How to Assemble Your Clarinet • Place the thin end of the reed in your mouth to moisten it while you put your clarinet together. Connect a bell with a lower joint by gently twisting onto the lower joint. Place the flat side of the reed against the flat side of the mouthpiece. I am a beginner. What position do I put the reed in water? I just started and am having trouble. If you must carry it with only one hand, put that hand in the bell (fingers, not thumb) and shoulder it like a rifle. Apply minimal pressure to the tip of the reed. Some musicians think reed replacement is a money-grab by reed manufacturers, while others understand that it’s just a trick of the trade. This is a step by step guide to assembling a clarinet. You're supposed to wet the reed because it will soften the wood and help the sound come out better and easier. Also if you are not used to playing higher notes this can happen as well. Take a reed out of it's box. the answer is only really relevant if I relate it to the mouthpiece. Supplies. You should carry 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 apart at the seams! The ligature holds the reed onto the mouthpiece. 5. Reed protectors will also make sure they don't bend. Over-tightening can strain the mouthpiece, so be gentle. While the clarinet is rooted in ancient single reed "shepherd's instruments" played by the Greeks, the modern clarinet took shape in Europe sometime in the 18th century. If you don't cover the tone holes completely, this might cause the squeaking. Take the bell and second joint and twist together until all the way in. There is no such thing as an old reed- try soaking for a few seconds- you'll find it plays as good as new. When trying different strength reeds, go up a half-step at a time. Also, make sure your hands are well sanitized, and make sure all parts are included in the case. If your clarinet is new, you will need to apply a fair amount of grease to encourage the joints to smoothly ease together for the first time. The parts of the clarinet are, from top to bottom, the mouthpiece, the barrel, the upper joint (has keys and is shorter), the lower joint (has keys and is longer), and the bell. How To Assemble The Clarinet. Should I use a plastic or real reed for my bass clarinet during marching season? Remove the bell and second joint from the case. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Also, how do I know if I've positioned the reed correctly? In our case, we will explain how to put together the cheaper version. This is a short video reminding you mainly how to avoid bending the bars on the upper and lower joints when you assemble the clarinet. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. In lesson 2, we learned how to assemble the mouthpiece, barrel and reed. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. by Mandi Gin. Clarinets are beautiful wind instruments. Beginner Clarinet Lesson 3 - How to assemble (put together) your clarinet. It's common to prepare the mouthpiece and attach it to the barrel, then screw on that assembly to the top joint of the clarinet before attaching the barrel, as well. How do I know if I'm using too much air or too little air? However, If the clarinet slides together nicely without too much difficulty, you are good. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. I've been told it's best to show a little bit of the mouthpiece above the reed. Line the flat reed table with the long speaker key at the back of the upper middle joint before you put your reed onto the mouthpiece. This article has been viewed 199,295 times. By using our site, you agree to our. Well, my mom just bought me one today, and I'm confused how to assemble, and I want to practice today, because band is tomorrow, and Im going to get embarassed ahha, well thanks ! Run it back through 3-4 times, until the inside is dry. This page deals with "on the mouthpiece" adjustment. A pplying cork grease will help eliminate the resistance and smoothen the process. Again, some players have different philosophies about when to attach the mouthpiece to the barrel. Some clarinets, rather than metal ligatures will have bands of fabric or leather used to hold the reed in place. The clarinet is a single reed instrument. 598 Views. It usually just depends on the size of the hands of the clarinet player: some players find working with the tiny mouthpiece too small and prefer having the barrel to hold onto while attaching the reed. Tighten the screws, but leave them somewhat loose for the best vibration and tone. The ligature screws should be tightened securely enough to keep the reed from slipping, but not so tight that they are difficult to unfasten. How can I fix this? Explore › guides › music › › Never tap the thin top edge of the reed, and never try not to touch the front, because the sensitive pores may get dirty and lose playability. Squeaking can be caused by your clarinet not being put together properly or your mouth being too far down on the mouthpiece. It needs to be able to vibrate and buzz when you play. Look at the picture to see where the two sections should meet. video next step. As the water reaches the middle of the reed, where the slice begins, take the reed out and quickly wet the end into which you blow. