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How to Buy Your First Clarinet
    The size, weight, and portability of the clarinet make it a perfect starting instrument, especially for our younger players. The clarinet is clarinet_1.png extremely popular and versatile instrument, often seen in many styles of music from classical to jazz and uses a technique that allows clarinet players to easily switch to flute, saxophone, or both. But as a first time buyer what should I consider? Well there are 3 things your should consider when buying a clarinet; the key, the reeds, and the case.

 

The first thing you must decide on with any woodwind instrument is the key or tone that your instrument is tuned to. There are over 12 different clarinets ranging in size from 14in to over that of a seated adult, but the most common seen is the Bb clarinet . This clarinet is perfect for those who are starting because it provides you with a good range of notes with out being too large. Finally the Bb clarinet provides you with the greatest range of music to learn from and the most genres to study. This variety in music will help you develop your style as a musician.

clarinet_2.png     After deciding on the key the next decision you must make is your reed strength. A reed is a shavedreed1.png piece of cane used in the mouthpiece that actually creates the sound of the instrument. Most students begin on softer reeds because softer reeds are easier on the mouth but softer reeds mean less tonally quality and less ability to register with a greater range of notes. Reeds are measured on a scale of 1-5, 5 being the strongest, but most clarinets come with a 2-strength reed. This is often considered to be a good starting strength for most people.

    The final aspect of your purchase you should clarinet_3.png consider is the case.  A clarinet is a relatively fragile instrument. Most are made from a wood or resin material that is not susceptible to forceful impacts. Due to this fact a clarinet should always come with a hard shell case like those in our inventory.  This is especially important if the prospective player is younger and is more likely to drop it from time to time.

    Well we at 2 Kool 4 Skool hope this article will help you decide on the clarinet just right for you and be sure to check out our great selection of clarinets. Just click here to view our whole inventory.