textile (optional)

References

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