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, When a reed breaks, throw it away, or it will affect your music dramatically (squeaking). Last Updated: November 17, 2020 If you assemble the reed holding only the mouthpiece and barrel, line the reed up with the long speaker key at the back of the clarinet, when putting the barrel onto the main body of the instrument. Find some "premium" cork grease. Step 2: Begin by taking the bell, and gently pushing it onto the second joint of the Clarinet until both pieces are together securely. Like 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. Reed Last had advantages when beginners used only metal ligatures but it requires more finger contact with the reed which can pass on germs from unclean hands. (assemble) meet: collect in one place; "We assembled in the church basement"; "Let's gather in the dining room" (of male moths) Gather for mating in response to a pheromone released by a female; clarinet a single-reed instrument with a straight tube; The clarinet is a musical instrument that is a part of the woodwind family. How to Assemble a Clarinet split into easy steps with videos and explanation. Curl your lips over your bottom teeth so that you don't bite the reed, or you will make a bad sound. There are synthetic reeds available which do not require the same amount of maintenance or replacement as standard cane reeds. I'm just learning. Holding the second joint close to the bell with your right hand, slowly twist and push the first joint into the second. by Grace Siebenaler. Neither is really "better" -- either is fine for a beginner, while you may want to experiment with different reeds when you have more playing experience. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. How To Assemble The Clarinet In order to set up a clarinet, make sure all of the pieces of the clarinet are ready for use, clean and in good working condition. While this is a common way of moistening your reed, you do risk mangling the reeds on your teeth. Slide the reed between the mouthpiece and ligature (avoid touching the fragile tip of the reed). 2. Take your reed and begin moistening and softening it in your mouth. OR. Then, grab the bell. The reed is the second most important factor in producing a sound on the clarinet, second only to you, the player. Holding the reed so it doesn’t move around, place the ligature over the tip of the mouthpiece and slide it … You should look it up on YouTube. The more advanced version, with two parts of the body, goes down to a low C rather than an E flat. There are several different designs. It will play better if it is wet. If you have a different kind just be careful of the thin tip and handle the reed by the thick end only. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Use your thumbs adjust it to its proper placement; Cover the mouthpiece with a mouthpiece cap until you are ready to play; Disassemble your clarinet: After swabbing, remove these pieces in reverse. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This will not always be necessary, but is important when you first get your clarinet. While the clarinet is rooted in ancient single reed "shepherd's instruments" played by the Greeks, the modern clarinet took shape in Europe sometime in the 18th century. (Side note – when your reed starts turning all shades of green, pink (not from lipstick), and black, it’s way past time to change that reed!) If you are using too little air, it will be quiet or not make any sound. Reed's are sensitive and delicate. Before you can play the clarinet, you have to put a reed on it. How long should I leave the reed in water before putting it in my clarinet? If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about how to assemble a clarinet, please leave them in the space provided below. A short time of 10 seconds is more than enough, but leaving it in the water for longer will not harm it. A clarinet will consist of primarily four major pieces that are put together by cork-covered joints, as well as a mouthpiece, which is made up of a few smaller parts. The reed is the second most important factor in producing a sound on the clarinet, second only to you, the player. Once the reed is in place, simply tighten the screw(s) on the ligature until the reed no longer moves easily. Step #7 - Once your reed is moist, center your reed on the flat part of the mouthpiece with only a tiny amount of mouthpiece visible above the reed. To create this article, 31 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. INGREDIENTS: Clarinet, Case, Reed, Ligature How to Put Together a Clarinet. Like 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. This is the way I assemble my clarinet. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. These will sometimes attach on the back side of the instrument, opposite the reed. References. References. Yes, to show just a bit of reed above the mouth piece is okay. 2. The reed is the small piece of wood that is placed between your tongue and the instrument. before starting, place the reed in your mouth for atleast 30sec. You know it is time to go up a size in reeds when a new one wears out in less than ten hours worth of play or you try to play and the reed does not immediately respond - "hesitant reed syndrome." https://www.sagemusic.co/learn-assemble-disassemble-clarinet/, http://www.clarinetcloset.com/clarinetassembly.html, https://www.yamaha.com/en/musical_instrument_guide/clarinet/maintenance/maintenance002.html, http://www.zacharymusic.com/Zachary_Music/ClcarePics.htm, https://www.royaltonmusic.com/t-carekits-clarinet.aspx, http://www.clarinetpages.net/stuff-phil-recommends/about-keys/bending-keys, http://www.tishkoff.com/articles/swabs.htm, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Greasing the corks helps the assembly of the Clarinet. Assembling your clarinet is easy, but it's also easy to cause accidental damage if you don't put it together in the right way. Watch my video on Reed Assembly for Saxophones and Clarinets for 2 ways to put the reed onto a mouthpiece. I have NEVER had any luck with the reed last method. