Are wooden or plastic clarinets better?

This wood produces a much darker and richer sound than plastic clarinets. Most wood clarinets come with additional benefits, such as more precise tuning, adjustable thumb rests, and other upgrades. Because wood is sensitive to temperature and humidity, wood clarinets require greater upkeep than plastic clarinets.

What is the best material for clarinet?

The wood traditionally used for clarinet construction is grenadilla, also known as African blackwood, or mpingo wood. Due to the density of grenadilla wood, it’s preferred by advanced students and professionals for the unmistakable sound and resonance only a wood clarinet produces.

What is the best wood for clarinets?

grenadilla
The wood traditionally used for clarinet construction is grenadilla, also known as African blackwood. Because of the density of grenadilla wood, advanced students and professionals prefer it for the unmistakable warm sound and resonance only a wood clarinet produces.

Are clarinets still made of wood?

Nonetheless, wood and plastic are the most common materials for clarinets to be made of. In short: Typically, high-quality clarinets are made out of wood, while lower-quality clarinets are made of plastic. However, clarinets have in the past been made out of a variety of other materials, such as metal and ivory.

Are wooden clarinets harder to play?

Yes, wood clarinets are harder to play with than plastic. They are better advised to more advanced players, requiring more control over their instrument, providing after a stronger and richer sound.

What is a good beginner clarinet?

Best 5 Clarinets for Beginners
  • Nuvo Clarineo C Clarinet – Best for Younger Players. …
  • Montreux Student Clarinet – Best for on a Budget. …
  • Buffet Prodige Bb Clarinet – Best for Quality with Style. …
  • Yamaha YCL255S – Best for Premium Brand Model. …
  • Jupiter JCL700Q-S – Best all Rounder.

How long do wooden clarinets last?

The better the quality of your instrument, the longer it lasts. A low-quality student clarinet tends to lose much of its qualities and value after ten years. A professional instrument like the Buffet pre-R-13, on the other hand, can last as long as 30 years when probably maintained.

What is the best clarinet brand?

The Best Brands of Clarinet | Five Top Picks
  • The Best Brands of Clarinet. …
  • Cecilio MCT Mendini Bb Clarinet. …
  • Jean Paul USA CL-300. …
  • Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb // Yamaha YCL-255. …
  • Jupiter JCL-700N Student // Jupiter JCL700N. …
  • Selmer CL211 Intermediate Bb // Selmer CL211.

How much do wooden clarinets cost?

Beginner clarinets usually range in cost from $500 to $1100. Intermediate, or step-up clarinets usually range in cost $1,300 to $2,800 and entry level pro clarinets (still largely played by advanced students) around $2000 and up.

Are older clarinets better?

I personally find older clarinets to be much much better than the newer ones.. Older clarinets were made with much more care and the wood was better..now they are just mass produced and that care for the clarinet craft is just not there. The better wood aids in that rich sound.

How do you keep a wooden clarinet from breaking?

In order to protect the clarinet from breaking during cold periods, it is essential that after taking the instrument out of its case, you warm it up by putting it inside a coat or pressing it against your body. Avoid playing the instrument until it is properly acclimatized to room temperature.

Is it OK to leave clarinet assembled?

While you can leave a clarinet assembled after a session, you still have to take it apart to dry its parts thoroughly after practice, and store away the reed. Once re-assembled, you can put the clarinet on a stand although it might collect dust and dirt in the tone holes and between the keys.

How cold is too cold for a clarinet?

Phillip Muncy: The ideal temperature for wooden clarinets is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature above or below this becomes increasingly problematic. If the instrument is cool to the touch (due to air conditioning) hold the instrument close to your body to warm it up gradually.

Is humidity bad for clarinet?

Moisture – It is most important to maintain balanced moisture content throughout the wood of your clarinet. Providing an ideal wood moisture content range of between 40 to 50% will safeguard a clarinet against breaking and enhance its playability.

Can you play a wooden clarinet outside?

Outside in the sun I would recommend a plastic clarinet. Wood, being an organic material, will expand in the sunlight on a hot day. If played continuously in the sunlight it may also acelerate the wood drying out, if not properly cared for (though we’re not talking a week, we’re talking longer exposures).

Does humidity affect clarinets?

I’ve never actually experienced a major problem with my clarinet because of the humidity. The corks and sometimes the pads do swell up, making it difficult to get the instrument apart.

Can you use a wood clarinet in marching band?

Clarinet build for marching band

It’s generally advised to choose a plastic clarinet over a wooden one. While wooden clarinets are generally considered to be better instruments, they are more sensitive when it comes to exposure to the weather.

How do I keep my clarinet warm?

Warm up before you warm up.

If your clarinet feels cold to the touch, let it warm up to room temperature before playing. You can do this by holding it close to your body or under a sweater. After a few minutes, gently blow air through the clarinet without actually sounding a note.

What are wooden clarinet made of?

Grenadilla wood
The traditional wood used in the manufacture of clarinets is Grenadilla wood, sometimes referred to as African Blackwood or M’pingo wood. Responsible for the characteristic and traditional sound of the clarinet, instruments made of this material are sought after by professional level players.

What reeds do professional clarinet players use?

The 8 Best Clarinet Reeds in 2022: Buyer’s Guide and Reviews
  • #1. Vandoren CR101 Bb Clarinet Reeds.
  • #2. D’Addario Rico Bb Clarinet Reeds.
  • #3. D’Addario Royal Bb Clarinet Reeds.
  • #4. Vandoren CR8035 V21 Bb Clarinet Reeds.
  • #5. Vandoren V.12 CR1925 For Bb Clarinets.
  • #6. Tanbi Music 10 Bb Clarinet Reeds.
  • #7. …
  • #8.

Can you play clarinet in the rain?

> all players. It still needs adjustments. Remember that clarinet are designed to get wet. A plastic clarinet will not be even slightly harmed if it get rained on.