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Clarinet

Clarinet

Choosing a Clarinet

If you're considering purchasing a clarinet, wooden clarinets generally produce a warmer, richer tone than plastic models. Plastic clarinets are perfectly suitable for beginners and are more durable, but many advancing students eventually transition to a wooden instrument.

Recommended brands include:

  • Buffet
  • Yamaha
  • Selmer
  • Jupiter
  • Bundy

If you're considering a different brand, please check with a Fairfield ISD band director before purchasing.

Instrument Care

Good habits help your clarinet play its best and last for years.

  • Keep your fingers relaxed and cover the tone holes completely.
  • Make sure your reed is properly aligned before playing.
  • Assemble your clarinet carefully each time you play.
  • Swab the inside of your instrument after every practice to remove moisture.
  • Never rinse or soak your clarinet with water.
  • Keep your instrument clean and stored safely in its case.

Clarinet Reeds

Every clarinet player should always have at least three playable reeds.

Replace a reed if it:

  • Has large chips
  • Is cracked
  • Shows signs of mold
  • Is badly worn or damaged

After each practice:

  • Remove the reed from the mouthpiece.
  • Place it in a reed case so it can dry properly.
  • Never leave a wet reed on the mouthpiece.

With regular use, most reeds last 3–4 weeks, though this varies by player.

Recommended Reed Strength

  • Beginning students: Size 3
  • More advanced students: Size 3.5–4

Recommended Reed Brands

  • Vandoren V21 (Advanced Players)
  • Vandoren Traditional (Size 3)
  • Mitchell Lurie (Size 3.5)

Reeds can be purchased from most music stores or online retailers such as:

  • Amazon
  • Music & Arts
  • Woodwind & Brasswind (WWBW)
  • Interstate Music

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