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Reply To Message : Re: How NOT To Assemble A Clarinet! It may be small, but the reed is one of the most important parts of the clarinet. You want it tight enough to keep the reed secure, but not tight enough to dent or warp it. 1. clarinet in case. Never use any type of metal polish or liquid on the instrument, which can damage the finish and ruin the horn. How To Assemble Your Clarinet •Prepare the reed. How to assemble a clarinet? If you understand that clarinet reeds have multiple personalities and moods, you can live with them better. The barrel is pulled out or pushed in to tune the clarinet, by making the instrument slightly longer or slightly shorter, depending. Likewise, some players like to attach the mouthpiece bridge and barrel to the instrument before putting on the reed. There are some excellent photos here of the process of assembling a clarinet, and especially of putting the reed and ligature together. Why? Where these two parts meet there should be cork to hold it together well. You must be very careful to ensure that the reed is put on correctly and is in good condition. A clarinet will consist of primarily four major pieces that are put together by cork-covered joints, as well as a mouthpiece, which is made up of a … Perfect alignment with the table (hole) in the mouthpiece is not always best. Make sure you open the case on a flat surface to avoid breakage from falling. Follow these few steps to continue on your journey of a new player. It's very important to always wipe down the instrument, after each use, if you want to extend the life of it as much as possible. Clarinets are beautiful wind instruments. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 199,295 times. This article has been viewed 132,160 times. I have a wooden clarinet. If it doesn't fit, it's probably the wrong sized reed. Put the mouthpiece on the barrel and put the reed on from there, without the rest of the clarinet attached.The advantage of this is that you don’t have the extra weight of the clarinet to cope with. Grab the end and gently pull it through. EXPLORE COLLECTIONS CREATE + back to brit + co. Sign In Sign Up. You do not have to use cork grease every time you assemble the clarinet, which can build up on the clarinet and make a mess. Putting on a clarinet reed may seem very basic on the surface, but when you’re trying to teach 30 eleven-year-olds to do it, problems often arise. Clarinet Care Learn everything you want about Clarinet Care with the wikiHow Clarinet Care Category. When taking the clarinet part be careful not to let the screws fall out; they are extremely hard to get back in. Learn more... Before you can play the clarinet, you have to put a reed on it. Identify and inspect the individual pieces of the clarinet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pqv38D-wuI, http://thevault.musicarts.com/how-to-choose-a-clarinet-reed/, http://thevault.musicarts.com/everyday-reed-maintenance-tips/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUy-DLdwV9I, http://thevault.musicarts.com/clarinet-maintenance-care-tips-advice/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTn7uVJGhEY, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Experiment with how saturated you let the reed get, and see what produces the best resonance for you. by Alex Westlake. fi... 5 7. Clarinets don't like the moisture that will remain in the instrument after a long playing session, making it important that you swab the inside of the clarinet thoroughly after playing it. See Step 1 to learn how to assemble the barrel, organize the mouthpiece, and keep your horn in good working order. Place the reed with the flat side down on top of the mouthpiece. Beginner Clarinet Lesson 2.1 - How to assemble your mouthpiece, barrel, and reed. Most beginners start with strength 2 or 2 and a half (reeds come in different strengths -- 1 is the thinnest, 5 is the thickest). However, be warned that there are many different views on these -- some people think they're wonderful and convenient, and some think they're ineffective. 0 Comment Comment. It has a warm tone and suits a variety of musical styles especially classical and jazz music. Assemble the mouthpiece and reed properly. Take your reed and begin moistening and softening it in your mouth. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Putting a reed onto a clarinet can be tricky, as the reed is delicate and thin. The teacher checked the clarinet, but everything was in order. Ensure that the reed is vertical and aligned with the mouthpiece. Next, remove the first joint from the case. #3 and below generally do not support the upper registers well (3rd line B natural and above). L’apprentissage de DeepVoice 3, présenté fin 2017, se faisait moyennant des échantillons vocaux d’une durée totale de 800 heures, enregistrés par 2.400 différentes personnes. Jul 27, 2013 - Each clarinet is a little piece of history. Remove the reed from its protective packaging. Step 1: Take the Clarinet out of the case. Also, some reed sizes don't work well with some people's shape of mouth, as well as their mouthpieces. However you assemble the clarinet, you'll probably want to assemble the mouthpiece last, because the reed needs some time to moisten before you play it. if it is new, wait atleast 1 min. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Put-a-Reed-on-a-Clarinet-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-a-Reed-on-a-Clarinet-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Put-a-Reed-on-a-Clarinet-Step-1.jpg\/aid65580-v4-728px-Put-a-Reed-on-a-Clarinet-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"